Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the placenta and/or membranes around your baby. If it occurs in pregnancy, then you may need to birth your baby as soon as possible to protect both of you. Any infection in your uterus in pregnancy needs immediate treatment, as it can affect both you and your baby, and can even cause death for one or both of you if left untreated.
Most cases of chorioamnionitis occur after your waters break, but it can happen even if they have not yet broken.
If you have any signs of infection in pregnancy, it is important to talk to your midwife immediately, especially if your waters have broken.
Specific signs of chorioamnionitis include a fever of 38°C or more, maternal or foetal tachycardia (high heart rate), pain or tenderness in your uterus, and a bad smell in your amniotic fluid.
Chorioamnionitis is treated with IV antibiotics in hospital, and the doctors treating you will discuss with you whether they recommend induction or caesarean birth, as you will need to birth your baby as soon as possible, even if they are preterm.