What documents are issued upon discharge from the maternity hospital? What a man needs to know and do after being discharged from the maternity hospital

Young parents and numerous relatives have been waiting for the long-awaited baby for nine months. And when the miracle happened, everyone was filled with exciting joy and looked forward to meeting their mother and their new little man. In order for discharge from the maternity hospital to go without fuss and leave only happy moments for many years to come, you need to carefully prepare for it.

When will the release be?

When childbirth is behind us, mothers want to be home with their baby as quickly as possible. But maternity hospitals have certain rules. Most often, a woman in labor with a newborn is discharged after three or four days from the date of birth. But it happens that the time frame may increase.

The date of discharge from the maternity hospital is determined by the attending physician

The main factors that determine how much time mother and child will spend in the maternity hospital:

  • How did the birth take place (naturally or by caesarean section);
  • Postpartum complications;
  • The health status of the newborn;
  • State of health of the mother in labor.

If no abnormalities are found, the mother and child will leave the maternity hospital as soon as possible. If the child was born by caesarean section or the birth process was difficult, the stay in the department increases to ten days, or maybe more. It happens that mother and baby leave the hospital walls separately. If the newborn’s indicators are all normal, but the mother’s are not, the child will have to wait for the mother’s recovery. If neonatologists find any abnormalities in the baby, he is left for examination in the neonatal department, and the mother is discharged.

The final decision on discharge is made by two doctors: an obstetrician-gynecologist and a neonatologist (a pediatrician who cares for a newborn).

Indications for which the mother will be allowed to be discharged:

  • the doctor is satisfied with the general health of the patient;
  • the uterus contracts in accordance with the norms;
  • there are no pathological discharges that may indicate inflammatory processes;
  • urine and blood tests are normal;
  • The ultrasound result confirms the absence of remnants of placental parts and clotted blood.

Before discharge, the newborn is examined by a doctor

The newborn also undergoes a thorough examination. It is contraindicated to discharge an infant if:

  • an infectious disease has been detected;
  • body weight decreased by more than 8%;
  • jaundice of a newborn is expressed in changes in the color of feces and urine, attacks of vomiting;
  • diagnosing prematurity;
  • Intrauterine hypoxia was established, and subsequently disturbances arose.

If all indicators are normal, the mother and child are prepared for discharge. Discharge is usually planned in the afternoon, when all test results are ready and documents are prepared. When it is known that discharge is planned, relatives must transfer all the necessary documents and essential items of the mother and child to the medical staff to prepare the ceremonial part.

What documentation is provided upon discharge?

Upon discharge, the woman in labor receives a number of specific documentation.


Upon discharge, the woman is provided with a package of documents

Document to be submitted to the Civil Registry Office:

  1. Certificate of birth of the baby. There they indicate the date of birth and the mother's full name. The child is registered in the registry office and receives a birth certificate.

Documents for a pediatrician at a local clinic:

  1. Statement of the child's health. There they indicate information about the baby - body weight at birth and on the day of discharge, Apgar score, what vaccinations were given in the maternity hospital. Based on this certificate, an outpatient card for the child is created;
  2. Birth certificate. The woman in labor receives it in the clinic after the 30th week of pregnancy. One coupon remains in the maternity hospital, and the mother takes the remaining two with her. These sheets will provide the opportunity to conduct free examinations at a local clinic for up to 12 months.

Documents for the antenatal clinic:

  • exchange card;
  • extract on the progress of labor and health status in the postpartum period;
  • sick leave (if the birth involved complications).

Parents receive all documents at the maternity hospital and are required to submit them to the local clinic within three days.

What will the mother and newborn need on the day of discharge?


Clothes for discharge for a newborn

It is advisable to prepare everything necessary for discharge from the maternity hospital in advance or give instructions to the new father and relatives. Some women, before going to the maternity hospital, pack two bags - for themselves and for the baby. You can make a detailed list of everything you need, and after the birth your husband will prepare the entire arsenal.

What you need to prepare for a newborn:

  • formula bottle, pacifier;
  • mixture or water;
  • diapers appropriate to the weight of the newborn;
  • packaging of wet wipes;
  • vest;
  • blouse;
  • knitted rompers, overalls, bodysuit or knitted diaper;
  • socks, booties;
  • a thin cap that should reliably cover the baby’s ears;
  • Outerwear is chosen depending on the season. If discharge from the maternity hospital occurs in the summer, a thin holiday envelope. In spring and autumn, additionally use a warm blouse with a hat and a blanket. A winter overall or envelope should be lined with natural insulation.

