Early Postpartum Discharge

In recent years, the widespread practice of early postpartum discharge has sparked a nationwide debate about the safety and cost effectiveness of shortened maternity stays. Patients, physicians, insurance companies, and legislators have all offered opinions on this subject. New state and federal laws have been passed limiting early discharge, despite the fact that the scientific literature has not clearly stated that it is an unsafe practice. This chapter will review the definition, the history, the most common medical problems, and the legal issues associated with an early postpartum discharge. The recent scientific literature regarding the safety and the cost effectiveness of shortened maternity stays will also be critically examined.