Effects of amnioticitis on pregnancy health

The article was consulted professionally by Specialist Doctor II Bui Thi Thu – Obstetrician and Gynecologist – Obstetrics and Gynecology Department – Share99 Hai Phong International Health Hub.

Amniotic membrane inflammation is an infection of the amniotic sac membrane in the pregnant woman. Without timely detection and treatment, amnioticitis can lead to premature birth or serious infections in both the pregnant woman and the fetus.

Amniotic fluid forms from the 12th day after conception, which is formed by the fetus, the amniotic membrane and the blood of the fetus. Amniotic fluid protects the fetus from the penetration of bacteria from the outside, while regenerating energy, providing nutrients to the fetus, helping the fetus avoid the compression of uterus contractions, collisions, traumas,… In addition, amniotic fluid also helps to maintain a stable temperature of the fetus in the uterus, helping the muscles and bones of the baby to be more sturdy.

Wrapped outside the amniotic fluid is the amniotic membrane. Amniotic membrane inflammation is an infection of the amniotic sac (which occurs in the pericardium and amniotic membrane around the pediatric bar) and usually occurs in the later and late stages of pregnancy. The incidence of amnioticitis is quite low, only 2% of the total cases of reproduction. Amnioticitis occurs when bacteria from under the vagina enter the defenses of the uterus. Common bacteria are group B scococcal, E.Coli, and anesthrobic bacteria. Besides, prolonged labor after the amniotic membrane ruptures, premature birth,infection of the lower genital tract(vagitis,,… also increases the risk of amnioticitis.

Amnioticitis, if not detected and treated in a timely manner, will lead to many serious complications for the pregnant woman and the fetus. Specifically:

• Causing young amnioticfluid: When the amniotic membrane breaks, it will stimulate labor to take the child out. If there is no labor, there is an increased risk of amniotic infection, which causes fetal infection . At the same time, amniotic fluid will flow out, the fetus will not be protected and nourished. Therefore, inflammation of the amniotic membrane increases the risk of premature birth. Premature babies are prone to serious complications or death from infection;
• Complications in the mother: If not treated for amnioticitis, the mother may face complications such as sepsis, abdominal or pelvic infections, endometritis, pelvic inflammation, there are blood clots in the lungs,… In severe cases, the mother may have re-inflammation of the amniotic membrane at the next pregnancy or will even lose the ability to be a mother;
• Complications in the fetus: About 95-97% of babies are infected with group B syseptic infection if the mother has amnioticitis. In the case of not being treated, the child may have sepsis, respiratory disease or meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord). In some cases, amnioticitis occurs at an early stage, infection can cause premature labor or still still death.

If inflammation of the amniotic membrane occurs during pregnancy, it may not cause any symptoms. In case of amnioticitis that occurs during labor, the patient may have the following symptoms:

• Fever;
• Pain in the uterus;
• Sweating or chills;
• Increase the heart rate of the mother or fetus;
• Amniotic fluid is unusually colored and has a bad smell.

When a woman is suspected to have amnioticitis before labor, doctors can poke the amniotic fluid for examination and diagnosis of infection. If amnioticitis is suspected duringlabor, the doctor can diagnose and treat based on clinical symptoms.

The treatment depends on the disease of each maternity. The treatment usually consists of: Taking intravenous antibiotics and combining the administration of antibiotics for a few days afterwards.

To avoid unpredictable consequences caused by amnioticitis, women can take the following preventive measures:

• Keep the area clean, wear cool underwear, absorb sweat well;
• Thorough treatment of vactis before deciding to become pregnant;
• Pregnant women at high risk of premature birth should screen for bacterial infections at the time the fetus is 6 months old for early detection and treatment;
• The doctor should limit the number of vaginal checks during labor, especially in cases of early labor;
• If the area is frequently wet, it is recommended to go to the doctor, monitor continuously and in combination with ultrasound of the volume of amniotic fluid, take amniotic fluid to check if there is an amniotic fluid leakage.

Amnioticitis can lead to unpredictable complications for both mother and baby if not treated in a timely manner. Therefore, pregnant women should pay attention to regular pregnancy examinations, if there are abnormal signs, they should consult a doctor to promptly detect and treat this condition.

Share99 International Health Hub offers a full maternity care program for women from the very beginning of pregnancy from the first months with a full range of pregnancy examinations, 3D ultrasounds, 4D routines and routine tests to ensure the mother is always healthy and the fetus develops comprehensively.

Obstetrics and Gynecology will be consulted and checked under the close supervision of experienced and professional obstetrician, helping mothers have more knowledge to protect their health during pregnancy as well as minimize complications affecting mothers and children.