Parto humanizado em hospital de referência no estado do Paraná / Humanized childbirth on referral hospital in the Paraná State

Abstract

Introduction: Childbirth is a moment of insecurity and vulnerability to the pregnant woman. The safest way to calm her is through humanized childbirth. It proposes an opposition to excessive instrumentalization of childbirth, and assistance before, during, and after childbirth, home birth, sheltering by the healthcare professionals' team and correct the use of technology. The Health Ministry defines humanization on two steps: first, the adequate sheltering of the parturient and her family by the health professionals’ team; and the choice for proven and beneficial practices during childbirth. The use of obsolete or unnecessary methods might incur in episodes of obstetric violence, recognized by the World Health Organization as a public health issue to women and children. There are multiple factors that influence humanized childbirth. The maternity wing of the Federal University of Paraná Clinics Hospital Complex is a proper place to verify the occurrence of humanized childbirth, since it’s a reference institution that concentrates a variety of women from different social, cultural and economic backgrounds. The aim of the study is to measure the occurrence of humanized childbirth and its quality, bringing the perception of the puerperal women about their own childbirth. Methods: A observational, transversal study was conducted, with 71 puerperal women who were admitted to the maternity wing. The interviewed answered a form with 19 questions that evaluated their marital status, skin colour, income, schooling and 9 parameters of humanizing childbirth, in addition to the childbirth perceptions. Results: Single and married puerperal women had similar percentages. The majority of women finished high school, self-declared as white, had an income of 1-2 minimum wages and were multiparous. Most women also never had a premature pregnancy, and had the current delivery done vaginally. Most puerperal women also had maximum scoring on 8 of the 9 parameters, excluding parameter 5, that dealt with the use of non-pharmacological pain-relieving methods. The final score was classified as “excellent” or “good” on 98% of the interviewed. The only statically significant stat was between the final score and the presence of an intrapartum companion. Discussion: The data found within the study diverges of past data obtained in similar studies, since they were more positive, as with the vaginal/caesarean delivery ratio, presence of a companion during care and delivery, and communication with the parturient, as confirmed by the patient's own perceptions. Conclusion: The patients assisted in the maternity wing experience an excellent or good experience of humanized childbirth, being looked after by a competent team that humanized attention in diverse aspects, on top of applying good practices. Limitations include the sample size and the results not matching the reality of the majority of brazilian hospitals. 

Keywords: Humanized childbirth; obstetric violence; maternal and child health