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Introduction: Birthing balls have emerged as a valuable alternative in childbirth care, promoting not only pain relief but also a more positive and empowering experience while minimizing the need for invasive medical interventions. This holistic, woman-centered approach can positively transform the experience, contributing to healthier and more satisfying maternal and neonatal outcomes. Objective: To analyze the evidence on the influence of using a birthing ball on pain relief and the progression of labor. Methods: Systematic literature review; the search was carried out in the Medline, Scielo, Cinahl, and PubMed databases, using the Boolean search method “AND,” and “OR,” using the descriptors DeCs/MeSH. Results: Applying the defined criteria, five articles published between 2018 and 2023 were selected and analyzed. The authors highlight that, despite concerns about pain and the duration of labor, the results show that the use of birthing balls provided a positive experience and pain relief. Conclusion: Through the analysis of the articles, it is clear that the use of birthing balls contributes to a more positive childbirth experience and maternal empowerment while minimizing the potential risks associated with drug interventions. It was observed that using birthing balls also affects the duration of labor and the incidence of instrumented deliveries.

This study was conducted in order to develop a scale regarding ‘Natural Birth Perception of the Pregnants in the Last Trimester’. The study was conducted cross-sectionally between March 1 and May 1, 2019. The universe of the study consisted of pregnant women (N: 356) above the age of 18 and in the third trimester. In the study, factor analysis was conducted to determine the construct validity of the Natural Birth Perception Scale. The internal reliability coefficient of the test was found to be quite high (cronbach alpha, 89). As the score obtained from the scale increases, the perception of natural birth increases positively. The Natural Birth Perception Scale can be used safely in measuring the natural birth perception of pregnant women.

Abstract Objectives: this study describes the occurrence of cesarean sections according to the Robson Classification in a public hospital in southern Brazil. Methods: a cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted. Women who underwent vaginal delivery or cesarean section at the study location (gestational age >20 weeks and/or fetuses weighing > 500 g) were included. Stillbirths were excluded. Sociodemographic and obstetric data from July to November 2018 were retrospectively collected from medical records. Chi-square and linear trend tests were used for data analysis. The Robson Classification was analyzed according to World Health Organization recommendations, and the reasons for cesarean section were described. Results: the sample consisted of 1,531 women. The cesarean section rate was 39.1% (n=598). A greater incidence of cesarean sections was identified among women with no previous vaginal births, older women, those with higher educational levels, and those with more previous cesarean sections. Groups 1, 2 and 5 of the Robson Classification stood out for presenting cesarean section rates of 16%, 56.9% and 66.2%, respectively, and for totaling 60.3% of births by cesarean section in the studied institution. Conclusions: the percentage of cesarean sections found was greater than that reported in studies conducted in other countries. Groups 1 to 5 of the Robson Classification presented rates lower than values found in national literature. Groups 1, 2 and 5 should be prioritized for management and care interventions aiming to reduce cesarean rates.

