North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

What are the notable signs and symptoms of amnionitis and chorioamnionitis?

1. Maternal fever, maternal tachycardia, fetal bradycardia

2. Maternal hypotension, fetal tachycardia, tender abdomen

3. Maternal fever, maternal tachycardia, fetal tachycardia

4. Maternal chills, fetal bradycardia, elevated white blood cell count

The correct answer is: Maternal fever, maternal tachycardia, fetal tachycardia

Amnionitis and chorioamnionitis are infections of the amniotic fluid and membranes surrounding the fetus, which can pose serious risks to both the mother and baby. The notable signs and symptoms are characterized by an elevated maternal temperature, indicating fever, which often suggests an infectious process. Maternal tachycardia, or increased heart rate, is also a common response as the body attempts to fight off the infection and can be indicative of systemic involvement. Additionally, fetal tachycardia can occur due to this maternal infection response, reflecting the fetus’s physiological reaction to stress or infection. When the mother has a fever and tachycardia, it can translate to a similar stress response in the fetus, which is why monitoring fetal heart rate is essential in these cases. The combination of these symptoms—maternal fever, maternal tachycardia, and fetal tachycardia—forms the clear clinical picture associated with amnionitis and chorioamnionitis, highlighting the importance of recognizing these signs for timely medical intervention and management.