Early discharge is not recommended due to the multiple
morbidity risks associated with late-preterm infants. In
a retrospective chart review of 235 late-preterm infants,
40% of the infants experienced a prolonged hospital stay;
75% of the 34-week gestation infants and 25% of the 36-
week gestation infants experienced prolonged hospital
stays due to oxygen need, phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia,
hypothermia, need for nasogastric feedings, or
antibiotic administration greater than three days