Reducing maternal sepsis

Abstract

Despite significant advances in the diagnosis and management of sepsis, sepsis in the puerperium remains an important cause of maternal death (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) 2012). To ensure the best outcome for women who are septic, timely diagnosis and treatment is required, together with the appropriate management by midwives and other members of the multidisciplinary team. As the rates of maternal death due to sepsis are decreasing, midwives should be aware of how to educate women in the prevention of sepsis, using national recommendations.This article addresses the need for health care professionals to be aware of the signs and symptoms of sepsis and the importance of a prompt referral to an appropriate place to initiate treatment of the septic woman.