The single most important risk factor for postpartum maternal infection is
caesarean delivery.
Key messages
􀃎 Infectious complications that occur after caesarean delivery are important and
substantial causes of maternal morbidity and are associated with a significant
increase in hospital stay.
􀃎 The use of prophylactic antibiotics for cesarean section shows a significant
reduction in the incidence of fever, endometritis, wound infection, urinary tract
infection and serious infection morbididty.
􀃎 Obstetrical units should have a policy that promotes the administration of prophylactic
antibiotics for women undergoing caesarean sections.