Early postpartum discharge before 48 h: An exhaustive review

Purpose: To describe the management of early discharge (less than 48 h after birth) attempts and investigate maternal and neonatal outcomes throw an exhaustive review.

Methods: This review was conducted according to PRISMA statement. The search was applied to PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Articles published before 2000 were not included to limit conclusions related to outdated medical practices. Eligibility assessment and analysis were performed independently by two reviewers.

Results: Of approximately 600 articles, 21 articles met the inclusion criteria, including 9 randomized trials. Fourteen studies were conducted in developed countries. Median primiparous rate was 40%. Home-visit, consultation and exclusive telephone follow-up were planned in 12, 4 and 3 studies respectively. Among the 100,311 patients of this review, mean rates of rehospitalization for maternal and neonatal causes were 1.9% [0.3-4.8] and 3.2% [0-10.1] respectively. Median breastfeeding rates at 2 weeks, 1 month and 3-6 months were 85% [73.2-100], 82% [62-91] and 63% [10-95] respectively.

Conclusion: Length of stay after childbirth is not discriminating mother and newborn safety. The optimal length of stay would rather depend on the health of the mother and infant, the maternity discharge organization, the medical follow-up, and the subsequent support.