AS the world marks Maternal Sepsis Week, the UK charity Sepsis Research FEAT is highlighting a sobering reality: maternal sepsis remains a significant cause of pregnancy and childbirth-related deaths worldwide. In the UK, the condition carries a 10per cent mortality rate, with latest figures showing that many of these tragedies could have been prevented. 

The MBRRACE-UK 2025 report reveals that maternal mortality between 2021-2023 stood at 12.67 per 100,000 pregnancies. While thrombosis and cardiac disease are leading causes, sepsis remains one of the top direct killers of mothers. The report’s common themes are a stark warning; infections starting as routine issues, like a urinary tract infection (UTI), wound infection, or mastitis, can spiral into life-threatening emergencies due to delays in recognition, escalation, and treatment.

Despite the risks, many survivors report that sepsis was never flagged during their maternity journey. It is frequently missing from postnatal leaflets and handouts, and many women are not informed of the risks even after undergoing major surgery such as a C-section. This lack of information leaves mothers and their families without a prompt to seek urgent medical attention if they feel unusually unwell.

Dr Andrew Conway Morris, Medical Director of Sepsis Research FEAT, said: “Pregnant and recently-pregnant women are at increased risk of infections. Whilst most of these will be self-limiting, it is vital that people can recognise the signs and symptoms of sepsis in case this develops. Women and their families should never be afraid to ask the question ‘could this be sepsis?’ and seek urgent  medical  attention if they become unwell.”

The charity is highlighting that early diagnosis and the rapid initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics are critical to saving lives. To achieve this, Sepsis Research FEAT is prioritising funding for research into rapid diagnostics. By supporting the development of  tools that allow for faster bedside identification of infection, the charity aims to ensure that when a mother or family member speaks up, clinicians have the technology to act immediately.

Sepsis Research FEAT is also calling for mothers, partners, and healthcare professionals to help shape the future of care through Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) opportunities. If you have been affected by maternal sepsis and feel able to share your experience, your voice can help shape the information and research that mums need most. Partners, family members, and clinicians such as midwives and GPs are also invited to share their insights to help the charity understand what made a difference or what was missing in the care they received or provided.

The core message for this Maternal Sepsis Week is one of empowerment and self-advocacy. If something feels wrong, worse than you expect, or different to what friends describe, it is always okay to ask: “Could it be sepsis?” Speaking up early can save lives today, and sharing your experiences can shape better care for tomorrow.

Members of the public can help by supporting Sepsis Research FEAT’s work to understand and prevent sepsis. Donations to fund vital research into early detection and treatment can be made at www.sepsisresearch.org.uk/donate.