Which maternal risk factor contributes to the risk of neonatal sepsis?

Maternal fever is a significant risk factor for neonatal sepsis because it often indicates an underlying infection in the mother. When a mother has a fever, it could suggest conditions such as chorioamnionitis, which is an infection of the amniotic fluid and membranes surrounding the fetus. This condition increases the risk of the infant being exposed to pathogens either during labor or delivery. Additionally, the inflammatory response associated with fever may compromise the neonatal immune system, making the newborn more susceptible to infections, including sepsis.

In contrast, the other choices do not have the same level of associated risk concerning neonatal sepsis. Excessive exercise during pregnancy does not directly correlate to an increased infection risk in the infant, and high socioeconomic status generally leads to better access to prenatal care, which can reduce infection risks. Healthy dietary habits support overall maternal and fetal health but do not directly influence the susceptibility to infections like maternal fever does.