Infection Prevention and Control Procedures in Maternity Care
With Sophie and Marcus, Biology & Physiology Specialist
Key Takeaways
- IPC is built on Standard Infection Control Precautions — SICPs — which apply to every patient, every time.
- In maternity settings this is critical because infections are often asymptomatic and consequences for mother and newborn can be severe.
- Hands are the primary vector for healthcare-associated infection.
- The WHO five moments framework guides when midwives must decontaminate — before and after patient contact, before aseptic procedures, and after body fluid exposure.
- Alcohol gel is excellent for most pathogens but ineffective against C.
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Full Transcript
Sophie: Today we're looking at IPC procedures in maternity care. I'm Sophie, and joining me is Marcus, our Biology and Physiology Specialist. Marcus, what is the IPC framework and why is it structured as it is?
Marcus: IPC is built on Standard Infection Control Precautions — SICPs — which apply to every patient, every time. In maternity settings this is critical because infections are often asymptomatic and consequences for mother and newborn can be severe.
Sophie: Why is hand hygiene consistently described as the single most effective IPC measure?
Marcus: Hands are the primary vector for healthcare-associated infection. The WHO five moments framework guides when midwives must decontaminate — before and after patient contact, before aseptic procedures, and after body fluid exposure.
Sophie: Is there a difference between soap and water versus alcohol gel?
Why is infection prevention and control procedures in maternity care important in midwifery practice?
Marcus: Yes. Alcohol gel is excellent for most pathogens but ineffective against C. diff spores and norovirus. Soap and water physically removes organisms. During outbreaks of C. diff or gastroenteritis on a unit, soap and water becomes mandatory.
Sophie: What is ANTT and where does it apply in midwifery?
Marcus: Aseptic Non-Touch Technique protects key parts and key sites from contamination during procedures — catheterisation, cannulation, suturing, and epidural care. The key principle is identifying what must never be touched and protecting it throughout.
Sophie: How does PPE selection work — is it always the same equipment?
Marcus: PPE is task-specific and risk-assessed. Attending a birth involves significant fluid exposure — gloves, apron, and eye protection. A routine blood pressure check needs much less. Overusing PPE wastes resources; underusing creates risk.
What should learners understand about infection prevention and control procedures in maternity care?
Sophie: What about decontamination levels for equipment and the environment?
Marcus: Three levels apply. Cleaning removes visible dirt. Disinfection kills most pathogens. Sterilisation destroys all organisms including spores and is required for instruments entering sterile body sites. Midwives need to know which level applies to each item.
Sophie: IPC is both clinical and ethical — thanks Marcus.
Marcus: When the environment is safe, mothers and babies thrive. That starts with every practitioner doing the basics well, every single time.