Final answer:
Checking the mother's temperature before delivery is essential to detect infections like neonatal herpes, which may severely affect the newborn. Early detection allows for timely antiviral or antibiotic treatment to protect the baby's health.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is crucial to check the temperature of the mother before the delivery of the infant to detect any signs of maternal infection, which could pose serious health risks to the newborn. One common infection associated with maternal fever is neonatal herpes, which can be contracted from the mother during childbirth, especially if she has an active Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection. Checking the temperature can prompt further investigation for infections like Listeria monocytogenes, which can cross the placenta and cause severe complications. When an infection is suspected, appropriate management strategies, including systemic antiviral or antibiotic treatments, reduce the risk of neonatal infection and ensure both maternal and infant safety during and after childbirth.