Infected amniotic fluid is a serious condition that can have a negative impact on both the fetus and the pregnant woman herself. To be aware of this condition, pregnant women need to know the cause and recognize the symptoms that arise due to infected amniotic fluid. Chorioamnionitis is a medical term used to refer to infection of the amniotic fluid and the placenta during pregnancy. This infection can occur in 2-4% of pregnancies.

Beware of Bacterial Infection of the Amniotic Fluid - ALICE CLINIC

Causes of Infected Amniotic Fluid

Amniotic fluid infections occur when bacteria present in the vagina, such as E. coli and Streptococcus, enter the uterus. This is more prone to happen if:

Premature rupture of membranes that occurs long before delivery arrives.
Long labor duration.
Vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections in pregnant women.
Epidural anesthetic injection during labour.
Frequent vaginal exams during delivery.

In addition, pregnant women are also more at risk of developing amniotic fluid infections if they are under 21 years of age during pregnancy, are pregnant for the first time, or have unhealthy habits throughout pregnancy, like frequent consumption of alcohol and smoking.

Read Too : The Dangers of Smoking During Pregnancy

Signs and Symptoms of Infected Amniotic fluid

Amniotic fluid infections that occur during pregnancy or during delivery may show some of the following signs and symptoms:

Fever in pregnant women.
The heart rate of pregnant women or fetuses increases.
The uterus hurts.
Amniotic fluid smells bad.
Amniotic fluid is yellowish or greenish, and thick like pus.

To determine whether the amniotic fluid is infected, it is necessary to have an examination by a doctor which includes a physical and supporting examination, such as blood tests, amniotic fluid cultures, and amniotic fluid analysis. If the results of the examination of the amniotic fluid show the presence of germs or an increase in the number of white blood cells, then this can indicate an infection in the amniotic fluid.

Read Too : What You Need to Know About Premature Rupture of Membranes

Complications of Infected Amniotic Fluid

Infected amniotic fluid is a medical emergency throughout pregnancy and childbirth. This infection can cause serious complications in pregnant women and babies. In pregnant women, amniotic fluid infection can cause complications such as:

Bacteremia, which is a bacterial infection in the bloodstream. This complication occurs in 3-12% of pregnant women who suffer from infected amniotic fluid. If left untreated, bacteremia can lead to sepsis or blood infection.
Endometritis or uterine infection.
Had to give birth by caesarean section.
Surgical removal of the uterus is required.
Heavy bleeding during childbirth.
Embolism (blockage of blood vessels) due to blood clots in the lungs and pelvis.
Longer postpartum recovery time.

The above conditions can increase the risk of maternal death during or after childbirth. While in infants, infected amniotic fluid can cause:

Premature birth.
Bacteremia or sepsis. The baby's risk of developing this condition will be higher if he is born prematurely.
Respiratory disorders, such as respiratory failure and pneumonia.
Meningitis or infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
Disability, for example cerebral palsy.
Death.

Read Too : Beware of the Causes of These Premature Babies

These complications can be avoided if the amniotic fluid infection is diagnosed early and treated as soon as possible. To treat a bacterial infection in the amniotic fluid, the doctor will give you antibiotics. If the amniotic fluid infection is detected near the time of delivery, the doctor may also advise pregnant women to deliver the baby early.

So that infected amniotic fluid does not occur, both during pregnancy and after approaching the time of delivery, pregnant women need to regularly check with a gynecologist.