Maternal Sepsis Pathway

Where sepsis care takes place there should be a policy or guideline for sepsis care that reflects the time-critical nature of treatment and provides parameters for evidence-based practice.

Use of a locally approved clinical pathway to guide assessment, diagnosis and appropriate treatments within the recommended time frame, is essential to support hospitals to recognise and manage patients presenting with sepsis. Pathways support the timely recognition and critical response to life threatening infections.

Together with clinical and consumer experts, we have incorporated the latest evidence-based practices and clinical guidelines to create the Maternal Sepsis Pathway. There is a focus on improving patient outcomes and supporting healthcare professionals in delivering high-quality care, particularly as signs and symptoms of maternal Sepsis can look different to that of the average adult.  We encourage all clinicians and health services to familiarise themselves for integration into practice and we recommend that all health services that care for women to implement the pathway in line with their local sepsis guideline and policies. 

For maternal sepsis antibiotic guidance, see the Adult Sepsis Pathway Antibiotic Guidance.

Background

Maternal sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when an infection during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period spreads throughout the body. It most commonly arises from infections in the uterus, particularly during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth.

While maternal sepsis is preventable, it can develop when surgical incisions (such as from a C-section), perineal tears, or other birth-related wounds become infected in the days or weeks following delivery (Sepsis Australia). Additionally, infections such as pneumonia, influenza, urinary tract infections or of the uterus during pregnancy and the post-partum period can escalate and lead to sepsis.

More information

Sepsis | Clinical guidance

This guidance includes the Victorian Adult Sepsis Pathway and resources to help health services implement the pathway.

Maternal Sepsis | Clinical guidance

This guideline provides an evidence-based guide for clinical staff to identify and manage suspected or confirmed sepsis in pregnant women, from 16 weeks gestation to around 2 weeks postpartum.