Important! The baby should not be allowed to overheat. If the temperature is more than 24 degrees, you should not overuse additional clothing.

What you need to prepare for mom:

  1. Clothing and underwear should be selected taking into account the increase in breast size;
  2. Cosmetic bag;
  3. Personal hygiene items – comb, pads for nursing mothers, sanitary pads;
  4. Bandage for comfortable movement;
  5. Shoes.

We also must not forget about the car cradle for transporting a baby.

Important!When transporting, the baby must be dressed in a special overall, where there is a provision for separating the legs. An elegant envelope with bows is used only during a photo shoot.


A comfortable set of clothes for discharge from the maternity hospital should also be prepared for the young mother.

How to conduct a ceremonial discharge

How the newborn will be discharged from the maternity hospital depends on the wishes of the parents. This could be a simple meeting with a limited number of people, the closest ones. Or maybe a magnificent celebration with numerous guests, with video filming and a photo shoot, which are discussed in advance.

Before discharge, mothers have conversations about how to behave at home during the postpartum period and how to care for a newborn. The woman in labor is taken to a special room, where she cleans herself up. Next, the mother herself dresses the baby or the medical staff, and the first photo session begins.

Regardless of how the discharge from the maternity hospital will be, modest or large-scale, it lasts no more than half an hour. When the newborn and mother are dressed, they are taken to another room where invited guests greet them. The envelope with the baby is handed over to the father. After this, guests give flowers and gifts to the staff and young parents.

Attention!Among the guests present there should be no people with viral or infectious diseases. The body of the mother and child is currently weakened and needs protection.

What should be the gifts for discharge?

Such an event involves a festive mood and gifts.

Personnel:

  • bouquets of flowers, boxes of chocolates, high-quality alcoholic drinks;
  • gift boxes of tea, coffee, cakes;
  • souvenirs.

To the woman in labor:

  • baby monitor;
  • breast pumps, sterilizers;
  • toys or clothes for the baby;
  • cake made from diapers.

Any woman, after going through her experiences, will gladly accept a subscription to a beauty salon as a gift. Also a great gift would be a certificate to a children's store, where parents can pick up everything they need themselves.


Diaper cake

Organization of discharge

To make discharge from the maternity hospital a memorable event, you can make it original either yourself or involve organizing companies.

What can be used for a bright event:

  1. Decorate your car with stickers. There are many different options in stores - “Thank you for your daughter/son”, “I’m on my way to pick up my daughter/son” and the like. They are easy to attach to the car and just as easy to remove;
  2. Buy a lot of colorful balloons and release them into the sky;
  3. Choose beautiful music for such an occasion;
  4. Decorate the entrance, street, apartment, in particular the children's room. There are various helium balloons on sale with inscriptions and wishes.
  5. Set the festive table at home.

How to meet a wife from the maternity hospital

When an exciting event has occurred and a man has become a father, he must thoroughly prepare for the meeting with his dear people. Of course, a lot of worries fall on the husband’s shoulders, so the wife before the trip should give clear instructions on what exactly he should do.

  • make sure that everything is prepared in the baby’s room - the crib is made, wet cleaning is done;
  • bags with things for discharge for the wife and child are fully prepared;
  • food for the festive feast has been prepared;
  • bouquets for the wife and for the staff are already in vases.

The issue of gratitude to doctors is resolved in advance.

So the family has united, and now they need to learn to live in a new way. The husband needs to be understanding of his wife’s new responsibilities and whims. Now all attention will be paid to the main culprit of this wonderful event.

If you creatively prepare for the event, using your imagination, discharge from the maternity hospital will become an unforgettable moment in your life that will remain in your memory for a lifetime!

Discharged from the maternity hospital on the 3rd–9th day after birth. The timing of discharge from the maternity hospital depends on many factors: the method of delivery, the condition of the child and mother, and the absence of complications after childbirth. Under the best circumstances, you can be discharged from the maternity hospital on the 3rd day. A little later, on the 5th–6th day, they are discharged if sutures were placed on the perineum, cervix, or vagina during childbirth. Discharge is planned on the 5th–7th day if bleeding was noted during childbirth, curettage or manual separation of the placenta was performed. After a caesarean section, the mother is allowed to go home only on the 7th–9th day after birth. This time is necessary for the restoration of the woman’s body, for the treatment and primary healing of the sutures.

The decision on discharge from the maternity hospital is made by two doctors at once: an obstetrician-gynecologist and a pediatrician (neonatologist). If complications arise on the part of the mother after childbirth, the discharge of the child is delayed until she recovers. If the woman is healthy, and the newborn needs additional observation and treatment, then she can be sent home, but the baby will remain under observation in the children's department until his condition returns to normal.

