Infected amniotic fluid is a serious condition that can have a devastating effect 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 describe infections in the amniotic fluid and placenta during pregnancy. This infection can occur in 2-4% of pregnancies.
Causes of Infected Amniotic Water
Infection in the amniotic fluid occurs when bacteria in the vagina, such as E. coli and Streptococcus, enter the uterus. This is more vulnerable if:
- Premature rupture of membranes that occurs long before labor arrives.
- Duration of labor is long.
- Vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, or sexually transmitted infections in pregnant women.
- Epidural anesthesia during labor.
- Vaginal examination that is too often during childbirth.
In addition, pregnant women are also more at risk of getting amniotic infections if they are under 21 years of age while pregnant, pregnant for the first time, or have unhealthy habits during pregnancy, such as frequent consumption of alcohol and smoking.
Signs and Symptoms of Infected Amniotic Water
Amniotic water infections that occur since pregnancy or at the time of labor can show the following signs and symptoms:
- Fever in pregnant women.
- The heart rate of the pregnant woman or fetus increases.
- The uterus is painful.
- Foul-smelling amniotic fluid.
- Amniotic fluid is yellowish or greenish, and thick like festering.
To determine whether the amniotic fluid is infected, it is necessary to do an examination by a doctor which includes physical and supportive examinations, such as blood tests, amniotic fluid culture, and amniotic fluid analysis.
If the results of the examination of amniotic fluid indicate the presence of germs or an increase in the number of white blood cells, then this can indicate an infection in the amniotic fluid.
Complications of Infected Amniotic Water
Infected amniotic fluid is a medical emergency during pregnancy and childbirth. This infection can cause serious complications in pregnant women and infants.
In pregnant women, amniotic fluid infections can cause complications in the form of:
- 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 cause sepsis or blood infections.
- Endometritis or uterine infection.
- Must give birth by cesarean section.
- Uterus removal surgery is needed.
- Heavy bleeding during childbirth.
- Emboli (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 delivery.
Whereas in infants, infected amniotic fluid can result in:
- Premature birth.
- Bacteremia or sepsis. Your baby's risk of developing this condition will be even 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, such as cerebral palsy.
- Dead.
These complications can be avoided if the amniotic water infection is diagnosed early and treated as quickly as possible. To overcome the bacterial infection of the amniotic fluid, the doctor will give antibiotics.
If an amniotic fluid infection is detected near the time of delivery, your 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 consult a gynecologist.
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