Paisley mum who survived maternal sepsis urges pregnant women to be wary of signs

A Paisley mum, who survived maternal sepsis, is urging pregnant women to be more aware of the signs.

In September of last year, Jenna Allcock started to feel “wiped out” the day after her baby shower ahead of daughter Mollie’s arrival.

The 32-year-old experienced pain across her stomach, which gradually became more severe.

Upon arriving at the Royal Alexandra Maternity Hospital, the mum’s heart rate continued to rise. The following day, Jenna started to convulse, shake and vomit.

She said: “Throughout this time, I had the monitor on my stomach tracking Mollie’s heart rate and movements.

“I started to become really worried because my heart rate was reaching 160, and Mollie’s was also very high. I hadn’t felt her move for hours, which was very unusual as she had always been an active baby.

Jenna started to feel "wiped out" the day after her baby shower — Jenna started to feel “wiped out” the day after her baby shower FEAT

“Doctors started arriving quickly and ran tests, including an ECG. They told me that all my symptoms were pointing towards sepsis and that they believed the source was my appendix.

“When I heard the word sepsis, my heart just sank. I was terrified – not only for myself but for Mollie.”

A CT scan was carried out, which identified that Jenna’s appendix was very close to rupturing and that she had maternal sepsis, one of the top direct causes of death for new mothers according to charity Sepsis Research FEAT.

Doctors conducted an emergency caesarean section to ensure the safety of baby Mollie.

Immediately after the arrival of her daughter, Jenna’s appendix was removed, and the infection was flushed from the area.

As she was wheeled into the operating room, Jenna said she was “terrified”.

“Not only was I suddenly facing emergency surgery, but I realised I wouldn’t have the birth I had imagined,” she added.

“I wouldn’t get to see Mollie’s little face when she arrived because I would be under general anaesthetic.

“At that moment, though, I knew I had no choice but to trust the medical team around me. I was in a lot of pain, and I just wanted Mollie to be safe.

“What scared me the most was that I hadn’t felt her move for around eight hours. I remember lying there worrying about whether I would wake up to meet my baby – or whether I would even wake up myself.”

Jenna and Mollie were both affected by sepsis FEAT

The new mum did not get to meet her daughter, who was also affected by the sepsis infection, for more than 12 hours after she gave birth.

Jenna said: “When I finally met her the next morning, it was overwhelming. She was so tiny and perfect and I just remember feeling such a mixture of relief, love and sadness for everything we had both just been through.

“The days that followed were really emotional for me. I missed some of the moments you dream about as a new mum – I didn’t get to hold her straight away, I didn’t get to change her first nappy or dress her in her first babygrow, and we didn’t get that immediate skin-to-skin time after she was born.”

The construction marketing manager credits the team at the Paisley hospital for saving both her and Mollie’s lives.

Jenna is now urging pregnant women to “listen to their body” and recognise the signs of sepsis.

The mum said: “If something doesn’t feel right, seek help and don’t ever worry about ‘wasting anyone’s time’. No question is a silly one when it comes to your health. You know your body better than anyone else, and acting quickly can save lives.”

The latest MBRRACE-UK 2025 report found sepsis carries a 10% mortality rate in the UK, yet it is frequently omitted from postnatal leaflets and discharge discussions.

The report suggests that many maternal deaths are potentially avoidable if warning signs are recognised sooner.

Dr Andrew Conway Morris, medical director of Sepsis Research FEAT, said: “Pregnant and recently-pregnant women are at increased risk of infections.

“Whilst most of these will be self-limiting, it is vital that people can recognise the signs and symptoms of sepsis in case this develops. Women and their families should never be afraid to ask the question ‘could this be sepsis?’ and seek urgent medical attention if they become unwell.”