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Bibliographic Info

GuidelineWHO recommendations on maternal health: guidelines approved by the WHO Guidelines Review Committee, second edition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025
Year of Publication2023
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization

Recommendation

Status
Maintained

Recommended against

Strong

Surgically removing foetal tissue from the uterus following maternal demise from Ebola virus disease (occasionally termed ‘post-mortem caesarean’) may pose a risk of transmission to contacts and should be strongly discouraged.

Notes and Remarks

Although the actual risk of EVD transmission from pregnant women following recovery is unclear, there is evidence that Ebola RNA can remain detectable in amniotic fluid, placental tissue, foetal tissue, and vaginal secretions. This evidence enables WHO to make strong recommendations regarding the necessity of Ebola-specific IPC measures for pregnant women who have recovered from EVD (with conception prior to EVD) in situations with potential for pregnancy-related fluid or tissue exposure. However, if the pregnancy was conceived after EVD, there is no known risk of EVD transmission with exposure to pregnancy-related fluids and tissues, and therefore only standard precautions are necessary.

  • 2.Effective IPC measures require a hierarchy of engineering, environmental and administrative controls in order to block viral spread in healthcare facilitates. In addition to PPE, IPC includes, but is not limited to, barrier nursing, hand hygiene, and waste management (56).
  • 3.EVD transmission has been linked to traditional funeral ceremonies. Similarly, there is likely a high risk of transmission from post-mortem caesareans for pregnant women who have died from EVD. Guidelines on how to conduct safe and dignified burials for patients with suspected or confirmed EVD should be followed in the event of a maternal death from EVD, including the recommendation that only trained personnel should handle human remains, handling should be minimal, and cultural and religious considerations should be taken into account (46)
  • 4.Actions (such as an invasive procedure) should not be taken in the event of foetal distress in pregnant women with acute EVD. As such, foetal monitoring during labour is not necessary.

Also Featured In

This recommendation also appears in the following guidelines:

Originally Developed
Guideline

Guidelines for the management of pregnant and breastfeeding women in the context of Ebola virus disease

Year2020
InstitutionWHO
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