Uterine infection in pregnancy

Uterine infection in pregnancy, also known as chorioamnionitis, is a rare condition that occurs most often at the end of pregnancy and, in most cases, does not endanger the baby's life.

This infection occurs when bacteria from the urinary tract reach the uterus and usually develops in pregnant women with prolonged labor, rupture of the pouch ahead of time or urinary tract infection.

Uterine infection in pregnancy is treated at the hospital with an injection of antibiotics into the vein to prevent complications in the baby, such as pneumonia or meningitis.

Symptoms of uterine infection in pregnancy

Symptoms of uterine infection in pregnancy are rare, but can include:

Fever above 38ºC; Chills and increased sweating; Vaginal bleeding; Smelly vaginal discharge; Abdominal pain, especially during intimate contact.

It is normal that uterine infection in pregnancy does not cause symptoms and, therefore, the pregnant woman may only discover that she has an infection during a routine consultation with the gynecologist or obstetrician.

However, if symptoms arise, it is recommended to consult the obstetrician as soon as possible, to have blood tests and ultrasound to diagnose the problem and start the appropriate treatment. In addition, ultrasound or cardiotography may also be necessary to assess the health of the fetus.

Treatment for uterine infection in pregnancy

Treatment for uterine infection in pregnancy should be guided by the obstetrician and is usually started with the use of antibiotics in the vein, such as Gentamicin or Clindamycin, for 7 to 10 days, to eliminate the bacteria that are causing the infection.

However, in the most severe cases, where there is a risk that the baby will develop pneumonia or meningitis, it may be recommended to have a normal delivery ahead of time. Cesarean section should only be used as a last resort to avoid contaminating the pregnant woman's abdomen.