HSE urges people to know the signs and symptoms of sepsis for Maternal Sepsis Awareness Week 2026

The HSE is urging expectant mothers, new parents and healthcare professionals to recognise the signs and symptoms of sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can hide behind any infection.

Maternal sepsis is the name for sepsis that develops during pregnancy or up to 6 weeks (42 days) after:

• the birth
• a miscarriage
• termination of pregnancy.

Research has found that symptoms of sepsis are easy to dismiss, miss or mistake for something else.

In 2024, there were 285 cases of pregnancy-related sepsis. In addition, between 2020 and 2024, there were 2,704 cases of paediatric sepsis in children aged under one year. Pregnancy causes changes in the immune system, which can make mothers more vulnerable to infections that may lead to sepsis.

Michael O’ Dwyer, Clinical Lead, HSE Sepsis Programme, says: “Maternal sepsis can occur during pregnancy and up to six weeks after birth. It can also occur after a miscarriage or termination of pregnancy. If you are expecting a child or have given birth, we would urge you to make yourself familiar with the signs and symptoms of sepsis.

“Sepsis can be hard to diagnose as it hides behind any infection and develops rapidly. Early intervention can save lives. If you suspect you or someone you know has sepsis, seek urgent medical care and always ask, ‘Could it be Sepsis?’”

Signs and symptoms of sepsis in adults (including maternity) are:

• S - slurred speech, new confusion, too sick to communicate, drowsiness
• E - extreme shivering, muscle aches, fever
• P - has not passed urine in the last 12 hours and does not feel like passing urine
• S - shortness of breath, lips tinged with blue, feels like your heart is racing, dizzy when you sit or stand
• I - I feel like I'm going to die
• S - skin mottled and discoloured, new rash that is still visible when pressed on with a clear glass (glass test).

The signs and symptoms of sepsis in children are:

• very fast breathing
• fits or convulsions
• mottled skin (irregular colour), bluish or pale
• a rash that does not fade when you press it
• unusually cold when you touch them wake
• Unusually cold when you touch them
• has had no pee for more than 12 hours.

Find out more information on maternal sepsis.