Maternal sepsis is the name for sepsis that develops during pregnancy or up to 6 weeks (42 days) after:
- the birth
- a miscarriage
- an abortion
Maternal sepsis is rare, but it can be life threatening.
Signs of sepsis during and after pregnancy
If you have an infection, know the signs of sepsis. It’s important to get treatment early if you need it.
You can only develop sepsis if you have an infection.
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 or go to your nearest emergency department (ED) if
you or someone you are caring for has any of these signs of sepsis:
- feeling extremely unwell or like something is wrong
- taking antibiotics for an infection and not getting better
- difficulty breathing, breathing very fast or shortness of breath
- cold, clammy and pale hands or feet
- feeling dizzy, faint or losing consciousness (passing out)
- acting confused, slurring your speech, not making sense or not your usual self
- feeling a pounding in your chest
- not peeing as much as normal - for example, not peeing for 1 day
- a rash that does not fade under a glass - the same way you check for a meningitis rash
- severe muscle pain
- severe leg pain or difficulty standing
You may not have all these symptoms. Even if you have just 1, get urgent medical help.
Be aware if you have an infection
You may be more at risk of becoming very unwell due to an infection when you are pregnant. This is because your immune system changes during pregnancy.
Complications from viral infections, such as the flu or COVID-19, can sometimes become serious when you are pregnant.
Urgent advice: Contact your GP, midwife or doctor urgently if
you are pregnant or have recently been pregnant and have any of these signs of an infection:
- high temperature (38 degrees Celsius or higher)
- low temperature (under 36 degrees Celsius)
- severe uncontrollable shivering
- feeling tired (fatigue)
- loss of appetite
- muscle and joint pain
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
Risk factors during and after pregnancy
You may be at extra risk of sepsis during or after pregnancy if you:
- had a cervical stitch (cerclage) to help prevent a miscarriage
- had an amniocentesis (a test to take fluid from around the fetus)
- had a recent pelvic infection
- had your waters break early or over 24 hours ago
- have some placenta or amniotic membranes left in your womb after birth
- have been in close contact with someone who has or recently had strep throat (Group A Streptococcal)
- recently had surgery
- had a caesarean birth
- had an assisted vaginal birth
- have an existing medical condition or any other factor that can put you at higher risk of sepsis
Common infections during and after pregnancy
Infections common during and after pregnancy include:
Other types of infection commonly associated with sepsis
How to help prevent infection and sepsis
It's not always possible to prevent sepsis during or after pregnancy.
There are things you can do to help prevent infections that can lead to sepsis.
Do
-
wash your hands regularly and keep yourself clean
-
keep your home clean, especially your bathrooms
-
change sanitary pads regularly
-
keep up to date with vaccines needed during pregnancy
-
clean and care for any wounds
-
be aware if you are in close contact with someone who has strep throat (group A strep) - if you feel unwell, contact your GP, doctor or midwife urgently
Don't
-
do not ignore symptoms of sepsis
-
do not delay getting medical help if you feel unwell
-
do not touch your face, nose and eyes unless your hands have been washed properly