Implementing a policy in which prophylactic antibiotics are administered within 1 hour before incision rather than at the time of cord clamp appears to significantly reduce the rate of surgical site infections (SSIs) after cesarean deliveries. An investigation of more than 8,500 women who underwent cesareans found a 48% reduction in SSIs following implementation of the policy when compared with the pre-implementation period.
Abstract: Obstetrics & Gynecology, August 2012.
