Autonomy In the Choice of Childbirth in The Primiparous

Understanding Reality

Abstract

Every pregnant woman has the right to care during childbirth and postpartum, and that this is performed in a humane and safe way. To ensure autonomy, it is necessary to put the woman in control of labor and birth, providing the necessary knowledge that allows her to make decisions about her own body. The study aimed to know the autonomy and knowledge of primiparous women in choosing the type of delivery. This is a qualitative field research. The participants were primiparous women, who agreed to participate in the research by signing the Informed Consent Form. The interviews were conducted after approval by the Research Ethics Committee under protocol n. CPEA 31364620.8.0000.5428, opinion n. 4,300,350. In view of the results, the following themes emerged: Reception and neglected bond between health units and pregnant women, revealed by reports of negative and frustrated experiences in the parturition process. Factors that prevent the autonomy of the choice of delivery in pregnant women and negative experiences and frustrated expectations regarding the moment of delivery, in which the reports indicated a lack of explanation of the procedures, lack of communication and prejudiced decision of the physician in relation to the delivery. It was concluded that the study showed the need for actions aimed at women’s health in the pregnancy-puerperal period, which enable conditions for female empowerment in decision-making about the body itself.