Postpartum Antimicrobial Therapy for Intrapartum Infection

Intrapartum antimicrobial agents administered for suspected or confirmed intramniotic infection should not be continued automatically postpartum. It suggests that women who have vaginal deliveries are less likely to have endometritis and may not require postpartum antibiotics. For women undergoing cesarean deliveries, at least one additional dose of antimicrobial agents after delivery is recommended. The presence of other maternal risk factors like bacteremia or persistent fever in the postpartum period may be used to guide continuation of antimicrobial therapy.