Bacterial motility and intrauterine catheter-borne infection

It has been suggested that monitoring of uterine activity by placement of intrauterine catheters can cause an increase in maternal and fetal infection. The ways in which intrauterine catheters could transmit infection have been investigated. The risk of infection occurs primarily during placement of the catheter, although a risk also exists if bacterial nutrients are present in the fluid filling the catheter. Recommendations are made to minimize these risks.