Hospitalizations during pregnancy among managed care enrollees

To describe the prevalence of hospitalizations during pregnancy, the reason for hospitalization, the length of stay, and the associated costs.

We analyzed data from a national managed care organization and determined the occurrence of hospitalizations for 46,179 women who had a live birth or a pregnancy loss in 1997.

Overall, 8.7% of women were hospitalized during their pregnancy. Of these, 5.7% were hospitalized and discharged while pregnant, 0.8% experienced extended stays before a live birth or pregnancy loss, and 2.1% experienced pregnancy loss. Hospitalizations were more common among younger women, women with multiple gestations, and women in the northeastern United States. Women who had a live birth were primarily hospitalized for preterm labor (24%), hyperemesis (9%), hypertension (9%), kidney disorders (6%), and prolonged premature rupture of membranes (6%). Charges totaled over $36 million.

Antenatal hospitalizations are common.