P01: Fetus and newborn affected by maternal complications of pregnancy

P01.1: Fetus and newborn affected by premature rupture of membranes

The uterus or womb sits in the pelvis and is pear-shaped. The narrower part extends downward into the vagina and is called the cervix. When a woman is pregnant, the child grows in her uterus. When the pregnancy begins, the amniotic sac containing the amniotic fluid develops in the womb. The amniotic sac surrounds the child.

The amniotic sac bursting before labor begins can be caused by pathogens, for example. This can then cause premature contractions and a premature birth. Moreover, if the mother's waters break, pathogens can get into the amniotic sac. This can cause inflammation of the amniotic sac or the placenta, for example. The pathogens can pass over to the child. An infection by pathogens or a premature birth can harm the child's health. The child's heart may then beat unusually quickly.