Chlorhexidine Gluconate vs Povidone-Iodine Vaginal Cleansing Solution Prior to Cesarean Delivery

Endometritis, an infection of the uterus in the postpartum period, has been shown to complicate the postoperative course of a cesarean delivery in 6% to 27% of cases. Vaginal cleansing prior to cesarean delivery has been shown to minimize the presence of micro-organisms and risk of infection. Although povidone-iodine is the most commonly used anti-septic for surgical preparation of the vagina, it is not an ideal agent due to it's diminished efficacy in acidic vaginal pH and in the presence of blood. Chlorhexidine gluconate, on the other hand, has demonstrated superior disinfectant properties in several clinical trials, as compared to povidone iodine. In this randomized, comparator controlled, study the investigators will be comparing chlorhexidine gluconate vs povidone iodine for intrapartum vaginal preparation in women undergoing non-emergent cesarean delivery.