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Maternal sepsis: how prompt diagnosis saves lives

Maternal sepsis is a critical and often underestimated threat to global health. This life-threatening condition can develop rapidly and poses serious risks to mothers during pregnancy, childbirth or postpartum. Despite advancements in medical care, maternal sepsis continues to claim lives, particularly in low-resource settings, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness and proactive measures.

While some postpartum changes are normal, certain signs should raise concern.

Key indicators of maternal sepsis include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Rapid Heart Rate
• Difficulty Breathing

Distinguishing between normal postpartum changes and symptoms of maternal sepsis can be challenging. For example, mild fatigue, some pain and slight temperature changes are common after giving birth. However, symptoms that escalate, persist or appear suddenly are cause for concern.

Paying attention to the body’s signals and trusting instinct when something feels off can make all the difference. Recognizing these signs early provides an opportunity to seek care and address the issue before it becomes critical.

Maternal sepsis requires swift and accurate diagnosis to ensure the best outcomes. The process typically involves a combination of clinical evaluations, laboratory tests and advanced diagnostic tools.

The diagnostic journey begins with a thorough assessment of symptoms and medical history. Then laboratory tests are run to confirm the presence of infection and assess its severity. Advanced tools, such as sample-to-answer molecular diagnostics instruments, can support a more precise evaluation. These results, combined with clinical judgment, guide the care team in determining the severity of the condition and the most effective treatment plan.

Prevention of maternal sepsis depends on proper care and education during every stage of pregnancy, delivery and recovery.

Prenatal Care
Regular prenatal check-ups play a key role in identifying risk factors for maternal sepsis. Health care providers monitor underlying conditions, such as diabetes or anemia, that can increase susceptibility to infections and administer vaccinations to decrease the likelihood of future sickness. Prompt treatment of infections, no matter how minor they may seem, is essential to avoid complications.

Infection Control During Labor and Delivery
Labor and delivery require strict hygiene and infection control protocols to minimize risks. Monitoring signs of infection during labor and minimizing unnecessary interventions can reduce the chances of developing sepsis.

Post-Natal Care
After delivery, attention to maternal health is equally important, as early recognition and treatment of infections can prevent escalation. New mothers should be encouraged to attend postpartum check-ups and report any concerning symptoms immediately.

Patient Education
Giving mothers clear, straightforward information about preventing infections and encouraging open communication with health care providers can empower them to take charge of their health.

Prevention of maternal sepsis is a team effort. With proper care, awareness and education, the risks can be significantly reduced, ensuring a safer experience for both mothers and their babies.

The “golden hour” in maternal sepsis management refers to the critical window of time when rapid medical intervention can significantly reduce the risk of severe complications. Sepsis progresses quickly, often leading to organ failure, shock or even death if not treated promptly. For pregnant individuals or those who have recently given birth, the stakes are even higher due to the unique physiological changes during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

Acting within this early period is vital to controlling the infection, stabilizing the patient and preventing long-term health issues. During the golden hour, health care professionals focus on identifying symptoms, administering antibiotics and supporting vital functions. Early action ensures that the infection is halted before it can cause irreversible damage. Prioritizing quick medical attention protects patients and ensures better outcomes in maternal sepsis cases.

The Importance of Reliable Tests

Delays in identifying maternal sepsis can lead to severe complications or even life-threatening outcomes. Prompt and accurate diagnosis not only ensures faster treatment but also reduces the risk of long-term health issues. One way to ensure reliable sample-to-answer sepsis test results is to use a quality control that comprehensively verifies instrument performance. MDx-Chex^® controls are the only controls on the market that validate each step of the analysis process. That’s sepsis QC you can trust.

Learn more about MDx-Chex