ABSTRACT
Infection has had a reduced profi le in UK maternity care over the past several decades, not specifi cally because of low levels but largely because ease of access to – and effi ciency of – antibiotics has resulted in very reduced morbidity and mortality levels. Overall better nutrition, housing and access to skilled care and blood transfusion have also improved outcomes. However, recently infection has again become the primary cause of maternal mortality in the UK (CMACE 2011).
