Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by an infection. The body attacks its organs and tissues, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and sometimes death. Sepsis that occurs during pregnancy, childbirth, after an abortion, or in the days and weeks following childbirth is called Maternal Sepsis.  In the United States, Maternal sepsis is the second leading cause of maternal death and women are more likely to die as a result of pregnancy and childbirth than women in any other developed nation.

April Chavez, END SEPSIS Board Member, is featured in this educational video by the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM). MI AIM is dedicated to improving the culture of maternal safety by decreasing preventable severe maternal morbidity and mortality through the implementation of early recognition patient safety bundles. In the video, April bravely shares her journey, offering invaluable insights into the signs and symptoms of maternal sepsis.

Watch The Video:

Maternal Sepsis Symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of maternal sepsis can vary. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you have any of the following:

• Fever and chills
• Dizziness
• Lower abdominal pain
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Vaginal bleeding
• Increased heart rate
• Chesty cough
• Pain/burning on passing urine or not passing urine in a day
• Feelings of discomfort or illness

If you detect even a few of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately and ask, “could it be sepsis?”

Learn more about Maternal Sepsis & get involved in our End Maternal Sepsis Campaign by clicking HERE.