Sepsis following pregnancy

10th May 2012 by Louise Hudman

This guideline from the RCOG covers management of post-natal sepsis (i.e. in the first 6/52 after delivery).

Causes of sepsis following pregnancy

In women presenting with infection postnatally, especially consider the following possible causes:

  • UTI
  • Endometritis
  • Cellulitis (eg around cannulas or caesarean section scars)
  • Mastitis
  • Necrotising fasciitis (beware excruciating pain with little outward sign of a problem)

Red flags in the postnatal period

The advice is that if any of these are present, the lady should be referred back to hospital:

  • Temp > 38
  • Pulse > 90
  • RR > 20
  • Abdo / chest pain
  • Diarrhoea and/or vomiting
  • Uterine or renal angle pain
  • Generally unwell or undue anxiety or distress

Contacts of Group A Sepsis

  • Normally chemoprophylaxis would be used only if there had been 2 or more cases. In post-natal or neonatal cases, only 1 case is needed before chemoprophylaxis is advised. Close contacts would be treated (e.g. members of same household, boyfriends and girlfriends, students sharing a dormitory or university students sharing a kitchen). Normally close contacts would be identified and contacted by HPA / microbiology. What antibiotic is used will depend on sensitivities etc in the case, so seek advice.
  • Healthcare workers only need chemoprophylaxis if there has been direct contamination (e.g. needlestick/respiratory droplets).

Read more

No credit card details needed – it takes two minutes.

Join free trial

Login

Already a member? Login to view this content.

Login

"I’ve done respiratory nursing clinics through Frimley ICS Primary Care Staff Bank and it was such a great experience. During my clinic I realised how valued and needed my skills are. Locuming gave me a great sense of pride and enthusiasm and I felt respected for my work. It was really easy to book and get paid too. I would recommend LocumDeck for Nurses to my colleagues."

Katrina Munro, Nurse Ambassador, Frimley Training Hub

See the full list of features within our NASGP membership plans

Membership