Discharge from the maternity hospital: criteria for mother

While a woman is in the maternity hospital, she is monitored daily by a doctor and midwife. They assess the general condition of the postpartum woman, measure pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, etc. In case of complications in the postpartum period, the doctor will prescribe the necessary treatment. Discharge from the maternity hospital will be allowed after the mother is examined by a gynecologist. He will assess the condition of the mammary glands: whether lactation has been established, whether there are any lumps, redness, or cracks in the nipples. During a careful gynecological examination, she will check how the uterus contracts, whether postpartum lochia is receding well, and how the sutures on the vagina and cervix are healing. If any doubts arise, the woman is sent for an ultrasound scan (in some maternity hospitals, ultrasound scans are performed for all postpartum women). This study helps determine the condition of the uterine cavity (normally no placenta remains are found there) and the scar on the uterus after a cesarean section. At the time of discharge, a general blood test is also performed, which allows us to assume the presence of inflammatory processes, allergic reactions, and to assess the general condition of the woman. A urine test is done to rule out diseases of the urinary system or gestosis. In the absence of complaints, satisfactory condition, positive results of examinations and tests, a decision is made to discharge the young mother. If any abnormalities are detected, the woman is left in the maternity hospital for appropriate treatment.

Discharge from the maternity hospital: criteria for the child

The time that the baby needs to spend under the supervision of doctors depends on his birth, the presence of complications after childbirth, as well as on the method of delivery. Please note that during surgical delivery, adaptation takes longer. Just like his mother, he is monitored by pediatric nurses and neonatologists throughout his stay. Every day, doctors evaluate the condition of the skin, umbilical cord, stool and urination, changes in weight, motor activity, muscle tone, and the severity of unconditioned reflexes. The necessary examination is carried out: general blood and urine tests. Also, all newborns, without exception, undergo a blood test for the presence of severe congenital diseases, such as hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, galactosemia, cystic fibrosis and adrenogenital syndrome. Their diagnosis is important already in the first weeks of life, since the timing of the start of treatment will directly determine the health and development of babies throughout their lives. For the test, the child’s capillary blood is used: it is taken from a finger or heel. In addition, before being discharged from the hospital, the baby must receive all mandatory vaccinations (hepatitis B and tuberculosis).

If everything is fine with the mother and baby and no abnormalities in their health are found, then they are discharged home.

Reasons for mother's late discharge from the hospital

The reasons for late discharge can be various complications.

Postpartum hemorrhage, the causes of which are various injuries during childbirth, disturbances in the separation of the placenta and membranes, as well as disturbances in uterine contraction. Various surgical interventions, medications and donated blood products are used for treatment.

Subinvolution of the uterus– a decrease in the rate of contraction of the uterus, due to the retention of postpartum discharge in it. This condition can lead to endometritis (inflammation of the uterine lining). Symptoms of the disease are fever, an unpleasant odor of lochia, and aching pain in the lower abdomen. To clarify the diagnosis, an ultrasound examination and, if necessary, surgery are performed, during which the uterus is washed or curetted. After surgery, antibiotics are required.

Inflamed soft tissue wounds of the birth canal called puerperal ulcers. When infection occurs, these wounds swell and become covered with purulent plaque. They are treated with various antiseptics, sometimes there is a need for surgical treatment.

Lactostasis– stagnation of milk in the mammary gland. In this case, the breast swells and becomes painful, pockets of compaction appear, and a short-term rise in temperature is possible. Lactostasis itself is not a disease, requiring only careful pumping of the breast, limiting fluid intake and frequent feeding of painful breasts. However, when an infection occurs, it turns into mastitis, which requires immediate medical attention, antibiotic therapy, and sometimes surgery.

Cracked nipples, the main cause of which is improper attachment of the child to the breast. Treatment consists of using special pads and treating the nipple with wound-healing preparations. Fissures can be an entry point for infection, which subsequently causes mastitis. In this regard, a woman can be discharged only without signs of inflammation in the area of ​​the fissures.

In addition, complications from the woman’s general condition may delay discharge from the maternity hospital.

Anemia occurs with severe blood loss, accompanied by a decrease in the content of hemoglobin and red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the blood. Depending on the degree of anemia, either treatment is carried out with iron-containing preparations and vitamins, or components of donor blood are transfused.

Preeclampsia occurs during pregnancy, the symptoms of this disease are the appearance of edema, protein in the urine, and increased blood pressure. If a woman has had gestosis, especially in its severe form, then in the first days after childbirth she may have high blood pressure, which requires hospital stay and treatment.