Abstract Objective: To describe the prevalence of perineal laceration, based on the self-reported perception of postpartum women, and to analyze factors associated with its occurrence in Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted with 23,894 postpartum women, excluding twin pregnancies, cesarean sections, and births with episiotomies, between 2011 and 2012. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) of association between the event and maternal, fetus/newborn, obstetric and clinical management characteristics were estimated in hierarchical Poisson regression models. Results: Out of 4,606 postpartum women, 49.5% (95%CI 46.1;42.9) self-reported perineal laceration. Being an adolescent (PR = 1.12; 95%CI 1.02;1.25), primipara (PR = 1.47; 95%CI 1.33;1.63), having had excessive gestational weight gain (PR = 1.17; 95%CI 1.07;1.29) and having undergone the Kristeller maneuver (PR = 1.18; 95%CI 1.08;1.29) increased the proportion of the outcome. Conclusion: The results found call for prenatal care and adjustments to childbirth care so as to be in accordance with current recommendations.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To descriptively analyze Brazilian parturient women who underwent previous cesarean section and point out the factors associated with Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) in Brazil. METHODS The study used data from women with one, two, or three or more cesarean sections from the survey Nascer no Brasil (Birth in Brazil). Differences between categories were assessed through the chi-square test (χ2). Variables with significant differences (p < 0.05) were incorporated into logistic regression. FINDINGS Out of the total of 23,894 women, 20.9% had undergone a previous cesarean section. The majority (85.1%) underwent another cesarean section, with 75.5% occurring before the onset of labor. The rate of Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) was 14.9%, with a success rate of 60.8%. Women who underwent three or more cesarean sections displayed greater social vulnerability. The chances of VBAC were higher among those who opted for a vaginal birth towards the end of gestation, had a prior vaginal birth, underwent labor induction, were admitted with over 4 centimeters of dilation, and without partner. Receiving care from the private health care system, having two or more prior cesarean sections, obstetric complications, and deciding on cesarean delivery late in gestation reduced the chances of VBAC. Age group, educational background, prenatal care adequacy, and the reason for the previous cesarean section did not result in significant differences. CONCLUSION The majority of women who underwent a previous cesarean section in Brazil are directed towards another surgery, and a higher number of cesarean sections is linked to greater social inequality. Factors associated with VBAC included choosing vaginal birth towards the end of gestation, having had a previous vaginal birth, higher cervical dilation upon admission, induction, assistance from the public health care system, absence of obstetric complications, and without a partner. Efforts to promote VBAC are necessary to reduce overall cesarean rates and their repercussions on maternal and child health.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the repercussions of SARS-CoV-2 infection (suspected or confirmed) and the context of the pandemic on the birth route and humanized assistance during childbirth. Method: Cross-sectional epidemiological study, nested within a cohort and comparative with the research “Birth in Belo Horizonte: Survey on Childbirth and Delivery”.The medical records of three reference maternity hospitals in Belo Horizonte were assessed, with a final sample of 1,682 pregnant women, in the months of May, June and July 2020. A descriptive analysis was carried out, with absolute and relative frequency, and a comparative one, with a Pearson’s chi-square test. Results: It was observed that 2.02% of pregnant women were infected with SARS-CoV-2.Before the pandemic, out of a total of 390 pregnant women, 74.10% gave birth vaginally.During a pandemic, among infected women, 51.61% gave birth via cesarean section and 48,39% via vaginal delivery;among uninfected, 26.99% cesarean sections and 73.01% vaginaldeliveries. Conclusion: There was an increase in the percentage of cesarean sections and a possible influence of the pandemic on the rates of indication of cesarean sections at the time of admission to the maternity ward.

Objectives: To analyze the factors associated with mode of delivery in puerperal women assisted by Primary Health Care in a municipality in the north of Minas Gerais. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted with 188 puerperal women in the city of Montes Claros, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data were obtained with a structured questionnaire about the sociodemographic profile and obstetric history. Descriptive analysis was performed and, for the analysis of factors associated with the mode of delivery, the Pearson’s chi-square test was used. Results: The prevalence of vaginal deliveries was 56.4% (n=106) and 43.6% (n=82) of cesarean sections. Of the 82 (43.6%) women who were subjected to cesarean section, the main reasons for cesarean section reported by the puerperal women were: cephalopelvic disproportion (40.2%; n=33), elevated blood pressure levels (13.4%; n=11), and previous cesarean section (12.2%; n=10). A significant association was found between choice of cesarean delivery and higher maternal age (p=0.031), skin color (p=0.045), high income (p=0.015), and public financing of delivery (p=0.041). Conclusion: Vaginal route prevailed among puerperal women, but a high prevalence of cesarean sections was observed, which showed that higher maternal age, skin color, high income, and public financing of childbirth influence the mode of delivery. The information obtained in this study can be used to improve the assistance to pregnant women and puerperal women, especially in pregnant women more susceptible to unnecessary cesarean sections.

Controversial results have been reported on the association between mode of delivery and patient satisfaction. This study investigates which mode of delivery leads to greater satisfaction with hospital admission for childbirth. A cohort study was conducted with data from the Birth in Brazil study, which began in 2011. A total of 23,046 postpartum women were included from a random sample of hospitals, selected by conglomerates with a three level stratification. At the first follow-up, 15,582 women were re-interviewed. Mode of delivery, dichotomized into vaginal or cesarean section, and confounders were collected before hospital discharge. The outcome maternal satisfaction, investigated as a 10-item unidimensional construct, was measured by the Hospital Birth Satisfaction Scale up to six months after discharge. We used a directed acyclic graph to define minimal adjustment variables for confounding. The effect of mode of delivery on satisfaction was estimated using a structural equation model with weighting by the inverse of the probability of selection, considering the complex sampling design. The weight was estimated considering the different sample selection probabilities, the losses to follow-up, and the propensity score, which was estimated in a logistic regression model. The analysis revealed no significant difference in satisfaction with hospitalization for childbirth between respondents who had vaginal delivery and cesarean section in the adjusted analysis (standardized coefficient = 0.089; p-value = 0.056). Therefore, women who had vaginal delivery and cesarean section were equally satisfied with their hospitalization for childbirth.

