
While handwashing before delivery may seem so obvious, it is has not been the historical practice.
We have Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis, a Hungarian doctor, to thank for changing that. In 1847, Semmelweis proved statistically that the incidence of puerperal fever, aka childbed fever, could be drastically reduced by enforcing hand washing standards for OB doctors and nurses.
Thanks Dr. Semmelweis! No go wash your hands!