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1. What is maternal sepsis?
2. What are the symptoms of maternal sepsis?
3. Who is at risk of maternal sepsis?
4. How can maternal sepsis be prevented?
5. How is maternal sepsis treated?

What is maternal sepsis?

Maternal sepsis is an extreme response to an infection during pregnancy, birth, or up to 6 weeks following birth.. It is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Without treatment, it can cause death or permanent damage to your body.

Sepsis always starts with an infection and can be anywhere in the body. The most common causes of maternal sepsis are infections of the uterus, urinary tract or complications from birth or pregnancy-related procedures.

What are the symptoms of maternal sepsis?

Serious symptoms can include:

• feeling very sick (the worst you have ever felt) or getting very sick, very quickly
• difficulty breathing or breathing very quickly
• confusion
• not needing to urinate (wee) all day
• a painful rash or a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it
• blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin.

General symptoms can include:

• fever or shivering
• feeling very tired
• vomiting or diarrhoea
• headache
• swelling or pain around a cut or wound
• sore muscles, joints, or limbs
• back pain
• rapid heart rate or pulse.

Immediately call Triple Zero (000) or go to a hospital emergency department if you are pregnant or have recently given birth and you have any of the symptoms above, as well as:

• worsening abdominal pain and/or distension (swelling)
• worsening pain in any stitches you might have
• discoloured or odorous vaginal discharge (fluid) or urine
• rapidly spreading skin infection
• breast, wound or cannula (IV) site redness, swelling, pain
• unexpected bleeding.

If you are unsure or have any of the general symptoms of infection that may lead to sepsis, call your doctor, midwife,  local maternity service or healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (a 24-hour service).

Who is at risk of maternal sepsis?

Maternal sepsis can affect anyone during pregnancy or following childbirth, but these can put you at greater risk:

• caesarean section birth
• a long labour
• early or prolonged rupture of membranes (waters breaking)
• multiple vaginal examinations during labour
• skin tissue damaged during birth
• pieces of the placenta or membranes left inside the uterus after birth
• poor hand and personal hygiene in the days following birth
• having a sore throat or respiratory illness - or having close contact with someone who does.

How is maternal sepsis prevented?

Good hygiene in the days following birth can help reduce your risk of maternal sepsis. This includes:

• daily bathing and showering to keep the perineum (area of skin between rectum and vagina) clean
• gently wiping or drying the perineum from front to back to prevent the spread of bacteria from the rectum to the bladder and vagina
• changing maternity pads regularly (each time you visit the toilet if pads are stained and at least 4 times a day)
• not using tampons until your doctor or midwife advises you it is safe to do so
• washing your hands with soap and water before and after going to the bathroom and changing pads.

How is maternal sepsis treated?

Treatment for maternal sepsis works best when started as soon as possible. Women with maternal sepsis are treated in hospital and may include:

• medicines such as antibiotics
• fluids through a drip (needle in your arm)
• breathing support
• surgery.

Further information

• S​epsis