Abstract Objective The role of breast milk in the physical and mental health of infants and in the prevention of infant death is widely known. The benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants have been proven, but several factors can affect breastfeeding. Childbirth is one of the most influential factors. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the type of delivery (natural childbirth and cesarean section) on breastfeeding based on the latch, audible swallowing, type of nipple, comfort, hold (LATCH) scoring system. Methods The present cross-sectional observational study was performed using the census method among women who referred to Afzalipour Hospital for delivery in May 2020; the breastfeeding pattern was completed by observation and the in-case information, by LATCH checklist. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, United States) software, version 19.0, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the Chi-squared statistical test. Results Out of a total of 254 deliveries (127 natural childbirths and 127 cesarean deliveries), there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 study groups in terms of age, maternal employment status, and infant weight, but there was a statistically significant relationship between the type of delivery, the maternal level of schooling, and the appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration (Apgar) score in the first minute. The mean score of breastfeeding patterns among the natural childbirth group (9.33) was higher than that of the cesarean section group (7.21). Conclusion The type of delivery affects the mother’s performance during breastfeeding, and mothers submitted to cesarean sections need more support and help in breastfeeding.

Abstract Objectives: to identify the prevalence and factors associated with obstetric interventions in parturients assisted in public maternity hospitals. Methods: a cross-sectional study with 344 puerperal women, from two public maternity hospitals, referring to childbirth by Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) (Public Health Service System) in Londrina City, Paraná, Brazil, between January and June 2017. The medical records were the data source. The following obstetric interventions were considered: oxytocin use, artificial rupture of the membranes, instrumental childbirth and episiotomy. Multivariate Poisson regression was used to analyze associated factors, with p

The present report describes the process and results obtained with a knowledge translation project developed in three stages to identify barriers to the Implementation of the National Guidelines for Normal Childbirth in Brazil, as well strategies for effective implementation. The Improving Programme Implementation through Embedded Research (iPIER) model and the Supporting Policy Relevant Reviews and Trials (SUPPORT) tools provided the methodological framework for the project. In the first stage, the quality of the Guidelines was evaluated and the barriers preventing implementation of the recommendations were identified through review of the global evidence and analysis of contributions obtained in a public consultation process. In the second stage, an evidence synthesis was used as the basis for a deliberative dialogue aimed at prioritizing the barriers identified. Finally, a second evidence synthesis was presented in a new deliberative dialogue to discuss six options to address the prioritized barriers: 1) promote the use of multifaceted interventions; 2) promote educational interventions for the adoption of guidelines; 3) perform audits and provide feedback to adjust professional practice; 4) use reminders to mediate the interaction between workers and service users; 5) enable patient-mediated interventions; and 6) engage opinion leaders to promote use of the Guidelines. The processes and results associated with each stage were documented and formulated to inform a review and update of the Guidelines and the development of an implementation plan for the recommendations. Effective implementation of the Guidelines is important for improving the care provided during labor and childbirth in Brazil.

Abstract Objectives: to describe the profile of prenatal and perinatal health by correlating it with sociodemographic and clinical conditions, verifying the effectiveness of health actions. Methods: quantitative, descriptive and retrospective research using data from the Live Birth Information System (Sinasc) of the municipality of Patos de Minas in the period of 2011 to 2015. Results: between 2011 and 2014 there was a reduction in the rate of vaginal births and a slight increase in 2015, however, the rates of cesarean delivery were higher than recommended by the Ministry of Health. In both types of delivery, most pregnant women attended seven or more prenatal consultations, however, this rate was significantly higher for pregnant women who underwent cesarean section. Maternal age > 35 years was also related to cesarean delivery, however, there was no significant relationship between type of delivery, the gestation time, birth weight and occurrence of maternal death. Conclusions: during the analyzed period there were more cesarean sections in relation to vaginal deliveries, with no significant change in the number of maternal deaths. A significant association was found between the highest number of prenatal consultations and maternal age > 35 years in pregnant women who underwent caesarean section. Verification of these associations can help in reorienting health practices in the region.