Exacerbation of chronic general diseases often occurs in the postpartum period and requires appropriate treatment. If the postpartum complications that arise cannot be dealt with within 10–14 days, the woman may be transferred for further treatment to a specialized department for postpartum complications. Usually in such a department it is possible to stay with the child, if, of course, the condition of the young mother allows this. If this is not possible, then one of the relatives will be issued a sick leave certificate to care for the newborn.

The baby is healthy!

The deadline for a child’s discharge from the maternity hospital is determined by the neonatologist and the head of the children’s department based on the following indicators:

  • normal (pale pink) color and absence of rashes on the skin and mucous membranes;
  • fallen umbilical cord stump without signs of inflammation;
  • cessation of weight loss and the beginning of weight gain;
  • urination adequate to feeding (up to 20 times a day, which indicates normal kidney function) and normal stool (brownish or yellow);
  • active sucking, no regurgitation;
  • Completed full examination and vaccination.

If these health indicators are present, the baby can be discharged from the maternity hospital home on the 4th day after birth.

Reasons for late discharge from the maternity hospital for a child

In the first days of life, all newborns are characterized by the appearance of so-called transitional states, that is, states bordering between health and illness, which can delay discharge from the hospital.

Weight loss is associated mainly with low intake and the baby’s increased need for nutrients and water. Normally, maximum weight loss is observed on the 3rd–4th day of life. If this indicator is high, then it is necessary to find the cause (the general weakened condition of the child, sluggish sucking, congenital diseases or lack of milk from the mother) and only then prepare for discharge.

Severe jaundice of newborns. Neonatal jaundice occurs in the first few days of life and is associated with the destruction of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the baby's blood. In case of intense jaundice, a blood test is performed for bilirubin, a pigment that is formed as a result of the destruction of red blood cells, and in high concentrations has a toxic effect on the brain. The most severe jaundice is observed with hemolytic disease, when there is a conflict between the groups and/or Rh factors of the blood of the mother and fetus. To treat this condition, phototherapy is performed: the child is placed under a special lamp, under the influence of light, bilirubin turns into a non-toxic form and is excreted from the body in the urine. Intravenous fluids are also prescribed, and in severe cases, replacement blood transfusions.

Immaturity. Children born immature, with signs of intrauterine growth retardation, are predisposed to large weight losses and often have more pronounced and sometimes prolonged jaundice. In addition, they often have difficulty feeding, which may require longer monitoring.

Consequences of intrauterine hypoxia(oxygen starvation). Even if on the first day the baby’s condition does not cause concern, after a few days anxiety, frequent regurgitation, and disturbances in muscle tone and reflexes of newborns may appear, indicating damage to the nervous system. In such cases, children sometimes require not only medical supervision, but also medication to reduce the risk of long-term consequences of hypoxia.

Regurgitation after a short period of time after feeding can be not only a consequence of oxygen starvation, but also a manifestation of pyloric stenosis - this is a disease in which the outlet from the stomach is narrowed, which makes it difficult for food to pass into the intestines. This condition requires hospital treatment, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Rash on the child's body may be associated with vesiculopustulosis. This is an infectious disease caused by staphylococci. Infection occurs in utero if the pregnant woman has foci of chronic infection (carious teeth, chronic tonsillitis and others). Children suffering from vesiculopustulosis or other foci of infection (inflammation of the eyes, umbilical wound, lungs), as well as inflammatory changes in blood tests, are prescribed a course of antibacterial drugs.

If a newborn child requires long-term treatment, he is transferred for nursing to specialized neonatal pathology departments. Thus, premature babies born at less than 34 weeks of pregnancy are transferred to departments for the second stage of nursing. Babies with developmental defects often require emergency surgical care, which is provided in pediatric surgical departments. Children after hypoxia are transferred, if necessary, to neurological departments, and if there are signs of infection, to neonatal pathology departments or infectious diseases departments.

When the long-awaited baby is finally born, the new mother looks forward to the moment when she can go home with the baby. In order for discharge from the maternity hospital to take place without delay and fuss, it is necessary to prepare for it in advance. Even before giving birth, you should find out what things will be needed upon discharge, what documents will be issued, and how, in fact, the procedure itself goes.

When discharged from the hospital

If the birth was natural and went without complications, the baby and his mother can be discharged home on the third day. If the birth was difficult, or the child was born by caesarean section, the period of stay in the maternity hospital increases to 5–9 days. The decision on discharge is made by the obstetrician-gynecologist and neonatologist (pediatrician who deals with newborns).

