[Experience with the first thousand cases of short-term postpartum hospital stay in Hungary]

There is an international trend shortening postpartum hospital stay. While less than 2 days care initiated harsh response in the USA, questions and anxiety were provoked here by reducing puerperal hospital stay from 5-7 to 2 days. Thousand cases out of 7,277 deliveries were discharged early following appropriate education and normal pregnancy. Response from the affected patients and local doctors are discussed. Maternal and neonatal readmission rate call for careful decision making concerning early discharge. Social motivation has to enjoy priority over economic measures.