Chorioamnionitis

Chorioamnionitis, or intra-amniotic infection (IAI), is an inflammation of the fetal membranes (amnion and chorion), which is caused by a bacterial infection. In intra-amniotic infection cases, bacteria such as E. Coli anaerobic bacteria or group B streptococci enters the uterus from the vagina, causing infection. IAI is usually the result of a prolonged labor, and 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 contracted chorioamnionitis as a result of a doctor’s actions in Delaware or Maryland, contact our team of medical malpractice attorneys for help. The team at Shelsby & Leoni have several decades of combined experience handling IAI claims and getting clients the compensation they are entitled to for their medical expenses and suffering.

Symptoms and Complications of an 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 that leads to IAI is 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.

How an IAI Can Affect the Baby

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 risk 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 for Help

Being the victim of a birth injury, labor injury or delivery room injury may entitle you to compensation. When discussing birth injury cases most people think that only the newborn child can suffer injury or wrongful death, but the truth is that in many cases the injury victim is the mother as well.

If you or your child suffered a birth injury, contact the team at Shelsby & Leoni for a free case review. You can visit our settlements & verdicts page to see how we help families just like yours. We offer free case evaluations and charge no fees if we do not recover for you.