ABSTRACT
Universal prenatal maternal screening with anovaginal specimen at 36–37 weeks and intrapartum antibiotic treatment are the most efficacious of the current strategies for prevention of neonatal early-onset group B streptococcus disease. There is no evidence to support the use of vaginal chlorhexidine by either irrigation or vaginal wipes during labor in order to prevent maternal and neonatal infections. The administration of routine antibiotic prophylaxis for term prelabor rupture of membranes is not associated with either maternal or neonatal beneficial outcomes compared to no antibiotic prophylaxis. Since the evidence shows a shorter duration of labor without an in increase in harm, there is little to no justification for the restriction of fluids and food in labor for women at low risk of complications. Active management of labor was originally devised to shorten labor and therefore prevent prolonged labor. The intrauterine pressure catheter can measure more objectively than external to monitor the intensity of uterine contractions.
