
WHO recommendations prioritize evidence-based interventions for prevention and treatment of genital tract infections during labour, childbirth, and the puerperium. Globally, the most common intervention for preventing morbidity and mortality related to maternal peripartum infection is the use of antibiotics for prophylaxis and treatment.
Full Answer
What are the treatment recommendations for maternal peripartum infections?
The recommendations on treatment of maternal peripartum infections are specific to antibiotic management of chorioamnionitis and postpartum endometritis. For each recommendation, the overall quality of evidence was graded as very low, low, moderate or high.
What are the who recommendations for prevention and treatment of maternal infections?
WHO RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF MATERNAL PERIPARTUM INFECTIONS 4 1. Background Bacterial infections during labour and the puerperium are among the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, accounting for about one tenth of the global burden of maternal deaths (1, 2) While the
Where can I find evidence for prevention and treatment of peripartum infections?
for prevention and treatment of maternal peripartum infection: evidence base ” at www.who.int/ reproductivehealth/publications/maternal_ perinatal_health/peripartum-infections-guidelines). Balance worksheets summarizing the quality of
What is a maternal peripartum infection?
of other extragenital infections such as infections of the breast or urinary tract and localized or incidental infections that are unrelated to childbirth. For clarity, the current guideline adopted the use of the term “maternal peripartum infection” to account for both intrapartum (intra-amniotic

Overview
The goal of the present guideline is to consolidate guidance for effective interventions that are needed to reduce the global burden of maternal infections and their complications around the time of childbirth.
Related documents
WHO recommendations for prevention and treatment of maternal peripartum infections (Guideline)
Introduction
Bacterial infections around the time of childbirth account for about one tenth of the global burden of maternal death. Although the majority of these deaths are recorded in low-income countries, childbirth-related infections are also an important direct cause of maternal mortality in high-income countries.
Target audience
The primary audience for this guideline is health professionals who are responsible for developing national and local health protocols and policies, as well as managers of maternal and child health programmes and policy-makers in all settings.
Guideline development methods
The development of this guideline was guided by standard operating procedures in accordance with the process described in the WHO handbook for guideline development.
Recommendations
The WHO technical consultation adopted 20 recommendations covering prioritized questions related to the prevention and treatment of maternal peripartum infections. The prevention aspect of the recommendations focuses on the routine use of minor procedures (e.g.
How to prevent post caesarean infection?
The main strategies to prevent post-caesarean infections include the observation of fundamental surgical aseptic techniques and use of prophylactic antibiotics. However, the global use of prophylactic antibiotics for caesarean births varies largely between hospitals, 5. Morisaki N.
What is the WHO recommendation for maternal peripartum infection?
WHO recommendations for the prevention and treatment of maternal peripartum infections. World Health Organization , Geneva 2015. In this guideline, the term “maternal peripartum infection” was adopted to consider bacterial infections of the genital tract or its surrounding tissues occurring at any time between the onset of rupture ...
Can antibiotics be given after a caesarean section?
In view of the overall evidence in favour of prophylactic antibiotics, the panel acknowledged that antibiotics are also effective when given after umbilical cord clamping, particularly in cases of emergency caesarean section where the available time to administer antibiotics before surgery might be limited.
Can antibiotics reduce infection?
Although evidence to support this practice is inconclusive, indirect evidence from studies on caesarean section and abortion, as well as a review of observational studies, suggest that antibiotic use could reduce infection risk after such an invasive procedure.
