Sepsis in obese pregnant women (concise version)

The terms “overweight” and “obesity” are defined by the World Health Organisation as an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. Obesity is further classified into three categories: Class 1 (BMI 30.0–34.9kg/m2), Class 2 (BMI 35–39.9kg/m2) and Class 3 or morbid obesity (BMI >40.0kg/m2). Animal, epidemiological and limited human studies have reported that obesity increases susceptibility to both bacterial and viral infections. There is increasing evidence of the increased risk of sepsis in association with obesity in pregnancy.