Since 2000, this manual has been used globally to guide the care of women and newborns who have complications during pregnancy, childbirth and the immediate postnatal period. The MCPC manual targets midwives and doctors working in district-level hospitals. Updates throughout the 2017 second edition MCPC reflect the importance of respectful care for mothers and newborns. Several updated chapters on symptoms refer the reader to a set of basic principles when providing care, reinforcing the importance of respectful care as a key element of quality care. WHO, with the MCSP project, also prepared a related brief.
The new edition brings the guidance in the manual into line with WHO’s current recommendations for emergency obstetric and newborn care.
While most pregnancies and births are uneventful, all pregnancies are at risk. Around 15% of all pregnant women will develop a potentially life-threatening complication that calls for skilled care, and some will require a major obstetrical intervention to survive. This manual is written for midwives and doctors at the district hospital who are responsible for the care of women with complications of pregnancy, childbirth or the immediate postpartum period, including immediate problems of the newborn.