Indications for discharge of the mother are:

  • Satisfactory general condition;
  • Normal uterine contraction;
  • Normal urine and blood tests;
  • The absence of pathological discharge indicating an inflammatory process;
  • Ultrasound results confirming that there are no blood clots or remaining placenta in the uterus.

If a woman in labor has any complications: the sutures on the perineum, vagina, cervix, sutures after a cesarean section are healing poorly, the hemoglobin level is reduced due to significant blood loss, or there are signs of an inflammatory process, she remains in the hospital until complete recovery.

Before being discharged from the hospital, the newborn is also carefully examined: standard urine and blood tests are performed, as well as tests for congenital diseases: hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, galactosemia, phenylketonuria, and adrenogenital syndrome. The neonatologist evaluates the condition of the umbilical cord and skin of the baby, muscle tone and weight changes. If everything is fine with the newborn, he is in good health and has a normal temperature, he has received vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B, he is discharged.

Contraindications for discharging a child are:

  • Infectious diseases;
  • Loss of body weight exceeding 6–8% of the initial one;
  • Severe jaundice of newborns (when it is accompanied by a change in the color of feces and urine, vomiting);
  • Diagnosis: immature or premature baby;
  • Disorders resulting from intrauterine hypoxia.

It happens that a mother and her baby are not discharged from the maternity hospital at the same time. If the child is discharged but the mother is not, the baby remains with the mother. If the situation is the opposite, and only the mother is discharged, the child is left in the neonatal ward until his complete recovery.

What documents are issued upon discharge?

  • A medical certificate confirming the birth of a child, on the basis of which the registry office will issue the baby’s first official document - a birth certificate.
  • An exchange card for a woman in labor, which is sent to the antenatal clinic. This document contains information about the course of labor and the postpartum period.
  • The child’s exchange card, which will become part of the child’s general outpatient card in the children’s clinic. It contains information about the newborn - weight, height, blood type, assessment of general condition at discharge, vaccination data and others.
  • The birth certificate that the pregnant woman submitted to the maternity hospital upon admission. Upon discharge, two coupons of this certificate are returned. They are transferred to the children's clinic, where the child will undergo free medical examinations until the age of 1 year.
  • In the event of a complicated birth, the mother is issued a sick leave certificate, which extends her maternity leave.

How does the discharge procedure work?

On the day of discharge from the maternity hospital, both the mother and the newborn are examined by doctors, final blood and urine tests are carried out, blood pressure and body temperature are measured. If the go-ahead is received from both the children's doctor and the gynecologist, the new mother is prepared and given documents for discharge. This procedure takes about half an hour.

Then the mother is invited to a lecture where they will tell you how to properly care for the baby. After the lecture, she and her child are escorted to the changing room. Outerwear and shoes are taken from the wardrobe, all other things necessary for the newborn and the mother are given by relatives. Don’t forget to tell your family in advance what clothes they should bring for you - on this wonderful day you will want to look especially beautiful.

What clothes does a baby need?

Nowadays, a newborn baby is not swaddled, but is immediately dressed “in an adult way” - in blouses, pants and overalls. The standard baby kit that a newborn will need upon discharge from the hospital includes:

  • vest;
  • blouse;
  • knitted rompers or bodysuit with overalls;
  • booties or socks;
  • a thin cap that covers the ears well (in spring, autumn and winter, a warm knitted cap is put on top of it);
  • disposable diaper (size is selected depending on the baby’s weight);
  • outerwear - overalls or envelope blanket.

What to give for discharge from the hospital

Among the most desired gifts are clothes for the baby (a suit for growth, overalls, a set of rompers or a bodysuit). Next in popularity are the crib, playpen, bathtub, car seat, as well as devices and devices useful for a family with a small child: a thermos or thermal bag for bottles, a baby monitor, a bedside night light, an orthopedic feeding pillow, a baby sling or a sling backpack. Such a universal gift as a large package of diapers will never be superfluous.

But you should be careful with baby dishes, cosmetics for babies, toys and rattles. Children's cosmetics should be only natural; dishes for infants can be ceramic, plastic or glass, and can withstand treatment with boiling water. Toys should be made of safe material - hypoallergenic plastic, wood or natural fabrics; it is better to buy them in specialized stores, where all products have a quality certificate.

Judging by surveys conducted among women, many of them consider a certificate to the specialized store “Everything for Babies” to be an excellent gift for discharge from the maternity hospital, where parents themselves can choose the necessary things for their child.


What determines the timing of discharge from the hospital?

