Durata di degenza per parto in Trentino: caratteristiche materne e volumi di attività del punto nascita in relazione alla probabilità di dimissione precoce di neonati sani e a termine

(Length of stay for childbirth in the province of Trento: maternal characteristics and volumes of activity in the maternity unit associated with the early discharge of infants) - Early discharge (ED) of healthy term infants has become a common practice due to current socialeconomic needs. The objectives of the study are: to evaluate trends in ED of healthy term neonates (≥ 37 gestational weeks) by delivery method (caesarean and vaginal) in maternity units in the province of Trento; to identify the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of mothers whose infants were discharged early. This retrospective study reviewed records of live births from 2006 to 2016, for a total of 45,314 healthy term infants. The trend for ED grew significantly in the period 2006-16, for both caesarean and vaginal deliveries. The multiple logistic regression analysis shows how the determinants of ED are maternal age, birth order (firstborn, second-born son, etc.), citizenship of mother, maternal smoking, maternal employment status and number of births per day. The post partum length of stay should be adjusted based on the characteristics and needs of the mother-infant dyad, identifying the criteria for safe discharge. In province of Trento, various programmes are becoming more uniform today with the intention to provide an integrated assistance.