Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the tissues and fluid that surround a baby, which can occur before and during labor. This condition, when managed improperly, can pose a serious threat to both mother and child. Families who are suffering injuries due to professional negligence may be compensated through medical malpractice claims.
What is Chorioamnionitis?
Chorioamnionitis is derived from the Greek words chorion and amnion meaning “fetal membrane”; and itis meaning “inflammation”. The infection may be caused by bacterial, fungal, and viral agents, with bacterial infection being the most common. Group B strep (GBS) and E. Coli are the most common perpetrators of this condition. [1]
Infected pregnancies can experience earlier deliveries – sabotaging the development of infants and promoting all sorts of potential complications. Chorioamnionitis is strongly linked with eye and brain development problems. This condition is notably more dangerous when contracted early.
During pregnancy, yeast infections increase the chance of contracting these diseases. Mothers with trichomoniasis are also at higher risk. Lastly, improperly done vaginal exams can also promote chorioamnionitis.
Mismanaged Maternal Infection during Pregnancy?
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How Common is Chorioamnionitis?
This condition is found in up to 94% of earlier premature births (21 to 24 weeks). Its prominence drops in more advanced premature births (24+ weeks). In full-term pregnancies, chorioamnionitis occurs only in about 4% of births – contracted usually when labor is prolonged or when the water breaks too early. [1]
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of chorioamnionitis include:[2]
- Fever
- Increased maternal/fetal heart rate.
- Tender/painful uterus
- Foul vaginal discharge
However, these symptoms provided above are not specific to chorioamnionitis only. Appendicitis, UTI, kidney infections, and pneumonia may also be suspected when said symptoms present themselves. Therefore, doctors need to be careful to make sure the fever and pain aren't caused by something else before diagnosing chorioamnionitis.[1] Necessary medication and treatment can only be provided after a proper diagnosis.
Potential Long-Term Complications
After chorioamnionitis, mothers are expected to recover well. Recovery trajectories are similar in vaginal births and C-section. However, when managed poorly, chorioamnionitis can lead to an array of problems for mothers – such as pelvic infections and excessive bleeding after birth.
While doctors worry that infection may be passed from mother to child, this rarely happens. Babies born through chorioamnionitis are instead injured because they are born too early. Potential long-term complications for infants include:[1]
- Cerebral palsy
- Eye problems
- Brain development issues
- Respiratory problems
- Death
All medical expenses (past and future) are considered in a medical malpractice claim. In birth injury claims, compensation ensures that an injured child is provided with all the necessary support for their growth and development. Injured mothers must also be allowed to return to their healthiest state.
Apart from medical expenses, other economic and non-economic losses are also factored in. Lost income, emotional trauma, and decreased quality of life are some of the more common considerations. For actual compensation figures, please refer to our previous wins.
Suffering due to Your Doctor's Negligence?
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Can I Sue a Hospital for Chorioamnionitis Mismanagement?
Aside from negligent medical professionals, subpar medical institutions may also be held liable for any damages that they have caused. While medical malpractice cases are complex, here are some potential general basis for your case against a hospital:
- Improper monitoring of high-risk patients
- Ignoring patient complaints
- Not performing C-section when needed
- Improper documentation of tests and results
- Poor infection protocols
- Inadequate staff training
Your legal counsel will work hard to establish that these lapses have directly caused your injuries. Reach out to various medical malpractice lawyers to get your case evaluated and established.
Speak to a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven medical malpractice lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances. We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.
