Chorioamnionitis: An infection around the baby during pregnancy: Let's talk about this

You must be a loving mother expecting a baby right now. How careful we are these days, aren't we? We think twice about everything from what we eat to what we drink. But sometimes, there are health problems that we have never heard of, but can be very serious. Today, we are talking about a serious infection that can occur during pregnancy , which can affect both the mother and the baby in the womb.

What is Chorioamnionitis?

Simply put, Chorioamnionitis is a bacterial infection that occurs inside the uterus, the environment where the baby is. It often occurs near the time of delivery. This infection can affect any tissue surrounding the baby.

Think of it this way, the baby is inside the womb, like a protective bag of water. We also call this the 'water bag'. The following are the parts that are mainly affected by this infection:

• Placenta : The most important part that provides the baby with oxygen and nutrition.
• Chorion and Amnion: The two protective membranes that surround the baby.
• Amniotic fluid: The fluid that keeps the baby floating and provides protection.

This condition affects about 1%-5% of full-term babies, but can affect 40%-70% of preterm births . It is also a leading cause of premature births . If not treated properly, it can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby.

Why does this kind of infection occur?

The main reason for this is bacteria. Normally, different types of bacteria live in our bodies, especially in the vagina and rectum. Under normal circumstances, these do not cause any harm. But sometimes, these bacteria can travel up the vagina and enter the uterus.

Some common types of bacteria that cause this infection are:

• `E. coli`
• `Group B streptococci (GBS)`
• ` Urea plasma`
• `Mycoplasma hominis`

Who is most at risk of developing this?

Not all pregnant women experience this condition. But certain factors can increase this risk. Your doctor will inform you about this. Let's see what they are.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

Sometimes, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, this infection can be present without any symptoms . That's the scary part here. But in most cases, one or more of the following symptoms will be seen.

The main and most common symptom is fever , which is a body temperature above 100.4 F (38 C).

Other symptoms may include:

• The mother's heart rate is fast (more than 100 beats per minute).
• The baby's heartbeat in the womb is fast (more than 160 beats per minute).
• Feeling pain when pressing the uterus with your hand (uterine tenderness).
• Sweating more than normal.
• Vaginal discharge with a foul odor .

How does the doctor diagnose this?

Because this is a serious condition, only your doctor can make an accurate diagnosis. If you have symptoms like a fever, your doctor will examine you.

• Physical examination: Checks for things like fever, heart rate, and uterine pain.
• Blood tests: A blood sample is taken to check for infection in the body. A complete blood count (CBC) is especially important, which measures the number of white blood cells.
• Urine tests: Check for a urinary tract infection.
• GBS test: A vaginal swab is taken to check for the presence of Group B Strep (GBS) bacteria during the last trimester of pregnancy.
• Amniotic fluid sample: In some cases, if your water breaks, a sample of the fluid that comes out of it can be taken to check for infection.

How is it treated? And what are the complications?

Chorioamnionitis is a condition that requires immediate treatment . The longer treatment is delayed, the greater the risk to both mother and baby.

The main treatment is antibiotics . These are usually given directly into the body through a vein (intravenous or IV antibiotics), not as pills. Medicines such as paracetamol are also given to reduce fever.

Antibiotics should be taken until the infection is completely cured. This treatment should be continued even after delivery.

Often, the doctor will decide to induce labor as soon as possible . This is because it is best to remove the baby from the infected environment as soon as possible. After the baby is born, the baby is checked for infection and given IV antibiotics if necessary.

Possible complications

The complications that can arise from this condition can be very serious.

Are there ways to prevent this?

Although it cannot be completely prevented, there are things you can do to reduce the risk.

• Attending clinics regularly: It is very important to attend your monthly clinics regularly so that things like vaginal infections can be detected and treated early.
• GBS test: A GBS test performed between 35-37 weeks of pregnancy can detect the presence of this bacteria. If present, antibiotics can be given during delivery to prevent infection in the baby.
• Taking care during pregnancy: Medical staff are careful to avoid frequent vaginal examinations unless absolutely necessary.

The most important thing is that if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, see your doctor or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Time is of the essence in this situation.

Chorioamnionitis, pregnancy infections, pregnancy fever, childbirth, placental infection, sepsis, meningitis