Jena, 12.05.2026. The Universitätsklinikum Jena is focusing on a vital topic as part of a current awareness week: sepsis in pregnant women. The condition, also known as blood poisoning, is particularly difficult to diagnose during pregnancy and the postpartum period and poses enormous risks.
- Who: Universitätsklinikum Jena (UKJ)
- What: Awareness week to raise sensitivity for sepsis diseases
- Focus group: Pregnant women, women in the postpartum period, and medical staff
- Danger: Rare but often recognized too late and potentially fatal inflammatory reaction
Danger to life through hidden blood poisoning
Sepsis occurs when the immune system overreacts and the body begins to attack its own organs as a result of a bacterial or viral infection. This situation is particularly treacherous for expectant mothers: the normal physiological changes and discomforts during pregnancy or shortly after delivery can strongly mask the typical warning signs of sepsis. Therefore, even medical professionals often find it difficult to diagnose the life-threatening inflammatory reaction beyond doubt in the early stages.
The Uniklinikum Jena is using the ongoing awareness week to sensitize both its own staff and affected women to the issue. Early diagnosis is absolutely crucial, as the health status of mother and child can deteriorate dramatically within a few hours in the case of unrecognized blood poisoning.
Background: Recognizing sepsis and acting immediately
Sepsis is a massive medical emergency in which the immediate start of therapy decides between life and death. Typical but sometimes non-specific warning signs include an extreme, unprecedented feeling of illness, sudden confusion, shortness of breath, a significantly accelerated pulse, and high fever or extreme chills. Experts warn against prematurely dismissing such massive symptoms during pregnancy or shortly after birth as ordinary exhaustion.
The Universitätsklinikum Jena in the district of Lobeda is considered one of the most important centers for sepsis research nationwide. The experts there urgently advise: in the event of acute suspicion of an infection that has gotten out of control, medical help should be sought immediately and, in an emergency, the rescue service should always be alerted via 112.
Source:
Video: Uniklinik Jena makes people aware of sepsis in pregnancy | MDR.DE
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.