The timing of a woman and her child’s discharge from the maternity hospital, as a rule, depends from three main factors:

  • method of delivery;
  • condition of mother and child;
  • no complications after childbirth.

If the birth went well, the mother and baby are healthy and there were no complications after childbirth, then discharge occurs on the 3rd day after the birth of the child. After a caesarean section, a woman is discharged later - on the 7-9th day after birth. Everything here will depend on how the mother’s body recovers, how the postoperative period proceeds, and how the stitches heal.

While the mother and baby are in the maternity hospital, they are monitored by an obstetrician-gynecologist and a pediatrician (neonatologist). An obstetrician-gynecologist monitors the course of the postpartum period in a woman, and a pediatrician monitors the condition and development of the baby. And it is these two doctors who jointly make the decision on discharge.

If the mother has any complications after childbirth, the child is left in the maternity hospital until the mother becomes healthy. If the mother is healthy, and for some reason the baby needs additional observation and treatment in a hospital, then the woman is most often discharged, and the child is left in a specialized children's department until recovery.

What do obstetricians look for?

What do obstetricians-gynecologists take into account when deciding whether it is possible to discharge a mother from the maternity hospital and when is the best time to do this? First of all, the doctor evaluates the general well-being of the mother, contraction of the uterus, the nature of postpartum discharge (lochia), and will also check whether the sutures on the genitals or the sutures after a cesarean section are healing well. In addition, the doctor examines the woman’s mammary glands to see if there is an inflammatory process, cracks, etc.

Before discharge, the doctor will refer the woman for an ultrasound of the internal genital organs. True, it is not yet done in all maternity hospitals, but in most modern clinics this study is carried out on all women who have given birth. Ultrasound is performed both after natural childbirth and after cesarean section. With this test, you can find out for sure whether parts of the placenta remain in the uterus and whether there are a large number of blood clots in it.

The doctor may also prescribe a woman a general blood test, which can detect anemia, inflammation in the body and simply assess the general condition. A urine test will be done to rule out diseases of the urinary system or gestosis. And only after such a complete examination, the obstetrician-gynecologist decides when to discharge the mother.

What can delay a woman’s discharge from the hospital? First of all, there are some deviations in the birth itself or in the postpartum period. For example, manipulations during childbirth, such as suturing the perineum, vagina, cervix, can delay discharge until the 4-5th day after birth, but only if the doctor believes that the mother still needs monitoring of the condition of the sutures in maternity hospital But if the tears were minor and heal well, then even with stitches, the mother can be discharged within the usual timeframe - on the 3rd day after birth.

Later - on the 5-7th day - they are allowed to go home if there were more serious situations during childbirth: bleeding, curettage or manual separation of the placenta was performed. After all, treating bleeding sometimes requires surgery, donated blood, and various medications.

Sometimes after childbirth a woman experiences some inflammatory processes- the scar after a cesarean section does not heal well or inflammation of the uterine mucosa (endometritis) begins. To treat any inflammation after childbirth, antibacterial therapy is needed, and often also surgery, during which the contents of the uterine cavity are removed (it is washed or scraped).

If for some reason there was significant blood loss during childbirth, then the mother may experience anemia- decrease in the content of hemoglobin and red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the blood. Depending on the degree of anemia, either treatment is carried out with iron-containing preparations and vitamins, or components of donor blood are transfused.

In women with gestosis(the appearance of edema, protein in the urine, increased blood pressure during pregnancy), especially in severe forms, high blood pressure may remain in the first days after birth, and it will take time to reduce it.

What to take from the maternity hospital upon discharge

  • A certificate of birth of a child for the registry office - it will be needed to register the baby.
  • Child exchange card - for a children's clinic.
  • Mom's exchange card - for antenatal consultation.

Also in the mother’s hands is the “remainder” of the birth certificate - two coupons, which she takes to the children's clinic, where the child will be observed in the first year of life.


What do pediatricians look for?

Just like the mother, doctors monitor him the entire time the child is in the maternity hospital. Every day, the neonatologist examines the baby’s skin and umbilical cord, evaluates the baby’s stool and urination, muscle tone, reflexes, and notes changes in weight.

The child is examined: a general blood and urine test is done, and all newborns are given a blood test for the presence of five congenital diseases (hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, galactosemia, cystic fibrosis and adrenogenital syndrome). Before being discharged from the hospital, the baby is vaccinated against hepatitis B and vaccinated against tuberculosis (BCG). And after this, the pediatrician decides whether the child can be discharged home.

