What symptoms indicate possible chorioamnionitis in a pregnant patient?

Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the amniotic fluid and membranes surrounding the fetus, often associated with preterm labor or prolonged rupture of membranes. The symptoms indicative of chorioamnionitis are typically related to both maternal and fetal response to infection.

Fever, tachycardia, and uterine tenderness are classic signs that suggest the presence of infection in the pregnant patient. Fever indicates a systemic response to infection, while tachycardia reflects increased heart rate which can be a response to both maternal and fetal distress. Uterine tenderness suggests inflammation in the uterus, which further corroborates the diagnosis of chorioamnionitis.

Other options present symptoms that do not specifically correlate with chorioamnionitis. Hypertension and severe headache can suggest conditions like preeclampsia, while nausea and vomiting are more general symptoms that can arise from a variety of conditions not directly related to chorioamnionitis. An increased fetal heart rate might indicate fetal stress, but it lacks the specificity of the classic triad associated with chorioamnionitis. Overall, the presence of fever, tachycardia, and uterine tenderness provides a clearer indication of this serious condition.