Ten Red Flag Signs of Maternal sepsis

1.   Pyrexia > 38_C

2.   Sustained tachycardia > 100 bpm

3.   Breathlessness (RR > 20)

4.   Abdominal or chest pain

5.   Diarrhoea and/or vomiting

6.   Reduced or absent fetal movements, or absent fetal heart

7.   Spontaneous rupture of membranes or significant vaginal discharge

8.   Uterine/renal angle pain and tenderness

9.   appears or feels generally unwell 

10.        Unduly anxious, distressed 

The combination of any of the above two makes a seriously valid case for correct thought process to rule out maternal sepsis. Of all the vital signs respiratory rate is the most important variable for assessing the clinical situation of the patient. Respiratory rate is the most sensitive indicator of patient's physiological well being.