Pregnancy

Maternal sepsis remains a large contributor to maternal deaths globally each year, claiming an estimated 260,000 mothers’ lives.

The tragedy is that many of these deaths are preventable. Early recognition and urgent treatment can save lives.

What is maternal sepsis?

Maternal sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by an infection during pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, abortion, or in the weeks after delivery. It occurs when the body’s response to infection spirals out of control, damaging organs and tissues.

Know the warning signs

Anna Duarte, a clinical quality specialist: obstetrics at Mediclinic Southern Africa, urges women to recognise the warning signs. If you are pregnant, have recently given birth, or are recovering from a miscarriage or abortion, be alert for these symptoms:

  • Fever and chills or feeling unwell
  • Pain, redness, swelling or pus around your wound, stitches or caesarean section scar
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • Burning pain when passing urine or difficulty urinating
  • Breasts that are red, painful, or have hard lumps
  • Severe abdominal pain

Symptoms of when to seek help may include:

  • High fever with shaking chills
  • Fast heartbeat or fast breathing
  • Feeling confused, dizzy or faint
  • Severe pain not relieved by medication
  • Heavy bleeding with weakness

Factors that can increase risk

The risk of infection and sepsis for pregnant or new mothers may increase as a result of:

  • Pregnancy with twins or other multiples, where the risk of rupture of membranes is increased
  • Diabetes and other chronic illnesses
  • Mastitis (breast infection)
  • Poor nutritional state including anaemia
  • HIV with detectable viral load

Prevention is possible

Duarte continues to explain that while not all cases can be avoided, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

  • Attend all antenatal appointments
  • Seek medical attention promptly if you suspect an infection
  • Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations
  • Practice good hygiene and wound care after delivery
  • Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, speak up

Tips on how to prevent infection:

  • Wash your hands after touching your wound, breast or perineal area
  • Use pans (no tampons or menstrual cups)
  • Wipe from front to back
  • Wash with soap and water after having a bowel movement
  • Keep caesarean wound clean and dry, following wound care instructions
  • Breastfeed on demand
  • Drink plenty of fluids and empty your bladder often
  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Take all prescribed medicines, including antibiotics, as prescribed
  • Attend all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider

Seeking help is the simple solution

Infections after childbirth are common but preventable. Early treatment saves lives.

“If you are pregnant, have recently given birth, or are recovering from a miscarriage or abortion and feel unwell, seek medical attention immediately,” urges Duarte.

Treatment for sepsis may include a range of medications, such as antibiotics to treat the infection, vasopressors to raise blood pressure, IV fluids, and sometimes surgery. A multidisciplinary team, including obstetricians, gynaecologists, anaesthetists, and physicians, may be required. Early, aggressive treatment improves the chances of surviving maternal sepsis.

“Acting promptly could save your life. Losing even one mother’s life is too many,” Duarte concludes.