Sepsis is a serious condition that can arise during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period. It occurs when the body’s response to an infection becomes overwhelming, damaging tissues and organs. Recognizing the signs and understanding prevention strategies are important for maternal and infant health.
Understanding Sepsis in Pregnancy
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency where the body’s immune system, fighting an infection, inadvertently begins to damage its own tissues and organs. This can lead to organ dysfunction and become fatal if untreated. Pregnant individuals are more susceptible to severe outcomes from infections due to natural immune system changes during pregnancy.
Maternal sepsis refers to sepsis that occurs during pregnancy, childbirth, or up to 42 days (six weeks) after delivery. Infections triggering sepsis can be related to the uterus, such as after a C-section incision or a tear from childbirth. Other common sources, like urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, or strep throat, can also escalate to sepsis.
Recognizing Warning Signs
Identifying sepsis warning signs during pregnancy can be challenging, as some symptoms resemble typical pregnancy discomforts. However, awareness of specific body changes aids early recognition.
General signs of sepsis include fever and chills, or sometimes an unusually low body temperature. A rapid heart rate and fast breathing are also common indicators.
Other symptoms can include dizziness, faintness, extreme pain or discomfort, or a general feeling of being unwell disproportionate to a common illness. More specific signs related to infection sites might include lower abdominal pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding. Confusion, slurred speech, or changes in mental status can also occur, indicating severe progression.
Proactive Prevention Strategies
Preventing infections is a primary strategy for avoiding sepsis during pregnancy. Maintaining good personal hygiene, including frequent handwashing with soap and water, is important. Proper wound care, particularly for C-section incisions or perineal tears, involves keeping the area clean and dry.
Managing chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, is important as they increase infection risk. Prompt medical attention for suspected infections, like UTIs or respiratory illnesses, and completing prescribed antibiotics helps prevent worsening infections that could lead to sepsis.
Regular prenatal care appointments allow healthcare providers to monitor overall health, screen for infections, and address issues early. Vaccinations, including the flu and Tdap vaccines, are often recommended during pregnancy to protect both the pregnant individual and the baby.
For the postpartum period, vigilance with hygiene, like frequent changing of sanitary pads and keeping the genital area clean, helps prevent delivery-related infections. Avoiding unpasteurized foods and ensuring meats are thoroughly cooked also reduces foodborne infection risk.
Immediate Action and Medical Care
If any warning signs of sepsis are recognized, immediate medical attention is necessary. Sepsis is a medical emergency, similar to a stroke or heart attack, and rapid diagnosis and treatment are important for outcomes.
Contact a healthcare provider, call emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency room without delay. When seeking care, clearly communicate all symptoms and any recent medical history, such as a recent delivery, miscarriage, abortion, or ongoing infection.
Early treatment for sepsis typically involves administering broad-spectrum antibiotics, often intravenously, to target the infection. Fluid resuscitation may also support organ function.