Articles (EN)

Discharge from the hospital: what you need to know

2026-05-27 12:00 Childbirth
In short: after natural childbirth, discharge is on the 3rd-4th day, after cesarean - on the 5th-7th day. Before discharge, make sure that you have received all the documents and passed the necessary screenings. At home – call a pediatrician in the first 3 days.

When they are discharged from the hospital

The timing of discharge depends on the method of delivery and the condition of the mother and baby:
  • After natural childbirth: usually on day 3-4 if there are no complications.
  • After cesarean section: 5-7 days, after removal of skin staples or sutures.
  • Premature birth, complications: the timing is individual and determined by the doctor.
Early discharge (after 24-48 hours) is possible if the following conditions are met: neonatal screening has been passed, an audiological test has been performed, the baby is well fed, and the mother feels confident.

What to do before discharge

Make sure that:
  • The baby was vaccinated against hepatitis B and BCG (if you did not refuse).
  • Neonatal screening was carried out (blood was taken from the heel on the 3rd-4th day).
  • Audiological screening was carried out.
  • The neonatologist conducted a final examination.
  • You have received all the necessary documents.

Documents at discharge

You should be given:
  • An exchange card (discharge from the maternity hospital) is needed by a district pediatrician and gynecologist.
  • Birth certificate (form 103/y) – for registration of a birth certificate at the registry office (within 30 days).
  • Birth certificate for the Social Insurance Fund (if necessary, the maternity hospital will tell you).
  • If there is a sick leave, make sure that it is properly issued (for maternity leave).

How to dress a baby for discharge

Focus on the temperature outside. The "plus one layer" rule works well: a toddler needs one layer more clothes than an adult in the same weather.
The minimum set: a bodysuit or vest, sliders, warm overalls (or a blanket at a temperature below 15 ° C), a hat. Do not wrap it excessively: overheating is dangerous.

Child seat in the car

Transporting a newborn in a car without a child seat is prohibited by law and dangerous. The car seat must be installed with the back in the direction of travel (group 0 or 0+, up to 13 kg). Check for proper installation before driving.

First days at home

Calling a pediatrician: according to Russian law, the district pediatrician must visit the newborn at home within the first 3 days after discharge. Call the clinic immediately after arriving home.
Regimen: no strict regime in the first days. Sleep when the baby is sleeping. Accept the help of loved ones. Read more about mom's recovery in a separate article.
Lochia: the discharge will continue for a few more weeks - this is normal. Read more about lochia in a separate article.

Registration of the baby

To obtain a birth certificate, you need to contact the registry office within 30 days. You will need: a birth certificate from a maternity hospital, passports of both parents (or one if the parents are not married), a marriage certificate.
A birth certificate is needed to apply for a compulsory medical insurance policy for a baby, to be attached to a clinic, to receive maternity capital and other benefits.

When to see a doctor after discharge

Call an ambulance or go to the emergency room if:
  • the baby does not wet diapers (less than 6 times a day after the 5th day);
  • jaundice increases or appeared after the 5th day of life;
  • the baby is very lethargic, does not wake up for feeding for more than 5 hours;
  • the mother has a temperature above 38 ° C, increasing pain in the abdomen or chest, very abundant discharge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to be discharged early?

Yes, if you wish and the mother and baby are in satisfactory condition. But make sure that all screenings are passed. After early discharge, the pediatrician will visit you at home within 24 hours.

What to do if we are at home, and the child is without a policy?

You can apply for a compulsory medical insurance policy at an insurance company after receiving a birth certificate. Until the policy is issued, ambulance and emergency medical care are provided free of charge.

When to go to the first appointment with a gynecologist?

Postpartum examination by a gynecologist - 6 weeks after childbirth (or earlier in case of complications). It assesses the healing of the sutures, the condition of the uterus and discusses contraception.

Conclusion

Discharge is an important, slightly exciting moment: you are left alone with the baby. Prepare in advance: check your documents, install a chair, check the phone number of the pediatrician. And remember: help is always nearby - the pediatrician, the hotline of the maternity hospital, your loved ones.

Bibliography

  1. WHO. WHO recommendations on postnatal care of the mother and newborn. 2013. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241506649
  2. NICE guideline CG37. Routine postnatal care. 2006. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241506649
  3. Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Clinical guidelines: Postpartum period. 2022. https://cr.minzdrav.gov.ru/
  4. Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Order No1130n "On Approval of the Procedure for the Provision of Medical Care in the Field of Obstetrics and Gynecology". 2020. https://www.rosminzdrav.ru/
This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for medical advice. If a child's sleep is accompanied by alarming symptoms, a pronounced deterioration in health, problems with breathing, feeding or weight gain, it is necessary to consult a qualified medical specialist as soon as possible, and not rely only on information from the Internet.