Maternal Sepsis: From First Symptoms to Life-Saving Care

Maternal sepsis is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, and when it occurs, it can escalate quickly and become life-threatening. The challenge? Early symptoms are often subtle, easy to miss, or mistaken for normal changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. In recognition of Maternal Sepsis Week, Dr. Eve Glazier speaks with returning guest, Mya Zapata, MD, and Rashmi Rao, MD, OB-GYNs at UCLA Health, about the full trajectory of maternal sepsis, from the first warning signs to the urgent interventions that can save lives. They discuss common causes and risk factors, how symptoms may differ during pregnancy and postpartum, and what both patients and providers should watch for – highlighting how quickly conditions can change and the importance of acting without delay.
Podcast Credits for UCLA Health Medically Speaking with Dr. Eve Glazier:
• Host: Dr. Eve Glazier
• Executive Producers: Annie Krasnow, Michael Burke, Suzanne Koudsi Walker
• Producers: Niki Miller, Jessica Alabastro
• Creative Producer: Kanza Shaheen
• Social Media and Communications: Bonnie Kim
• Technical Directors: Adrian Cardoso, Andrew Stocks
• Editor: Tony Sweet
• Recorded at: Canella Media
Special thanks to our expert guests and the incredible staff across UCLA Health who make this podcast possible. A special thank you to Johnese Spisso, President of UCLA Health and CEO of the UCLA Hospital System, for her visionary leadership and support. We are also grateful to the patients and families whose stories inspire our work every day.
Produced by: UCLA Health Communications & Marketing
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.