PREGNANT WOMEN’S CONCEPTIONS REGARDING CAESAREAN BIRTH

Abstract

Pregnancy and birth are bio-social happenings permeated with cultural, family and emotional values, and involve beliefs and myths which influence the choice of means of birth. This study aimed to identify the reasons which lead pregnant women to opt for caesarean births, to research the cultural and family influence on the choice of the means of birth, and to investigate the advice received. It is characterized as descriptive research with a qualitative approach; the data was collected in 2012 through semi-structured interviews with 20 pregnant women in two private clinics and two Primary Health Care Centers. The results indicated pain and the family and cultural influences as influencing the choice as to the means of birth. To roll back the growing number of caesareans, it is necessary to emphasize the importance of educational action during the pre-natal consultations so that the pregnant woman may be heard and have her doubts and fears clarified.

Keywords

• Pregnancy
• Normal birth
• Caesarean