Profile of puerperal women and factors that determine the choice of the way of delivery: a survey in a hospital in West Paraná

Abstract

Over the centuries, a social model was built in which women were not considered active and full subjects oftheir own history and this even involves health issues, which still reflect today. In this way, the importance of knowing the profile of each patient is emphasized, in addition to considering sociocultural aspects, fears, doubts and anxieties that each pregnant woman may present during her process of gestating and being a mother. Each individual has their particularities and expectations in relation to the pregnancy-puerperal cycle, so each pregnancy and delivery must also be unique. Due to the dilemma andimplications regarding the choice of delivery method, as well as the high percentage of cesarean sections in Brazil, this research aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile of puerperal women, as well as their beliefs and medical indications during pregnancy and childbirth, through the application of a questionnaire, in order to contribute to its target audience, encouraging the participation of these women in educational and prenatal programs in future pregnancies. Thus, it was concluded with the results obtained that the incidence of cesarean sections appears to be more related to the right to choose and to socioeconomic conditions, even when there is no necessary knowledge and/or valid indication.