Questions?What Is Sepsis in Babies?
Infant sepsis happens when a newborn’s immune system responds to an infection and begins damaging their own tissues and organs. They are particularly vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing.
Newborn sepsis may be linked to medical negligence if mistakes in care allow an infection to become more serious and cause a preventable birth injury.
Bacterial sepsis of newborns is a leading cause of infant death in the United States, according to the latest National Vital Statistics Report.
The Birth Injury Justice Center works with a nationwide network of birth injury attorneys who can help, no matter where you live.
Our partners have recovered over $1.1 billion in birth injury compensation, including sepsis after birth, and we’re standing by to help you too. Take the first steps right now with a free case review.
Can Infant Sepsis Cause Birth Injuries?
Yes. Severe infant sepsis can cause serious birth injuries when infection and inflammation damage the brain or other vital organs. Sepsis can also progress to septic shock, multiple organ failure, and death.
Meningitis is another serious complication of neonatal infection. It affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord and may cause permanent neurological damage.
- Brain damage
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental or cognitive impairment
- Hearing or vision loss
- Meningitis
- Organ damage or failure
- Seizures
- Septic shock
Babies who survive neonatal sepsis may face long-term neurological and developmental problems, particularly after severe infection, meningitis, or delayed treatment.
Infant Sepsis and Medical Negligence
A baby developing sepsis does not automatically mean a doctor, nurse, or hospital was negligent. Some infections occur even when health care providers follow the appropriate standard of care.
However, medical negligence may cause or worsen infant sepsis when providers miss known infection risks, fail to recognize symptoms, or delay testing and treatment.
- Giving antibiotics too late or not acting as the baby gets worse
- Inadequately monitoring a newborn at higher risk of infection
- Missing signs of sepsis in the baby
- Not properly screening for or responding to GBS
- Overlooking signs of maternal infection, including chorioamnionitis
- Waiting too long to order blood tests or cultures
When these failures allow an infection to progress, a baby may suffer preventable harm. In the most severe cases, sepsis can be fatal.
If you believe medical negligence caused or worsened your baby’s sepsis, get a free case review to learn about your legal options.
Types of Sepsis in Newborns
Infant sepsis, sometimes called neonatal sepsis or sepsis neonatorum, generally falls into 2 categories based on when symptoms begin. Learn about the types of sepsis for newborn babies below.
Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis
Early-onset neonatal sepsis develops within the first 3 days after birth. It is typically connected to bacteria or other germs passed from the mother to the baby before or during delivery.
Late-Onset Neonatal Sepsis
Late-onset neonatal sepsis develops after the baby’s first 3 days of life. A newborn may acquire an infection from the surrounding environment, including during a hospital or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay.
Medical devices such as an intravenous line or catheter may also provide a pathway for infection in some hospitalized newborns.
Causes of Sepsis in Newborns
Bacterial infections commonly cause neonatal sepsis, although viruses and other infections can also be responsible.
- E. coli: Escherichia coli can cause early-onset sepsis and other severe infections in newborns
- Group B streptococcus (GBS): A common bacterium that can pass from mother to baby during childbirth and cause serious infection
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV): May pass to a baby around delivery and cause severe neonatal illness
- Listeria: Can cause infection during pregnancy and affect a developing or newborn baby
Certain circumstances during pregnancy and delivery may also increase the risk of infections including chorioamnionitis, an infection involving the membranes and amniotic fluid surrounding the baby, and prolonged rupture of membranes.
If a mother’s water breaks 18 hours or more before delivery, for example, bacteria have more opportunity to travel through the birth canal and reach the baby.
Premature babies may also face greater risk because their immune systems are less developed and they receive fewer protective maternal antibodies than full-term babies.
Maternal Infections and Infant Sepsis
Serious maternal infection can affect both a mother and her baby. Maternal sepsis after birth is a life-threatening response to infection that can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period.
If you’re not sure what caused your baby’s sepsis, our labor and delivery nurses can talk with you about what happened and whether medical negligence may have played a role.
Connect with one of our registered nurses right now.