Objective: to understand the meanings of experiences of women who have undergone natural childbirth. Methods: heideggerian qualitative phenomenological research with 14 women carried out through open audiorecorded interviews, transcribed and analyzed whose steps were the routing for constitution of units of meaning, understanding and hermeneutics. Results: most of them decided to give birth normally and this experience meant: having chosen and dreamed of natural birth because it was better, having planned to give birth, having known how the moment would be and that it was a great experience allied to the feeling of being more powerful and strong and that they would advise other women without any regrets. Despite the positive experience, many did not receive information about childbirth. Conclusion: the experience of natural birth proved to be authentic due to the women’s decision, with assertive reports, which is provided by quality assistance by obstetric nursing, active from prenatal to postpartum. Contributions to practice: reflection and strengthening of the obstetric nurse’s actions in this process, which goes from prenatal care to labor, childbirth, and puerperium, following the guidelines of good practice in women’s health care and public health policies.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Test the association between the practice of physical activity (PA) according to the gestational trimesters and the occurrence of cesarean delivery, prematurity, and low birth weight in puerperal women assisted in the Unified Health System of Santa Catarina, Brazil. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with a probabilistic sample of puerperal women who gave birth in public maternity hospitals in Santa Catarina from January to August 2019. The cesarean delivery outcome was self-reported, and information on premature birth (< 37 gestational weeks) and low birth weight (< 2,500 grams) were obtained from medical records. The practice of PA during pregnancy and according to each trimester was self-reported. Multivariate Logistic Regression analyses and interviews with 3,580 puerperal women were carried out. RESULTS PA practice during any period of pregnancy was reported by 20.6% of the sample, with a gradual reduction in prevalence according to the gestational trimester (16.2%, 15.4%, and 12.8%). The highest prevalences of outcomes concerning the total sample were observed in puerperal women who did not practice PA in the third trimester, with 43.9% for cesarean delivery, 7.7% for low birth weight, and 5.5% for premature birth. The odds of cesarean delivery (OR = 1.40; 95%CI 1.10–1.76) and low birth weight (OR = 1.99; 95%CI 1.04–3.79) were, respectively, 40% and 99% higher among puerperal women who did not practice PA in the third trimester of pregnancy when compared to those who practiced PA. There was no association between PA practice and prematurity. CONCLUSION Puerperal women who did not practice PA in the third trimester of pregnancy were more likely to have cesarean delivery and low birth weight newborns.

ABSTRACT Objective: To validate the content of the nursing diagnosis powerlessness in women during natural childbirth. Method: A nursing diagnosis content validation, in which 29 experts analyzed the definition of powerlessness and assessed the relevance of related factors, populations at risk, associated conditions and defining characteristics. These elements were considered relevant when the Content Validity Index was greater than or equal to 0.9. Results: Experts considered the definition resulting from the concept analysis more appropriate for the diagnosis under study. Regarding the assessment of diagnostic elements, 10 related factors, two populations at risk, three associated conditions and 10 defining characteristics were considered relevant. Conclusion: The new definition for powerlessness and 25 elements have been validated by experts. These can support the operationalization of the Nursing Process for parturient women.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze factors associated with Apgar of 5 minutes less than 7 of newborns of women selected for care at the Center for Normal Birth (ANC). Method: a descriptive cross-sectional study with data from 9,135 newborns collected between July 2001 and December 2012. The analysis used absolute and relative frequency frequencies and bivariate analysis using Pearson’s chi-square test or the exact Fisher. Results: fifty-three newborns (0.6%) had Apgar less than 7 in the 5th minute. The multivariate analysis found a positive association between low Apgar and gestational age less than 37 weeks, gestational pathologies and intercurrences in labor. The presence of the companion was a protective factor. Conclusion: the Normal Birth Center is a viable option for newborns of low risk women as long as the protocol for screening low-risk women is followed.

