Sepsis in obese pregnant women

• We summarise the epidemiology of both obesity and sepsis in pregnancy.
• We summarise the immunological factors associated with both the pregnant and the obese state.
• We provide a summary of the surgical issues that should be taken into account when doing a caesarean section on the obese patient to prevent infection.
• We summarise best practice investigation and management for the septic obese patient.
• We give an overview of the specific infections that obese pregnant patients are susceptible to.

Animal, epidemiological and limited human studies have reported that obesity increases susceptibility to both bacterial and viral infections. Obesity has now reached worldwide epidemic proportions with a recent study estimating that there are currently 2.1 billion obese adults in the world. The rates of sepsis in both the non-pregnant and pregnant population are also increasing. Obesity is an independent risk factor for both infection and sepsis in pregnancy. This review article addresses the epidemiology, immunological factors, infection sites, investigation, management, specific intrapartum care and postnatal care of the obese pregnant woman with infection.