Going home after pregnancy

It’s important the necessary arrangements are made for your discharge and any after-care that may be required. Before you leave hospital, any questions or concerns should be addressed with your healthcare team. The length of your hospital stay will vary depending on your circumstances and healthcare needs. This could be from four hours after a vaginal birth or from 24 to 72 hours following a caesarean birth. Discharge time is after 10am. You may be required to sit in a waiting area until your transport arrives.

If your baby requires care in Special Care Nursery (SCN), you will be discharged when you are medically cleared and your baby will remain an inpatient in the SCN.

If you have been referred from another hospital or health service, we will endeavour to return you to your local area as soon as possible. If you think you will need additional support at home, talk to staff early to arrange the required support ahead of time.

Going home after gynaecology care

It’s important the necessary arrangements are made for your discharge and any after-care that may be required. Before you leave hospital, any questions or concerns should be addressed with your healthcare team. The length of your hospital stay will vary depending on your circumstances and healthcare needs. Discharge time is after 10am.

What if I need help after I go home?

Various support services are available after women return home. This may be important for women who have had complex surgery or ongoing medical care requirements.

These include:

• Physiotherapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Social Work
• Pharmacy
• Dietetics
• Pastoral Care

Please discuss your needs before you are discharged so that the appropriate services can be put into place and set your mind at ease.

Your responsibilities after surgery

During the first 24 hours after surgery (including day surgery), you must be supervised by a responsible adult. During that time, you should NOT:

• Drink alcohol, take mind-altering substances or smoke.
• Drive a car, bike or other vehicle.
• Undertake heavy exercise.
• Operate machinery including cooking implements.
• Care for infants without responsible help.
• Make important decisions or sign a legal document.