Aqueous vs Alcohol Chlorhexidine Skin Preparation for Prevention of Cesarean Section Wound Infections

Patients will be prepared similarly using the appropriate number of 26mL Chloraprep sticks for their body surface area. The lever will be pinched to activate the ampoule and release the antiseptic. The solution will be given time to partially load in the sponge. The sponge will be pressed against the skin area where the incision is intended moving back and forth for 30 sec , then working up towards the upper edge of the surgical field and then working from below the incision sight to the upper thighs. The antiseptic will be given time to dry (3 min)

Patients will be scrubbed preoperative with an applicator that contain 4% chlorohexidine aqueous solution (3 consecutive applications) liberally over 2 minutes followed by drying with sterile towel. The area scrubbed will be the same as the chloraprep group.