• Unassisted homebirth – recognizing signs of infection

    Date: 2011.02.01 | Category: Unassisted Childbirth | Tags: ,,

    Amnionitis is an infection of the uterus and the amniotic sac, which can affect the unborn baby too in some cases. For women who have chosen to have an unassisted homebirth, recognizing the signs of infection is crucial to enable them to transport to a hospital immediately. It ranks high on the list of complications to watch out for because amnionitis can be fatal for both mother and child. What are the signs of infection that you should be aware of?

    If any of these symptoms occur, promptly heading to a hospital can prove to be life saving. Forget about driving there yourself – every moment counts, so calling an ambulance is in order in a situation like this. And come to mention it, you do not have to be an unassisted birth mother to recognize the signs of infection. If you have a midwife, don’t trust in her for a diagnosis, and watch out for these symptoms yourself, too.

    Amnionitis is caused by bacteria invading the uterus. A lack of vaginal exams in labor can reduce the risk, but that does not mean it cannot happen to you if you have not conducted any cervical checks. Medical sources say that a uterine infection in labor affects around five percent of pregnancies. With timely medical intervention, it can certainly end in a healthy mom and baby.

    Signs of infection during labor:

    • Maternal fever
    • Fetal distress, an irregular fetal heatbeat
    • Vaginal bleeding during labor. This can point to placental abruption, which can be associated with amnionitis.
    • Foul-smelling amniotic fluid and meconium in the amniotic fluid
    • Uterine pain – different from regular contractions