Understanding Amnionitis: Symptoms, Causes & Risks During Pregnancy

Question
I was 22 weeks pregnant when I started having cramps. A few days later I started spotting and went to my doctor right away. She checked my cervix and baby's heartbeat and said everything was fine. Later on that night the cramping got worse and the bleeding got heavier so I rushed to the ER. I was told I was 6cm dialated and the baby was coming and there was nothing they could do to stop it. I was first told that I had a weakened cervix then I was told by my doctor that my WBC was high so I had an infection. The death cert says supected amnionitis. I have no idea what amnionitis is or what affect it has on me and any my future plans on getting pregnany again.

Answer
Dear Jasmine

Amnionitis is inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the baby inside the uterus and protects it from the outside atmosphere. If this membrane is ruptured and is no longer there, ascending infection from the vagina is easy to ascent and cause infection to this membrane (mnionitis). However, in rare ocassions, amnionitis may occur while the membrane is still intact. Factors such as a weak cervix may contribute and facilitate the possibility of ascending infection.

Amnionitis should have no effect on future pregnancy. However, you should keep your antenatal visits in your next pregnancy and start them as early as pregnancy is diagnosed. Factors such as weakened cervical os should be diagnosed early for proper management and recurrence of this problem.

Good Luck