Vivência do parto normal: percepções de puérperas sobre a posições de parto adotadas em um hospital de referência no Município de Santa Inês - MA

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the perception of postpartum women regarding the lithotomy position adopted during labor and delivery. This moment is fundamental in a woman's life as it directly impacts various aspects, including physical, emotional, and psychological states. The choice of position during labor can significantly influence labor progression, perceived pain, required medical interventions, and even neonatal outcomes. The study adopts a qualitative, analytical-exploratory approach conducted between September and October 2024 in a reference hospital located in Santa Inês, Maranhão. The sample population comprises nulliparous and multiparous women who had vaginal deliveries at the institution during the research period and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria established for the study. Data were collected through a questionnaire containing open and closed-ended questions, administered to 20 postpartum women to understand the labor process and the care provided by healthcare professionals. After data collection, the information was compiled and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2019 software through frequency charts and tables, with a significance level set at p<0.05. The project was submitted to the Research Ethics Committee and approved under opinion no. 7.118.378. In this context, it was observed that all women delivered in the lithotomy position, indicating that even among multiparous women, there was no variation in the position adopted during the expulsion phase. It was found that 14 women (70%) attended more than six prenatal visits, while 6 women (30%) attended fewer than six. These findings suggest that most pregnant women regularly accessed health services for prenatal care. When analyzing the choice of delivery position, it was noted that all women reported not having the option to choose due to a lack of knowledge on the subject. Furthermore, none of them were able to provide information about the benefits of different positions. These findings point to a potential deficiency in prenatal guidance regarding the choice of delivery position and pregnant women's rights to a humanized birth, free from unnecessary interventions such as episiotomy. Thus, it is inferred that empowering women to choose the most comfortable and least painful position during labor is of utmost importance. Additionally, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to understand the implications of the positions adopted during labor and their contribution to promoting a humanized birth, in alignment with national guidelines for childbirth care.