Sometimes the discharge of a newborn is delayed, the following conditions can lead to this:

  • Loss of body weight. Normally, maximum weight loss is observed on the 3-4th day of life and usually does not exceed 6-8% of the initial body weight. If the loss is more than normal, then it is necessary to find its cause and only then discharge the child. This takes some time.
  • Severe neonatal jaundice, for example, in case of a conflict between groups and/or Rh factors of the blood of the mother and fetus ( hemolytic disease). To treat this disease, infusion therapy (intravenous fluids), phototherapy, and sometimes even exchange blood transfusions are performed. In such a situation, the child will have to stay in the maternity hospital until his condition returns to normal.
  • Immature or premature babies. Children born immature or premature are predisposed to large weight losses, heat loss, and often need special living conditions (incubators or nursing incubators). All this requires long-term observation in the maternity hospital in the department for nursing premature babies or in the neonatal pathology department.
  • Consequences of intrauterine hypoxia or hypoxia during childbirth. After oxygen starvation, the child may have some kind of nervous system disorders. If signs of pathology (impaired reflexes, muscle tone) appear on the first day after birth, the baby is left for treatment in the neonatal pathology department.
  • Infectious diseases. Any infectious disease in a newborn, be it a urinary tract infection, a skin infection or cytomegalovirus, requires a course of antibacterial or antiviral therapy. Therefore, in such a situation, discharge is delayed.

If a newborn needs long-term treatment, he is transferred for nursing to specialized neonatal pathology departments. Typically, every major city has several such departments at a children's hospital or maternity hospital.

In conclusion, we will say that most births proceed favorably, and the postpartum period goes the same way for both the woman and the child. This means that most mothers and babies are still discharged from the maternity hospital without delay - in the first three, maximum four to five days after birth.

After the baby is born, mommy worries about many questions. One of them sounds like this: “On what day are they discharged from the maternity hospital?” You will receive the answer after reading the article. You will also be able to find out the basic conditions for the discharge of the child and his mother.

On what day are they discharged from the hospital? Question for doctors

If you ask gynecologists, neonatologists and obstetricians about this, they will not be able to answer right away. Mother and baby should stay within the walls of the maternity ward until they feel well. Much depends on how early the baby was born. Also, the mother’s well-being after childbirth plays an important role. Be sure to take into account the condition of the baby, its weight and height.

It is worth remembering that sometimes complications arise after childbirth. In this case, mother and baby are forced to stay in the hospital longer than planned. When a child loses too much weight, doctors also keep him under close observation. Let's find out on what day they are discharged from the maternity hospital in different situations.

Natural childbirth without complications

After the baby is born, a woman remains in the maternity hospital without pathologies or complications for about three days. It is this period of time that doctors need to assess the condition of a woman in labor.

In three days, the reproductive organ is reduced by almost half. Before discharge, the woman must undergo examination. It includes a gynecological examination and ultrasound diagnostics. If everything goes as it should, then neither the woman in labor nor the baby is detained within the walls of the medical institution.

How are things on weekends and holidays?

Are they discharged from the maternity hospital on holidays and weekends or not? The answer to this question cannot be unambiguous. The decision is made at the discretion of the head of the maternity ward. In most organizations, women in labor are not discharged on holidays and weekends. However, there are exceptions.

Quite often, when there is a large flow of women in labor in medical institutions, unscheduled discharges are carried out. In this case, mother and baby can leave the ward on weekends or holidays. In another situation, the mother and child remain in the hospital for a longer time. So, if the birth occurred on Thursday, then the mother will be discharged not on Saturday, but only on Monday. As a result, the woman spends 5 days within the walls of the maternity ward.

Caesarean section operation

How long does it take to be discharged from the hospital after a cesarean section? This operation is performed under anesthesia. Anesthesia can be general or epidural. After the administration of such substances, the patient must be monitored. Sutures also play an important role. During a caesarean section, surgeons cut through the wall of the peritoneum and uterus, after which they remove the fetus. Next, the abdominal cavity is toileted and the scars are sutured.

After such an intervention, a woman recovers much longer than after a natural birth. In the first three days, it is very difficult and painful for a new mother to walk. What can we say about caring for a baby? That is why after a cesarean section, discharge is made only 7-10 days. In this case, the condition must be met so that no complications arise and the child is born healthy.

Complications during natural childbirth

On what day is the woman discharged from the hospital if she received stitches during childbirth? Sometimes it happens that during the process of pushing, a woman in labor behaves incorrectly. This causes the mucous membranes, skin and muscles to tear. The most common occurrence is perineal dissection. Sometimes doctors perform an episiotomy, during which the soft tissue is cut with scissors. This is necessary for easier passage of the baby through the birth canal. Also, when pushing, the cervix may tear. This is especially common for women after treatment for erosion and certain inflammatory diseases. In such circumstances, stitches are required.

