In summary, acute intra-amniotic infection or chorioamnionitis is a relatively common complication of pregnancy and may be associated with significant maternal and neonatal morbidity. Maternal mortality is rare, as is mortality in term infants. Mortality in premature infants is probably related to prematurity itself rather than infection per se. Diagnosis is based primarily on the presence of maternal fever. Treatment consists of antibiotics and delivery. Antibiotics should be begun as soon as the diagnosis is made unless delivery is imminent (less than 1 hour). Cesarean section offers no specific advantage to the fetus and may carry increased risk to the mother.