NURSING ASSISTANCE AND THE WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE IN LABOR AND BIRTH

Abstract

This study, with a qualitative approach, aimed to identify the nursing care practices in regard to labor and birth in a public hospital, and the woman’s perspective on this process. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 22 pregnant women; it was verified that the majority had more than six pre-natal consultations and presented their pregnancy medical card when they went into hospital for the birth. Referent to the guidance on the birth process, the participants stated that they were adequately prepared; they reported labor pain as 10 on the Visual Analog Scale. They mentioned encouragement to be active in the labor, choosing the companion, walking around, and using non-pharmacological practices for pain control/relief as guidance received from the health team of the hospital institution.

Keywords

• Obstetric nursing
• Humanized childbirth
• Labor