Backed by Leading Doctors, the ‘Mums Matter Too’ Campaign Urges Greater Awareness and Action to Tackle Maternal Sepsis
Not enough is said about the dangers and symptoms of maternal sepsis – that’s exactly what a new health awareness campaign aims to change. To mark Mother’s Day 2025, Sepsis Research FEAT is launching Mums Matter Too, a vital campaign highlighting the dangers of maternal sepsis, one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in the UK.
While the focus is understandably often on the health of the baby, the charity is also championing mothers’ health – because too many lives are lost or irrevocably changed, with devastating outcomes, due to a lack of awareness of the symptoms of sepsis and the need to act fast to get medical attention.
The campaign aims to educate expectant and new mothers, as well as their family support networks and healthcare professionals, on the warning signs of sepsis, which can develop rapidly during pregnancy and postpartum. With maternal sepsis accounting for up to 9% of all maternal deaths in the UK, early recognition and urgent medical treatment are crucial.
During pregnancy and the postpartum period, women are more vulnerable to infections, with some at even higher risk due to factors such as being from an ethnic minority background, obesity, a maternal age of more than 35, caesarean delivery, multiple births, prolonged rupture of membranes, and conditions like Diabetes.**
“While the well-being of the baby is rightfully a priority after birth it’s equally important to recognise that mothers’ health matters too.” said Dr. Erum Khan, a senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. Maternal postpartum recovery, both physically and emotionally, deserves attention and care to ensure the well-being of both mother and child.”
Sepsis Research FEAT is calling on partners, families, friends, and healthcare providers to be part of a community paying particular attention to the health of new mums – recognising when something isn’t right and ensuring they get the urgent medical care they need.
Dr. Erum Khan continued – “Maternal sepsis remains a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. The physiological changes during pregnancy can often mask the early signs of sepsis, leading to rapid deterioration. It should be considered in all pregnant and postpartum women with suspected infection and sudden clinical deterioration. It is imperative for both healthcare professionals and expectant or new mothers to be vigilant. Any suspected sepsis in the community warrants immediate hospital referral. Early recognition and timely intervention are crucial in preventing life-threatening complications.”
TV doctor and mum Dr Punam Krishan is supporting the campaign, sharing her personal experience with maternal sepsis to raise awareness, alongside real-life case studies from mothers who survived maternal sepsis and are sharing their experiences to raise awareness.
Dr Krishan, a Glasgow-based GP and media personality, faced a life-threatening battle with sepsis following the birth of her son. After suffering a postpartum haemorrhage, she developed severe complications, including heart and lung failure, clotting issues, and widespread sepsis. She was placed on a ventilator in intensive care.
Reflecting on her experience, Punam emphasises the importance of awareness:
“I never imagined that childbirth could lead to such a critical condition. My experience with sepsis was harrowing, and it highlighted how quickly things can escalate. Through this campaign, I want to ensure that other mothers and their support systems recognise the signs early and seek immediate medical attention. It could be the difference between life and death.”
For Leila, a young mother who developed sepsis after the birth of her son, her symptoms were mistaken for a common postpartum infection. Within hours, she was critically ill and needed urgent medical intervention.
“I never thought something like this could happen to me,” Leila said. “I felt exhausted, but I put it down to being a new mum. If I’d ignored my symptoms any longer, I might not be here today.”
Know the Signs – Act Fast
Some sepsis symptoms can be mistaken for those of normal postpartum recovery, making awareness critical. New mothers should seek urgent medical attention if they experience:
- Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms
- Rapid breathing or heart rate
- Confusion, dizziness, or feeling faint
- Extreme fatigue or muscle pain
- Discoloured or clammy skin
- Prolonged vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain post birth
By recognising the signs early and seeking medical help, lives can be saved.
Sepsis Research FEAT is urging the public to support the campaign by sharing maternal sepsis stories, engaging with resources, and ensuring that mothers feel empowered to prioritise their health too.
