Sepsis after pregnancy: what to know

Pregnancy and the postnatal period can involve infections of the urinary tract, womb, surgical or tear wounds, breasts, lungs, or skin. Urinary tract infection, pneumonia, and cellulitis can sometimes spread or trigger sepsis. Symptoms may appear after leaving hospital, so tell every healthcare professional that you have recently been pregnant or given birth.

Watch for a combination of worsening illness, fever or chills, fast breathing, breathlessness, a racing heartbeat, dizziness, confusion, reduced urination, or cold and clammy skin. Pain, foul-smelling discharge, wound redness, or new urinary symptoms can help clinicians identify the source, but their absence does not exclude serious infection.

Contact your maternity service, GP, or emergency service as soon as you feel significantly unwell. Explain when pregnancy ended, whether you had a caesarean or other procedure, and any medicines or antibiotics you have taken. Do not wait for a routine postnatal check if symptoms are worsening.

Rest while help is arranged and take fluids only if you are alert and able to swallow. Keep someone with you if possible. Avoid taking leftover antibiotics because the correct medicine depends on the suspected infection and your clinical assessment.

Call emergency services for fainting, confusion, severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, cold clammy skin, very little urine, or rapidly worsening weakness. Same-day assessment is needed for fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell after pregnancy, especially alongside abdominal or pelvic pain, wound changes, urinary symptoms, or unusual discharge.

Ask what infection is being considered, how the team will check for sepsis, which treatment is appropriate, and how you can recognise deterioration after going home.