After such a difficult birth, the woman is not allowed to sit on a hard surface for several weeks. It is also prohibited to lift heavy objects or strain yourself. It is imperative to treat wounds and sutures. If the suturing was performed using non-self-absorbable material, the threads should be removed after 10-14 days. Under such conditions, mother and baby will remain in exactly as long as the mother’s body recovers. On average, this period ranges from 5 to 15 days.

Late complications of natural childbirth

In the maternity hospital after childbirth, a woman may experience some complications. At the same time, the delivery itself occurred safely, and the baby was healthy. In such situations, the new mother and her baby should remain under medical supervision for 7 to 10 days.

Late complications include the detection of remnants of membranes in the cavity of the reproductive organ, early narrowing of the lumen of the cervix, suture dehiscence and bleeding. Often, a complication is detected during a routine examination or ultrasound examination. Sometimes it is expressed in bad analyses. Often, women in labor are faced with anemia and the addition of a bacterial infection that could have been introduced during childbirth. In each case, the necessary corrective measures are taken. After this, the condition of the new mother must be assessed. If the dynamics are positive, discharge occurs in the coming days.

Condition of the newborn

As you know, the timing of discharge from the maternity ward is influenced not only by the mother’s condition. The baby's health is also assessed. If the baby was born long before the due date, then he may be left under observation for a long time. So, sometimes children have to spend up to several months within the walls of the department. In this case, mommy leaves the hospital at the time described above.

When a child is born on time, doctors always look at his height, weight, reflexes, and Apgar score. Congenital pathologies and resulting consequences are also taken into account. Depending on all this, the child may be discharged on the third day or left under observation for several days (weeks).

Baby's weight at discharge and during birth

At what weight is a child discharged from the hospital? If the baby is born on time, then weight does not play a special role. Even a newborn weighing 2 kilograms can be discharged. However, one condition must be taken into account.

In the first days after birth, the baby loses weight. This is due to the fact that his swelling gradually goes away, and original feces are released. Weight loss should not exceed 7 percent of initial body weight. Thus, babies who were born weighing 2.5 kilograms can be discharged weighing at least 2300 grams. When the baby weighs 4 kilograms at birth, its weight at the time of discharge should not be less than 3700 grams. If these conditions are met, the baby can go home already on the third day.

Child's reflexes and skills

Neonatologists and neurologists must evaluate the child’s health before discharge. The baby should be able to suckle well at the breast or bottle. In the absence of this reflex, the baby is left under supervision for an indefinite time.

The Apgar score plays a major role in determining the time of discharge. Children with low scores have to stay in the department for up to one week.

Jaundice in a baby after childbirth

Are they discharged from the hospital with jaundice? This question worries many mothers. Often, babies begin to turn a little yellow a few days after birth. Moreover, such a manifestation can be physiological or pathological in nature. After such symptoms appear, the baby must be examined for illness.

With the physiological form of jaundice, the child is discharged from the maternity hospital along with the mother. However, new parents should carefully monitor the condition of the baby. Physiological jaundice goes away on its own in about two weeks.

When it comes to the pathological form, there is an enlargement of the liver and spleen. Babies and mothers with Rhesus conflict often encounter this. In such cases, the baby needs treatment. It involves the use of medications. The newborn’s blood is also periodically purified and sessions of ultraviolet lamps are prescribed. Under such circumstances, the baby should remain within the walls of a medical institution until complete recovery. If the new mother remains with the child, then they may well be transferred to the pediatric or children's department.

Is it possible to leave immediately after the birth of a child? Women's rights and doctors' recommendations

If you study the legislation, you can find out that a woman in labor has the right to leave the walls of the maternity hospital immediately after the birth of the child. At the same time, the baby will be with her.

A new mother can write a refusal to receive medical services. A woman must be sensibly aware of her actions and understand that all responsibility from this moment falls on her shoulders. It is worth noting that a mother can only pick up a healthy child with normal reflexes. If the baby cannot breathe or eat on his own, then he will remain within the walls of the maternity hospital, despite the woman’s wishes.

In conclusion of the article

Now you know the main nuances that doctors take into account when leaving the maternity ward. Remember that you always have the right to make your own choice; you can leave the maternity hospital immediately. However, doctors strongly do not recommend doing this. Stay under medical supervision for as long as necessary. In this case, there is a guarantee that everything will be fine with you and the child. I wish you success!