Learn about different types of infections during pregnancy and childbirth. Learn about universal infection prevention/ infection control protocols.

World Health Organization (WHO) hopes for every pregnant woman receiving high quality of care and support throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. WHO has outlined eight standards for the quality of maternity care.

By participating in the Network for Improving Quality of Care for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, India is one of 9 countries committed to reducing maternal mortality rates.

Skin-to-skin care, or “Kangaroo Care” means placing the dried and unclothed newborn baby on the mother’s bare chest with a light blanket covering the baby. Skin-to-skin contact stabilizes the newborn, promotes mother-baby bonding and helps establish early breastfeeding.

Hospitals are becoming more open to the idea of partner-assisted delivery, i.e. allowing fathers in the delivery room during labour. Fathers-to-be should know these guidelines if they plan to be present at their child’s birth.