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Maternal-Fetal MedicineSociety
SC-002ChecklistHaemorrhage

Caesarean section safety checklist

The steps to complete before, during and after the operation, for verification by the whole team.

Version 1.22 pagesUpdated 22 August 2025Patient Safety Committee

Key recommendations

  • Three stages: sign in, time out, sign out
  • Antibiotic prophylaxis within 60 minutes before skin incision
  • Thromboprophylaxis risk assessment
  • Quantitative recording of blood loss

The checklist is adapted from the WHO surgical safety checklist, with obstetric specifics added.

Note: A guideline is a recommendation and does not replace the clinician's professional judgement in an individual case. Departing from it is acceptable where the reasoning is documented.