What are the signs/symptoms of Chorioamnionitis?
Chorioamnionitis, which is an infection of hte amniotic fluid and fetal membranes, is diagnosed in 1 in 100 pregnancies, though it is suspected that the true incidence may be higher. The infection in believed to be a major cause of preterm premature rupture of the membranes as well as premature labor. Signs and Symptoms: In some cases, chorioamnionitis has no symptoms, particularly at first. Diagnosis is complicated by the fact that there is no somple test that can confirm the presence on infection. Often, the first sign of Chorioamnionitis is rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) in the mother. (Tachycardia may also be caused by dehyradtion, medication, low blood pressure, or anxiety, but should in any case be reported to the practitioner.) Then a fever over 100.4’F developes, and in many cases there is uterine tenderness. If the membranes have ruptured, there may also be a foul odor from the amniotic fluid; if they are intact, there may be an unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge, originatin
