How Can Chorioamnionitis Infections Lead to Birth Injuries?

 Posted on January 08, 2021 in Infections

There are many different types of complications that can arise during labor and delivery, and if they are not addressed properly, they can affect the health of both the child and the mother. Infections are one common concern, and in addition to taking steps to ensure that a child does not become infected by bacteria or viruses during delivery, doctors and nurses should also address maternal infections, since they may lead to birth injuries to children or maternal birth injuries. Chorioamnionitis is one type of dangerous condition that can sometimes occur, and it involves a bacterial infection of the amniotic fluid and the membranes inside the uterus.

What Causes Chorioamnionitis?

Chorioamnionitis typically occurs when bacteria that are present in the vagina, such as E. Coli or Group B Streptococcus (GBS), enter the uterus. These bacteria can then infect tissues within the uterus, including the placenta or the sac surrounding the amniotic fluid, and the child may also become infected.

In many cases, chorioamnionitis will occur during extended labor after a mother’s water has broken. In some cases, infections may be spread because of repeated vaginal exams performed after the membranes in the uterus have been ruptured, or infections may occur due to the use of internal fetal monitoring. Chorioamnionitis is more likely to occur if the mother had previously experienced genital infections, such as a urinary tract infection.

Potential Effects of Chorioamnionitis for a Mother and Child

Chorioamnionitis is a serious condition that can lead to further injuries if it is not treated properly. It may cause a mother to experience bacteremia, or an infection in the bloodstream, which can lead to sepsis. It may also cause endometriosis, or an infection in the lining of the uterus, as well as blood clots in the lungs or pelvic area. In many cases, a Cesarean delivery will need to be performed, and a mother may experience severe post-partum hemorrhaging.

Infants can also be seriously affected by chorioamnionitis. If an infection spreads to the child, this can result in bacteremia. A child may also experience meningitis, in which the brain or spinal cord become infected, and this can lead to permanent disabilities. Chorioamnionitis also increases the chances that a child will develop pneumonia after delivery.

To prevent birth injuries, medical personnel should quickly address any signs of chorioamnionitis, which may include fever, elevated heart rate, pain or soreness in the uterus, or amniotic fluid that is discolored or has a foul smell. Antibiotics may be administered, and speedy delivery of the child may be necessary to prevent infections to the child and avoid other complications.

Contact Our Cook County Birth Injury Lawyers

If you or your child have experienced infections during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, this may have led to issues that affect your ongoing health. Dealing with these concerns can often be difficult, and ongoing medical treatment can be very costly. The Birth Injury Law Alliance can help you determine your options for receiving financial assistance, and we can investigate your case to find out whether negligence by doctors or nurses played a role in your injury. For a free consultation and case evaluation, contact our diligent Illinois birth injury attorneys at 312-462-4200.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/infections-chorioamnionitis

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12309-chorioamnionitis