  We derive the gravitational field and equations of motion of compact binary
systems up to the 5/2 post-Newtonian approximation of general relativity (where
radiation-reaction effects first appear). The approximate post-Newtonian
gravitational field might be used in the problem of initial conditions for the
numerical evolution of binary black-hole space-times. On the other hand we
recover the Damour-Deruelle 2.5PN equations of motion of compact binary
systems. Our method is based on an expression of the post-Newtonian metric
valid for general (continuous) fluids. We substitute into the fluid metric the
standard stress-energy tensor appropriate for a system of two point-like
particles. We remove systematically the infinite self-field of each particle by
means of the Hadamard partie finie regularization.
