Symptoms
• In some instances chorioamnionitis manifests
no symptoms, more so in the beginning.
• The first sign is an accelerated heart
rate in the mother
• A fever of over 104˚F develops soon after,
displaying an increased white blood count (typical
in cases of infection)
• Fetus develops a rapid heartbeat signaling
danger and score low on a biophysical profile
(BPP)
• Foul smelling amniotic fluid if the amniotic
sac ruptures
• If the sac is intact an unpleasant smelling
vaginal discharge is possible
• A tender and possibly painful uterus is
common
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Treatment
• A wide range of microorganisms are responsible
for chorioamnionitis so it becomes difficult to
pinpoint the exact cause. Lab tests are necessary
in suspected cases. Either the mother or the amniotic
sample will be tested for infection.
• Treatment also depends on the health condition
of both mother and fetus
• Throughout testing and treatment fetal
monitoring is important
• Antibiotics will be started which will
continue even after delivery.
• Prompt delivery (especially if pregnancy
is near term or if the membranes have ruptured)
is recommended to prevent complications and/or
if either baby or mother is in danger
• If the fetus is immature, large doses
of antibiotics will be administered with careful
monitoring and delivery will be postponed until
the fetus is mature enough
• A newborn is treated with antibiotics
and sometimes scores low on the APGAR test. There
are usually no long term problems.
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