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Sepsis & Serious Infection

When an infection becomes an emergency

Infection in pregnancy and after delivery should never be taken lightly. In rare circumstances — even when you are otherwise healthy — you can become critically ill very quickly from a serious infection or sepsis. Recognising the signs early and getting help promptly can save lives.

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a severe infection which affects the entire body. The first signs are usually a rise in your temperature, heart rate and breathing. You may also feel:

  • Unwell, with chills and flu-type symptoms
  • Tummy pain, vomiting or diarrhoea
  • A racing heart, or breathing faster than normal
  • Confusion or unusual drowsiness

This can progress very quickly, in rare circumstances, to a potentially life-threatening condition.

Sepsis in pregnancy most commonly occurs between December and April, often preceded by a sore throat or other upper respiratory tract infection. Sepsis can happen at any stage of pregnancy or after your baby is born.

When is risk higher?

The risk of getting a serious infection is increased in the following circumstances:

  • After your baby is born — the postnatal period is the most common time for serious septic illness
  • After your waters have broken (especially before labour starts)
  • If you have a wound — for example after a caesarean section, perineal tear or episiotomy
  • If you have an infection elsewhere — sore throat, chest infection, urinary tract infection, vaginal/uterine infection
  • If you have a weakened immune system or certain chronic conditions
  • After a miscarriage, termination or invasive procedure (e.g. amniocentesis)

If you are in any of these groups and feel unwell, please be especially quick to ring us.

Contact us straight away if you notice any of these…

Ring your GP, the maternity unit or attend the emergency department immediately if you feel concerned, unwell, and/or if you notice any of the following during pregnancy or after your baby is born:

  1. Sore throat or chest infection that is making you feel very unwell
  2. Urinary tract infection — pain or burning when passing urine
  3. Genital tract infection — vaginal discharge that is foul-smelling, an offensive smell from your vagina, or vaginal bleeding that is heavier than expected
  4. Wound infection — a caesarean section or perineal wound that is hot, red, swollen, or discharging
  5. A high temperature (38°C or more) that doesn’t settle
  6. Severe abdominal pain
  7. Vomiting and diarrhoea that won’t settle
  8. Breast pain, redness or swelling (mastitis) — especially with feeling unwell
  9. Feeling unusually weak, dizzy or confused

You know your body best. If something is wrong, ring.

How to reduce your risk

  • Wash your hands Particularly after using the toilet, before eating, and before handling your baby — the simplest and most effective step.
  • Take your full course of antibiotics If you are prescribed antibiotics during pregnancy or postnatally, complete the full course — even if you feel better after a few days. This helps prevent more serious infection developing.
  • Keep wounds clean and dry Watch caesarean and perineal wounds for redness, swelling, heat or discharge.
  • Get a flu vaccine in pregnancy The flu vaccine is safe in any trimester and significantly reduces your risk of serious illness.
  • Don’t ignore a sore throat that is making you feel really unwell Most sore throats are minor — but a small number can be the prelude to more serious infection. If you feel disproportionately ill, ring.
  • Speak to your GP if symptoms come back after antibiotics Returning symptoms after a course of antibiotics deserves another assessment.