ABSTRACT Objective: to develop the concept ambience for labor and normal institutionalized delivery, identifying in the literature its antecedent, defining attributes and the consequent. Method: the method used was the analysis of literature, corresponding to the first stage of the qualitative method of concept analysis. The theoretical operation was performed in the databases CINAHL COCHRANE, LILACS, PsycINFO, and PubMed. Results: aspects of the parturient woman and the qualification of the physical and social space are presented as the antecedent. The defining attributes outline the assistance interaction process with Non-Invasive Technologies. As the consequent, we highlight the outcome for normal delivery, pain relief and comfort, woman satisfaction and well-being. Final considerations: the analysis of the antecedent, defining attributes and the consequent allowed the elaboration of an unprecedent theoretical proposition of this concept.

Objective: to analyze the association between good obstetric practices and types of delivery. Methods: a cross-sectional study, carried out with 207 pregnant women admitted to two reference maternity hospitals, whose data were collected through a questionnaire and chart analysis and analyzed by Pearson’s chi-square test. Results: it was observed that the parturients with vaginal delivery were oriented about relaxation techniques and non-pharmacological measures for pain relief, encouraged not to remain in bed and to use the Swiss ball. In contrast, women who underwent a cesarean section reported not receiving such interventions. The use of squatting exercises, massages, hot baths and encouragement not to wander were mentioned less frequently by the participants, regardless of the route of delivery. Conclusion: it was observed that good obstetric practices were associated with the normal delivery route, while in cesarean delivery, such practices were implemented less frequently.

ABSTRACT Objective Measure umbilical cord pulsatility time and evaluate correlation/association with maternal and neonatal characteristics. Method Cross-sectional study, with 76 binomials, carried out in 2017, in a maternity hospital in Alagoas. Analysis with Pearson or Spearman correlation test and Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis test. Results Sixty-two parturients and their newborns participated of the research. The women had a gestational age ≥ 37 weeks, natural cephalic birth, without distortions. The newborns had average weight of 3326.29g, mostly male. The umbilical cord pulsatility time was 285.48s. There is a correlation between umbilical cord pulsatility time and placental delivery time (p

ABSTRACT: Objective: To analyze early and late maternal complications associated with the mode of delivery in a birth cohort in Brazil, using the propensity score technique for analysis. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study, using data from the Pelotas Birth Cohort, RS, 2004. A total of 4,189 women were included and a descriptive analysis of the data and subsequent calculation of the propensity and pairing score of vaginal delivery women and cesarean delivery women with similar scores (1,366 pairs). We then assessed the difference in outcome risk between the groups. Results: Women in the cesarean group had 2.9 percentage points (pp) more risk of postpartum infection, 1.13 p.p. more risk of urinary infection, 1.10 p.p. more risk of anesthetic complications and 1.24 p.p. higher risk of headache compared to vaginal delivery, but less risk of anemia (-2.43 pp) and hemorrhoids (-1.24 p.p.). The use of propensity scores is extremely useful for reducing bias and increasing accuracy in observational studies when experimental studies cannot be performed. Conclusion: Cesarean sections have been associated with a higher prevalence of postpartum and urinary tract infections, anesthetic complications and headache and lower prevalence of anemia and hemorrhoids, so they should be performed with clear indications and when their benefits outweigh potential risks.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze skin-to-skin contact practice in full-term newborns after birth. Method: a cross-sectional study carried out in São Paulo-SP with 78 mother-child binomials. Data were obtained from medical records and by non-participant observation. Maternal, neonatal and care conditions, length of skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding attachment were analyzed. Results: skin-to-skin contact was performed in 94.9% of births, with a mean length of 29 minutes. Births with intact perineum took longer, neonates with Apgar 10, without upper airway aspiration, assisted by a nurse-midwife and with neonatal assistance by a resident in pediatrics. The variables that favor breastfeeding attachment were perineal integrity, newborn with good vitality, without upper airway aspiration and who received professional assistance for breastfeeding attachment. Conclusion: skin-to-skin contact was performed in almost all births, but with less time than recommended as best practice.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify non-pharmacological therapies applied during pregnancy and labor. Method: Integrative review conducted in the databases: PubMed, ScieLO and PEDro, searching for articles from 2008 in English, Spanish and Portuguese. The descriptors used were: pregnancy, childbirth, physiotherapy, alternative and complementary medicine, alternative therapy, non-pharmacological therapy, biomechanical therapy. Results: Forty-one articles were analyzed and subdivided into ten categories of nonpharmacological therapies: massage, perineal massage, hot bath, supportive care, childbirth preparation group, breathing techniques, pelvic floor exercises, transcutaneous electrostimulation, Swiss ball and spontaneous pushing. Six articles (60%) showed a positive outcome for reduction of pain in labor and all of them had a positive outcome for different variables of labor, such as reduction of time, anxiety and pelvic floor laceration rates. Conclusion: The use of non-pharmacological therapies was efficient to reduce the effects of labor and childbirth, such as pain, duration of labor, anxiety, laceration and episiotomy.

