Am I at Risk for Chorioamnionitis While Trying to Conceive?
We are trying to conceive, and I was wondering: If my sister had chorioamnionitis when she was pregnant, does that mean I am at a higher risk for the same thing?
Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the placenta and surrounding membranes (the bag around the baby and amniotic fluid) thatÂ’s occurs before or during labor. It's associated with prolonged labor and maternal fever. It occurs when the bacteria that's considered a normal part of the vagina ascend into the uterine cavity.
It's diagnosed by maternal fever during delivery and increased heart rate in both the mother and baby. Also, the uterus may be tender and the amniotic fluid may have a foul smell, which indicates infection.
Some studies have indicated there is a genetic predisposition to this infection, but there is no research showing it runs in families. In other words, whether your risk is higher because your sister had it is unknown. Regardless, the risk wouldn't increase by much.
More important is whether you carry your own risk factors, which include a history of long labor, chorioamnionitis in prior pregnancies, and vaginal infections. Fortunately it's highly treatable with a combination of antibiotics for the mother, including amoxicillin, gentamicin and metronidazole. If you develop chorioamnionitis while in labor, your doctor will give you antibiotics, and your baby will get antibiotics in the nursery after delivery.
Is chorioamnionitis something you should be concerned about when you're trying to conceive if your sister had it? Probably not, but do mention it to your doctor so you can discuss it if necessary.
It's diagnosed by maternal fever during delivery and increased heart rate in both the mother and baby. Also, the uterus may be tender and the amniotic fluid may have a foul smell, which indicates infection.
Some studies have indicated there is a genetic predisposition to this infection, but there is no research showing it runs in families. In other words, whether your risk is higher because your sister had it is unknown. Regardless, the risk wouldn't increase by much.
More important is whether you carry your own risk factors, which include a history of long labor, chorioamnionitis in prior pregnancies, and vaginal infections. Fortunately it's highly treatable with a combination of antibiotics for the mother, including amoxicillin, gentamicin and metronidazole. If you develop chorioamnionitis while in labor, your doctor will give you antibiotics, and your baby will get antibiotics in the nursery after delivery.
Is chorioamnionitis something you should be concerned about when you're trying to conceive if your sister had it? Probably not, but do mention it to your doctor so you can discuss it if necessary.
Answered by
Dr. Vanessa Laibl
report abuse
Submit!
.JPG?quality=0.6&height=60&width=60&)
