Would you know the signs if you were in "shock?"

If not... I want to scare you.

Alright, now we’re really getting into it. Would you know if you were in shock? Despite the staggering ONE MILLION Americans diagnosed with Septic Shock each year - most people couldn’t tell you what it is or how to spot it. This #maternalsepsisweek (least sexy holiday ever, I know, but bear with me) I’m going to give you a leg up: here’s how to spot and survive the shock that can be caused by a cold, flu, papercut or any other infection — that almost killed me.

First off, what even is “shock?” (h/t Oxford English Dictionary)

1. an acute medical condition associated with a fall in blood pressure, caused by such events as loss of blood, severe burns, bacterial infection, allergic reaction, or sudden emotional stress, and marked by cold, pallid skin, irregular breathing, rapid pulse, and dilated pupils:

   "he died of shock due to massive abdominal hemorrhage"

Sounds extremely unpleasant, right? It is. And I know, you were probably thinking of this one: ​

2: a strong feeling of surprise as a result of something happening, especially something unpleasant; the event that causes this feeling

Which, I gotta say, also applies.

But more importantly, septic shock can come from any infection that goes untreated — and sepsis is extremely pervasive, affecting 1.7 Milllion Americans each year. When it is left untreated and progresses to septic shock, nearly half of victims die. So it’s really important to know the signs:

Too often, I hear women tell each other “I don’t want to scare you.” In this case - I do want to scare you. If you or a loved one has the symptoms above, it could be sepsis and is a medical emergency. Know the signs!