Clinical significance of amniotic fluid, amniotic membranes, and endometrial biopsy cultures at the time of cesarean section

Abstract

When we compared amniotic fluid and amniotic membranes, as a source of organisms at the time of cesarean section, amniotic membranes proved to be superior. During labor, intact membranes do not protect the amniotic cavity from contamination with pathogenic anaerobes and commensals. Ruptured membranes in the presence of prolonged labor predisposes the amniotic cavity to contamination with pathogenic anaerobes, commensals, and pathogenic aerobes. Cultures of the endometrial biopsy specimens taken from the site of incision at the time of cesarean section showed the presence of pathogens in 50% of the women with prolonged labor and ruptured membranes.