Infection during childbirth

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An infection during labour, most commonly known as chorioamnionitis, is an inflammation of the amniotic membranes, amniotic fluid or placenta. It occurs when bacteria multiply in the uterus, most often during prolonged labour or when the waters have been broken for a long time. In the mother, it manifests as fever, fatigue, a rapid pulse, abdominal pain, the discharge of cloudy amniotic fluid, and elevated levels of inflammatory markers in the blood. In the baby, the infection can cause an increased heart rate, breathing difficulties, lethargy, or more serious conditions such as pneumonia or systemic sepsis.  
If inflammation is suspected, the mother is given intravenous antibiotics during labour, and labour is often induced. The newborn is closely monitored after birth and is sometimes given antibiotics as a preventive measure. Thanks to early detection and modern treatment, most of these infections are well managed, but an untreated infection can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.