Chorioamnionitis/Sepsis
Chorioamnionitis is a bacterial infection of the membranes and/or amniotic fluid surrounding your baby while in the womb. Sepsis is infection in your baby, often from bacteria. Chorioamnionitis puts a baby at risk for sepsis.
Common Questions
How is chorioamnionitis diagnosed?
It is clinically suspected when a mother has a combination of symptoms that can include fever, fast heart rate (either mother or baby), foul smelling fluid, uterine tenderness, and/or elevated white blood cells on a blood test.
What if my baby is infected?
If a specific bacteria is identified in your baby's blood stream, he or she will remain on IV antibiotics for 2-3 weeks depending on the type of infection.
What will happen to my baby?
Depending on symptoms, some newborns are admitted to the NICU for IV antibiotics while others remain in the Normal Newborn Nursery under close observation.