Maternal sepsis can occur throughout all stages of pregnancy, including during childbirth, post-abortions, and postpartum periods. Maternal sepsis is a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. It develops during pregnancy, while or after giving birth, or after an abortion or miscarriage.
Did You Know?
- The U.S. is the third highest ranking for maternal mortality for all high-income countries.
- 3 maternal deaths per 10,000 live births occur annually in the U.S.
- Black women are 3.3 times and American Indian and Alaskan Native women are 2.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes.
- Sepsis causes 261,000 maternal deaths or 11% of all worldwide maternal deaths.
- Sepsis kills and disables more women than breast and lung cancers and stroke combined.
- Maternal sepsis increases the risk of cesarean deliveries, preterm births, prolonged recovery, stillbirths, and maternal deaths in pregnant patients.
Preventing Maternal Sepsis
Practicing good hand hygiene, staying up to date with vaccinations, and being aware of developing infections all help to prevent sepsis.
Health care facilities can ensure proper best practices by establishing protocols and educating team members to prevent future pregnancy-related deaths caused by maternal sepsis.
If you are pregnant or have recently given birth, be aware of:
- A fever above 100.4 F.
- Foul smelling discharge from a wound or the vagina.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- Chest pain.
- Feeling confused or just “not right.”
- Non-specific or general abdominal pain that appears, or gets much worse, suddenly.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other E. coli infections, as they are a common cause of maternal sepsis.
You are at greater risk of developing maternal sepsis if you have:
- Dry, cracked nipples.
- Mastitis (inflammation and/or infection in the breast tissue).
- Viral or bacterial infection, such as a UTI.
You are also at greater risk of developing maternal sepsis if you have had:
- A cesarean section.
- Prolonged or obstructed labor.
- Premature ruptured membranes.
- Cerclage (cervical stitch).
- Placental abruption (placenta breaks away from the uterine wall).
- Emergency surgery.
- Induced abortion.
- Limited or no prenatal care.
Remember, sepsis is about TIME. If you suspect sepsis, call 911 or go to a hospital and tell the medical professionals, “I am concerned about sepsis.”
