Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the risk factors for neonatal infection with intrapartum maternal fever. MethodsA retrospective case-control study was conducted in neonates (gestational age ≥ 37 weeks, singleton) born in Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (our hospital) from January 1 to December 31, 2016, with maternal fever (temperature peak ≥ 38 °C). According to the diagnostic criteria for neonatal infection in our hospital ［at 12 h to 24 h after birth, blood routine WBC ≥ 50 × 109·L-1 and / or CRP ≥ 20 mg·L-1, or at 24 to 48 h after birth WBC ≥ 30 × 109·L-1 and / or CRP ≥ 8 mg·L-1)］ ,the neonates were divided into infected group and control group. The neonatal gender, gestational age, birth weight, mode of delivery, maternal temperature peak, prenatal blood WBC count and CRP, whether epidural anesthesia, GBS positive, amniotic fluid Ⅲ ° or amniotic fluid odor, premature rupture of membranes ≥ 18 h) were analyzed to investigate the risk factors for neonatal infection.ResultsA total of 323 neonates were included in the analysis, 123 cases in the infected group and 200 cases in the control group. Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that the mother's temperature over 38.8℃ (OR=11.89, 95% CI: 3.21-67.12), prenatal blood WBC>13.1×109·L-1 (OR=6.50, 95% CI: 1.87-78.25), GBS positive (OR=7.91, 95% CI: 1.77-22.13), amniotic fluid Ⅲ° or amniotic fluid odor (OR: 33.1, 95% CI: 3.34-101.56) and premature rupture of membranes ≥ 18 h (OR=15.12, 95% CI: 5.72-67.39) were the independent risk factors for neonatal infection.ConclusionNeonatal infection was associated with peak prenatal temperature and prenatal blood WBC count of their mother. The rate of neonatal infection was elevated in mothers with fever and other high-risk factors. Epidural anesthesia may cause maternal fever, but may not increase the risk of neonatal infection.