ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of prophylactic administration of antimicrobials in cesarean section on controlling surgical site infection (SSI) and  postpartum endometritis. MethodsComprehensive Chinese randomized controlled trials retrieval about preventing postpartum infection related to cesarean section by antimicrobial prophylactic use was performed via searching electronic database, hand searching bibliographies of books and relevant journals. ResultsCompared with longterm antimicrobial prophylaxis started after operation,  shortterm antimicrobial prophylaxis started 0.5~2 hours before operation or started after clamping of umbilical cord showed lower SSI rate (OR=0.34，95%CI 0.24～0.48,P<0.05) and puerperal morbidity (OR=0.40，95%CI 0.32～0.48,P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in lowering postpartum endometritis incidence between  selective cesareansection (OR=0.45，95%CI 0.11～1.83,P>0.05) and selective/unselective cesareansection (OR=0.55，95%CI 0.16～1.96,P>0.05). ConclusionShortterm antimicrobial prophylaxis started 0.5 to 2 hours before operation or after clamping of umbilical cord is a recommendable strategy for preventing SSI and puerperal morbidity.