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Transitions in the early-life of late preterm infants: vulnerabilities and implications for postpartum care

Shahirose Sadrudin Premji1, Marilyn Young, Carol Rogers

  • 1Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, and Alberta Health Services, Prenatal and Postpartum Services-Public Health, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. premjis@ucalgary.ca

The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing
|February 2, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Late preterm infants are vulnerable after hospital discharge. Postpartum care can support their transition home, but gaps exist in current provision and models.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Late preterm infants (34-36 weeks gestation) face increased risks post-discharge.
  • Existing literature highlights vulnerability regarding mortality, morbidity, and healthcare utilization.
  • Effective hospital-to-home transition is crucial for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the transition of late preterm infants from hospital to home.
  • To identify gaps in postpartum care provision for these infants.
  • To discuss models of postpartum care, including home-based versus clinic-based approaches.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on late preterm infant outcomes post-discharge.
  • Analysis of current guidelines and models for postpartum care.
  • Synthesis of data concerning mortality, morbidities, ED visits, and rehospitalization.

Main Results:

  • Late preterm infants exhibit significant vulnerability after hospital discharge.
  • Postpartum care is identified as a key environmental support for successful transition.
  • Gaps in the consistent provision and optimal models of postpartum care are evident.

Conclusions:

  • Universal postpartum care is essential for vulnerable late preterm infants.
  • Addressing identified gaps in postpartum care is critical.
  • Further research into optimal home-based vs. clinic-based postpartum care models is warranted.

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