Chorioamnionitis, which is also referred to as intra-amniotic infection (IAI) is an inflammation of the fetal membranes (amnion and chorion). This inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection. In intra-amniotic infection cases bacteria goes from the vagina into the uterus causing infection. IAI, which is the abbreviation for chorioamnionitis, is usually the result of a prolonged labor. The risk of developing chorioamnionitis increases with each vaginal examination that is performed in the final month of pregnancy, including during labor. If you, or a loved one, has incurred chorioamnionitis, in Delaware or Maryland please contact our team of medical malpractice attorneys handling chorioamnionitis claims.
The Maryland & Delaware birth injury lawyers at Shelsby & Leoni have several decades combined experience handling IAI claims and getting their clients the settlements and verdicts they are entitled to for their medical expenses, pain, suffering, economic and financial losses.
Causes Of IAI
As mentioned, IAI is caused by bacteria entering the uterus via the vagina during the birthing process. Bacteria such as E. Coli, anaerobic bacteria and group B streptococci are more often than not the infecting bacteria.
Symptoms, Complications & Treatment Of Intra-Amniotic Infection
Fever, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), tenderness of the uterus and malodorous amniotic fluid are common symptoms of IAI. It is important to note that chorioamnionitis does not always present with symptoms and can go undiagnosed.
As with many infections acquired during childbirth, a medical procedure or surgery of any sort IAI is deemed a medical emergency. If not treated it can lead to very serious complications such as endometriosis, bloodstream infections (bacteremia), embolisms (blood clots) in the lungs and pelvis, significant blood loss during delivery and subsequent shock as well as the need for birth via Cesarean delivery.
In addition to the mother being harmed due to IAI there are complications the newborn may face as well. These can be meningitis, pneumonia and or bacteria infections in the bloodstream. Some of these complications are more common in babies delivered prematurely.
With early detection and diagnosis via physical exam and lab tests IAI can be resolved with an antibiotic regimen. Early treatment will shorten recovery time in the mother, break the fever and lower the babies rick of infection or complications.
IAI can be detected during your pregnancy and should not be an issue during childbirth. If your OB-GYN was negligent and did not properly detect it or diagnose it during pregnancy and or overlooked risk factors, and injury is suffered by mother or baby or future fertility is compromised, you may be able to seek legal recourse via a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Contact Our IAI Injury Attorneys Serving Delaware & Maryland
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Chorioamnionitis Lawsuits
Being the victim of a birth injury, labor injury or delivery room injury may entitle the victim to benefits, medical care and financial compensation. When discussing birth injury cases most people think that only the newborn child can suffer injury or wrongful death. The truth is that in many cases the injury victim is the mom. If you, or your child has suffered a birth injury or labor & delivery room injury please contact our Maryland medical negligence and Delaware delivery room injury attorneys for a free case review. You can visit our settlements & verdicts page to review how we have helped families such as yours throughout our careers practicing medical malpractice law in Delaware & Maryland.
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