A 40-year-old British woman who moved to Nigeria to start a new life with her husband has died alongside her unborn daughter after developing sepsis weeks before her due date.

Claire Chadwick, a British woman who had relocated to Nigeria, was 37 weeks pregnant when her unborn baby died. Chadwick subsequently developed sepsis and died from septic shock in Nigeria, according to reports.

The mother-of-one had relocated to the West African country to be with her husband, Ibrahim. The couple had documented their relationship, faith and food challenges on TikTok and Instagram.

Following the tragedy, Chadwick's sister, Shannon, launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking £10,000 to cover the costs of bringing Claire's body back to the UK and handling the associated legal arrangements. The fundraiser described the loss as sudden.

Her death has drawn attention to maternal sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication of infection that can develop during pregnancy, childbirth or after delivery.

Maternal Sepsis Can Develop During Pregnancy

Sepsis occurs when the body's response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. It can develop from bacterial, viral or fungal infections and progress rapidly without treatment.

During pregnancy, childbirth or the period following delivery, it is known as maternal sepsis. Infections can originate in different parts of the body, including the urinary tract and reproductive system.

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies pregnant and recently pregnant women as being at increased risk of sepsis. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) reported in its 2024 guidance that maternal sepsis accounts for approximately 11% of maternal deaths globally.

However, available reports have not established the source of Chadwick's infection. Her death therefore cannot be attributed to a specific pregnancy complication or infection.

Sepsis Symptoms Can Worsen Quickly

Early symptoms may include fever, chills, extreme tiredness, muscle pain and feeling seriously unwell. As sepsis progresses, patients may develop a rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, confusion, reduced urine output or difficulty breathing.

The CDC lists clammy skin, extreme pain or discomfort, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, severe vaginal bleeding and shortness of breath among warning signs that require urgent medical attention during pregnancy or after delivery. These symptoms can indicate serious complications and should not be used alone to diagnose sepsis.

Fever is not always present. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine advises healthcare professionals to consider sepsis in pregnant or postpartum patients with suspected infection and unexplained organ dysfunction, even without a fever.

Read more

Early Treatment Can Prevent Septic Shock

Sepsis is a medical emergency. If it progresses to septic shock, blood pressure can fall dangerously low, reducing blood flow to vital organs and potentially causing multiple organ failure.

Treatment involves identifying the infection source and administering appropriate antibiotics promptly. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommends starting broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatment as soon as possible, ideally within one hour when sepsis or septic shock is strongly suspected.

Patients may also require intravenous fluids, close monitoring and critical care. If the uterus is identified as the source of infection, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommends prompt delivery or evacuation of uterine contents to control the infection, regardless of gestational age.

Maternal Sepsis Remains a Global Health Concern

The WHO identifies early diagnosis, timely treatment and infection prevention as essential measures for reducing sepsis-related deaths.

Chadwick's death is a devastating loss for her family and highlights the importance of accessible maternity care during pregnancy and after delivery. Recognising warning signs and urgently investigating suspected infections can be critical in preventing maternal sepsis from progressing to life-threatening organ damage.

Read more