Which of the following is a manifestation of chorioamnionitis?

• A. Fever greater than 39°C
• B. Hypothermia
• C. Normal leukocyte count
• D. Fetal bradycardia

Answer: (A)

Chorioamnionitis is an intra-amniotic infection that typically presents with maternal fever as a hallmark sign. A fever, especially a high one like greater than 39°C, reflects the inflammatory response to infection and is a direct, objective manifestation you would expect to see during intrapartum assessment. Hypothermia would argue against an infectious process. A normal leukocyte count is unlikely in infection, since leukocytosis often accompanies chorioamnionitis. Fetal heart rate changes more commonly show tachycardia rather than bradycardia in the setting of infection. Therefore, fever greater than 39°C best captures the characteristic clinical manifestation of chorioamnionitis.