The original definitions of sepsis and related conditions (SIRS, severe sepsis and septic shock) are now more than 20 years old (Sepsis- 1 originated from the ACCP/SCCM consensus meeting in 1991 and Sepsis 2 from 2001)
Lifting something heavy. This caution is really for women who can cause a placental tear in the second or third trimester. This does not necessarily mean a miscarriage, and usually if you feel terrible pains later, it just means that you strained one of the round ligaments holding your uterus in place. A little rest will be all that is needed.
It's usually white or clear. A lot of things can cause vaginal bleeding. It is often on oncoming period, a scratch from a fingernail, or a rip from not being lubricated enough during sex. I have never heard of heavy lifting causing vaginal bleeding. You need to talk to your ob-gyn though. Only she can tell you if something is wrong or not.