Impact of amniotic fluid infection on pregnancy health

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Bui Thi Thu - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Amniocentesis is an infection of the amniotic sac in a pregnant woman. If not detected and treated promptly, amnionitis can lead to premature birth or serious infections in both the mother and the fetus.

1. What is amniotic fluid?

Amniotic fluid forms from the 12th day after conception, is made up of the fetus, amniotic membrane and blood of the pregnant woman. Amniotic fluid protects the fetus from the invasion of bacteria from the outside, at the same time regenerates energy, provides nutrients for the fetus, helps the fetus avoid the compression of uterine contractions, collisions. , trauma,... In addition, amniotic fluid also helps maintain a stable temperature of the fetus in the uterus, making the baby's muscles and bones stronger.
Outside the amniotic fluid is the amniotic membrane. Amniotic fluid inflammation is an infection of the amniotic sac membrane (occurs in the outer membrane and the amniotic membrane surrounding the fetus) and usually occurs in the later and late stages of pregnancy. The incidence of chorioamnionitis is quite low, only 2% of all births. Amniotic fluid inflammation occurs when bacteria from under the vagina invade the defenses of the uterus. Common bacteria are group B streptococcus, E.Coli and anaerobic bacteria. In addition, prolonged labor after amniotic fluid rupture, premature birth, lower genital tract infections (vaginal and vulvar infections), etc. also increase the risk of amnionitis.

2. How does amnionitis affect pregnancy health?

Amniotic fluid inflammation, if not detected and treated promptly, will lead to many serious complications for pregnant women and fetuses. Specifically:
Causes premature rupture of membranes: When the membranes rupture, it will stimulate labor to bring the baby out. Failure to go into labor increases the risk of infection of the amniotic fluid, causing fetal infection. At the same time, amniotic fluid will flow out, the fetus will not be protected and nourished. Therefore, inflammation of the membranes increases the risk of preterm birth. Premature babies are more likely to have serious complications or die from infections; Maternal Complications: If amniotic fluid is not treated, the mother can face complications such as sepsis, abdominal or pelvic infection, endometritis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. blood clots in the lungs,... In severe cases, the mother can have re-inflammation of the membranes in the next pregnancy or even lose the ability to be a mother; Complications in the fetus: About 95-97% of babies are infected with group B strep if the mother has amnionitis. If left untreated, a child can develop sepsis, respiratory illness, or meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord). In some cases, chorioamnionitis occurs at an early stage, and the infection can cause premature labor or stillbirth.

3. Symptoms of amnionitis

If chorioamnionitis occurs during pregnancy, it probably won't cause any symptoms. In the case of chorioamnionitis occurring during labor, the patient may have the following symptoms:
Fever; Uterine pain; Sweating or chills; Increased maternal or fetal heart rate; Amniotic fluid is abnormal in color and has a foul odor.

4. Diagnosis and treatment of chorioamnionitis

When a pregnant woman is suspected of having amnionitis before labor, doctors may perform amniocentesis to take amniocentesis to check and diagnose infection. If chorioamnionitis is suspected during labor, the doctor can diagnose and treat it based on clinical symptoms.
The method of treatment depends on the patient's condition. Treatment usually consists of: Administering intravenous antibiotics and a combination of oral antibiotics for a few days afterward.

5. Measures to prevent amnionitis

To avoid encountering unpredictable consequences caused by amniotic fluid infection, women can take the following preventive measures:
Keep the intimate area clean, wear breathable underwear, and absorb sweat. good; Thorough treatment of vaginal infections before deciding to get pregnant; Pregnant women at high risk of preterm birth should be screened for bacterial vaginosis at 6 months of age for early detection and treatment; Doctors need to limit the number of vaginal exams during labor, especially in cases of premature labor; If you find that the intimate area is often wet, you should go to the doctor, continuously monitor and combine with ultrasound the volume of amniotic fluid, take amniotic fluid to check for amniotic fluid leakage or not. Amniotic fluid inflammation can lead to unpredictable complications for both mother and baby if not treated promptly. Therefore, pregnant women need to pay attention to regular antenatal check-ups, if there are abnormal signs, they should consult a doctor to promptly detect and treat this condition.

Vinmec International General Hospital offers a Package Maternity Care Program for pregnant women right from the first months of pregnancy with a full range of antenatal care visits, periodical 3D and 4D ultrasounds and routine tests to ensure that the mother is healthy and the fetus is developing comprehensively.
Pregnant women will be consulted and checked for health under the close supervision of experienced and specialized Obstetricians, helping mothers have more knowledge to protect their health during pregnancy as well as reduce reduce complications for mother and child.

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