Chorioamnionitis is a serious condition that can affect a pregnant woman and her fetus. The signs and symptoms of chorioamnionitis can vary. Medical professionals can diagnose and track most of these symptoms, like high fever or rapid heartbeat. Still, some symptoms, like excess sweating, might be less obvious or indicate other types of ailments. This is why knowing every potential sign of developing chorioamnionitis is important.
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Symptoms of Chorioamnionitis
Chorioamnionitis is a bacterial infection that usually starts in the urinary tract. It travels into the uterus and infects the chorion and amnion, which are two membranes that surround the fetus and the amniotic fluid. This can cause symptoms to present in both the mother and the fetus, and lead to complications in both the mother and the child later on.
There are a few signs and symptoms to look out for, though it is possible to mistake some for other ailments. This is why a visit to a doctor who can accurately diagnose chorioamnionitis is a necessity. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat, in either or both the fetus and the mother
- High fever
- A tender uterus
- Discharge with an unusual smell
- Abdominal pain
- Pelvic pain
Unfortunately, some women do not always present the most obvious signs of chorioamnionitis. Sometimes, the situation for mother and fetus can change rapidly. This is why a competent medical professional’s assistance and monitoring is necessary.
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Patients Who Are More Susceptible to Chorioamnionitis
Chorioamnionitis can happen to any pregnant woman, but some are more susceptible to this particular infection. A medical professional should be especially vigilant regarding this condition when:
- It is a woman’s first pregnancy.
- A pregnant woman has a sexually transmitted infection, or STI.
- Labor is long.
- A patient receives epidural anesthesia during labor.
- The water breaks long before delivery.
- The mother is African-American.
Any of these factors could put a patient at greater risk of developing chorioamnionitis.
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Lasting Effects and Complications of Chorioamnionitis
Chorioamnionitis can have lasting effects for the mother and child, especially if it is not properly dealt with. These complications can be quite serious and could also be indicators of chorioamnionitis that may have gone undiagnosed or untreated. For mothers, complications of chorioamnionitis can include:
- Premature delivery.
- An infection in the bloodstream.
- Postpartum hemorrhage, or bleeding after delivery.
- Infection of incision points made during delivery.
- Septic shock.
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome.
- A blood clotting disorder known as disseminated intravascular coagulation.
For the child, lasting effects and complications could include:
- Lower blood oxygen levels.
- Seizures.
- Cerebral palsy.
- Brain damage.
- Infections, including more serious ailments like sepsis or meningitis.
- Death.
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When Chorioamnionitis Patients Qualify for Damages
If chorioamnionitis has caused lasting problems for you and your child, you may qualify for damages. Chorioamnionitis can be a primary cause of premature delivery and said early delivery can lead to a variety of complications. As such, patients who suffer from this ailment could end up with medical bills that are higher than expected, or an increase in the lifetime cost of caring for their new child.
Liable parties could include hospitals, birthing centers, doctors, nurses, or any other medical professional who may have been negligent. If someone made a mistake that resulted in these complications and long-term financial stresses, you could be eligible for damages. Signs and symptoms of chorioamnionitis should not escape the notice of trained medical professionals. Different states have various statutes of limitations when it comes to birth injury cases, so it is a good idea to pursue legal action as soon as you can.
How a Lawyer Can Help
If you decide to seek damages because you or a loved one suffered from chorioamnionitis, you do not have to do it on your own. A lawyer can handle all aspects of your case, including:
- Determining the liable parties.
- Making your case.
- Handling all communications with parties involved.
- Recovering damages.
- Keeping you updated on any progress.
Call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group today at (800) 222-9529 for a free case review. We are ready to assist you if you qualify for damages.
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