Obstetric protocols in the setting of a pandemic.

The purpose of this article is to review key areas that should be considered and modified in our obstetric protocols, specifically: 1) Patient triage, 2) Labor and delivery unit policies, 3) Special considerations for personal protective equipment (PPE) needs in obstetrics, 4) Intrapartum management, and 5) Postpartum care.

Intrapartum Procedures for Prevention of Infections and Complications in Mothers During Childbirth.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple factors can cause infection and other pathological conditions in mothers during childbirth. These risk factors and diseases/complications can be prevented or timely detected through the implementation of special protocols/procedures. The aim of this paper is to identify the implementation of procedures/measures for the prevention and detection of infections and risk factors for morbidity and mortality in four hospitals in the Republic of Macedonia, before and during childbirth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in four hospitals in R. Macedonia, in December 2016, on certain days according to the same principle of selection in all institutions. The questionnaire used contained relevant and specific questions related to the application of procedures and protocols at the maternity clinic at the time of admission to the birthplace and immediately prior to delivery. RESULTS: The study analyzes the performed procedures from 137 obstetric histories. Cardiotocograph was taken after the admission in a hospital in 86% of the mothers; a temperature was measured at only 47.5%, and arterial tension at 89.8%. Immediately before delivery, the color and odor of the vaginal discharge in 98.5% of the mothers was checked, urine was analyzed only in 8% of the mothers, and the analysis of the time of rupture of the mammalian sheaths in 98.6% of the mothers. CONCLUSION: The study showed that part of the analyzed procedures was not sufficiently implemented, and the percentage distribution varied between hospitals. There is a need for introduction of organized programs with standard procedures in maternity wards in order to protect against infections and other pathological conditions during childbirth.