Sepsis after delivery: what to know

After childbirth, infection can involve the womb, a caesarean or tear wound, the urinary tract, breasts, or another site. Pneumonia and cellulitis are examples of infections that can also become severe. Sepsis is not diagnosed from one symptom; clinicians assess the whole picture, including pulse, breathing, blood pressure, temperature, urine output, and mental alertness.

A person may feel suddenly or progressively worse. Fever or chills, unusual weakness, confusion, fast breathing, breathlessness, clammy skin, or a racing heartbeat can signal that the body is struggling. Worsening pain, foul-smelling discharge, or redness and swelling around a wound should also be reported.

If you feel unwell after delivery, tell the maternity team, GP, or emergency service that you have recently given birth and describe every symptom. Do not delay assessment to arrange childcare or wait for a routine postnatal appointment. Keep your discharge papers and medicine list available, but do not drive yourself if faint, confused, or severely weak.

While arranging help, follow instructions from the clinical team and take small sips of fluid if you are awake and able to swallow. Do not use leftover antibiotics; the suspected source and treatment need medical assessment.

Call emergency services or go to an emergency department for confusion, fainting, severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, cold clammy skin, very little urine, rapidly worsening weakness, or a feeling that something is seriously wrong. High fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell after delivery also warrants same-day medical advice, particularly with wound pain, urinary symptoms, abdominal pain, or abnormal discharge.

Ask where the infection may be, which examinations or tests are needed, what treatment will start today, and which changes should trigger immediate return to hospital.