Beth has more than 18 years of specialized experience in labor and delivery. She’s available to hear your story and help you figure out the cause of your child’s injury — and what you can do next.
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Sepsis Signs and Symptoms in Newborn Babies
Signs of sepsis in newborn babies can be difficult to recognize because they may resemble symptoms of other conditions. Newborns can also become seriously ill quickly.
Common symptoms of sepsis in newborns may include:
- Changes in heart rate
- Fast breathing, trouble breathing, or periods of apnea
- Fever or an unusually low body temperature
- Irritability
- Jaundice
- Lethargy or reduced movement
- Poor feeding
- Seizures
- Vomiting or diarrhea
These sepsis symptoms in babies can vary depending on the infection and how sick the baby becomes. Severe sepsis can progress to septic shock, causing dangerously low blood pressure and organ damage.
Parents who notice possible signs of sepsis in their babies should seek medical care right away, especially if their newborn appears seriously ill or is getting worse quickly.
“If your newborn has sepsis, it’s a medical emergency. Your baby needs urgent treatment with antibiotics.”
– Cleveland Clinic
Diagnosis and Sepsis Newborn Treatment
Doctors may use several tests when they suspect infant sepsis. A blood culture can help identify bacteria or other germs causing the infection, while other tests may check for inflammation, changes in blood cells, or other medical complications.
Testing for infant sepsis may include:
- Blood culture
- C-reactive protein testing
- Chest X-ray if pneumonia is suspected
- Complete blood count
- Urine culture
A lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap, collects cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to check for infection. Doctors may perform this if they suspect meningitis.
Infant sepsis treatment may begin before all test results are available because delays can be dangerous. Doctors may start IV antibiotics when they suspect bacterial sepsis and adjust treatment once culture results are available.
Babies with severe sepsis may also need NICU care, including IV fluids, breathing support, and medications to stabilize blood pressure and organ function.
Get Legal Help for a Birth Injury Caused by Sepsis
If medical negligence caused your baby’s sepsis or allowed an infection to become more serious, your family may have legal options. A birth injury lawsuit may provide compensation for your child’s long-term care.
“You do not need a final diagnosis, and you do not need to know exactly what caused your baby’s condition before making that call. That’s what the investigation stage is for.”
– Ricky LeBlanc, Birth Injury Attorney at Sokolove Law
Our legal partners have secured more than $1.1 billion for families affected by preventable birth injuries, and they may be able to help your family, too.
Call us at (800) 914-1562 right now or fill out our case review form to see if we can help you seek the justice and compensation your family deserves.
Infant Sepsis FAQs
Newborn sepsis is caused by an infection, most often bacterial. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and E. coli are common causes, though viruses and other germs can also lead to sepsis.
Signs of sepsis in infants may include:
- Changes in heart rate
- Fever or low body temperature
- Irritability
- Jaundice
- Poor feeding
- Seizures
- Trouble breathing
- Unusual sleepiness
- Vomiting
A newborn with sepsis can become seriously ill very quickly.
Yes. A baby may acquire an infection from the mother before or during delivery that leads to early-onset neonatal sepsis.
GBS and E. coli are infections that are commonly associated with early-onset sepsis in newborns.
Maternal infection and sepsis can create serious risks during pregnancy and childbirth. Some infections affecting the mother can also reach the baby before or during delivery.
However, maternal sepsis does not mean a baby will necessarily develop neonatal sepsis.
Yes. Severe neonatal sepsis can damage the brain, especially if it leads to meningitis, septic shock, or reduced blood flow and oxygen.
If your child had infant sepsis and you’re worried about their health, connect with our experienced registered nurses right now. They’re here to listen to your concerns and help you understand what to do next.
Call us at (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat — it’s always free to talk to us.
Yes. Many babies survive sepsis with prompt treatment. However, severe sepsis can cause permanent injuries or death, especially if treatment is delayed or the infection leads to meningitis, septic shock, or organ damage.
You may be able to file a birth injury lawsuit if medical negligence caused or worsened your baby’s sepsis and led to preventable harm.
A birth injury lawsuit can mean accessing financial compensation to help give your child the best possible chance at a healthy future.
Get a free case review right now to find out if our team can help.