Abstract Objective: To analyze the association between gestational risk factors and type of delivery in high-risk pregnancies. Method: A cross-sectional epidemiological study involving a retrospective analysis of secondary data from 4,293 medical records of high-risk pregnant women. The primary outcome was composed of risks associated with cesarean delivery and spontaneous abortion compared with normal delivery. Results: There were 3,448 women analyzed in the study. The primary outcome rates were cesarean delivery (72.8%), spontaneous abortion (0.9%) versus vaginal delivery (26.2%). Common risk factors for cesarean delivery and spontaneous abortion were age ≥35 years (OR = 1.4; 95% CI 1.1-1.7 / OR = 11.5; 95% CI 4.2-31.0), evangelical religion (OR = 1.4; 95% CI 1.2-1.7 / OR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.0-6.7), high blood pressure (OR = 1.4; 95% CI 1.1-1.8 / OR = 74.9; 95% CI 13.7-410.2) and twinning (OR = 3.1; 95% CI 1.9-5.0 / OR = 68.6, 95% CI 9.7-487.7). Conclusion: Identifying the relationship of gestational risks with the type of delivery and abortion can contribute to developing strategies and assist in planning actions in women’s healthcare networks, developing specific and individualized lines of care for each gestational risk.

Abstract Objective: Identify the associations between perineal outcome in primiparas and interventions during labor and delivery, newborn weight and APGAR score. Method: Document-based, correlational, retrospective, quantitative study conducted in a tertiary maternity hospital in the state of Ceará, between July 2017 and January 2018. The independent variables were labor induction, amniotomy, non-pharmaceutical methods for relieving pain, forceps, episiotomy, Kristeller maneuver, position in the expulsion stage, shoulder dystocia, and newborn weight and APGAR score, and the dependent variable was perineal outcome. Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used. Results: A total of 226 normal-risk primiparas who had a vaginal delivery. An association was found between horizontal position in the expulsion stage and episiotomy, and between not performing an episiotomy and perineal tearing. The other variables (labor, delivery and neonatal) did not have any effect on perineal tearing. Conclusion: Interventions, with the exception of episiotomies, did not have an influence on the occurrence of perineal trauma, but they do need to be carefully assessed. Deliveries in a horizontal position were associated with a higher likelihood of performing an episiotomy.

Abstract Objective To describe and evaluate the use of a simple, low-cost, and reproducible simulator for teaching the repair of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). Methods Twenty resident doctors in obstetrics and gynecology and four obstetricians participated in the simulation. A fourth-degree tear model was created using lowcost materials (condom simulating the rectal mucosa, cotton tissue simulating the internal anal sphincter, and bovine meat simulating the external anal sphincter). The simulator was initially assembled with the aid of anatomical photos to study the anatomy and meaning of each component of the model. The laceration was created and repaired, using end-to-end or overlapping application techniques. Results The model cost less than R$ 10.00 and was assembled without difficulty, which improved the knowledge of the participants of anatomy and physiology. The sutures of the layers (rectal mucosa, internal sphincter, and external sphincter) were performed in keeping with the surgical technique. All participants were satisfied with the simulation and felt it improved their knowledge and skills. Between 3 and 6 months after the training, 7 participants witnessed severe lacerations in their practice and reported that the simulation was useful for surgical correction. Conclusion The use of a simulator for repair training in OASIS is affordable (low-cost and easy to perform). The simulation seems to improve the knowledge and surgical skills necessary to repair severe lacerations. Further systematized studies should be performed for evaluation.

Abstract Venous thromboembolism events are important causes of maternal death during pregnancyandthepostpartumperiodworldwide.Are view of the literature with the objective of evaluating venous thromboembolism events in the puerperium according to the route of delivery was performed through a bibliographic survey in the Medline, LILACS and Scielo databases. We observed that patients submitted to cesarean sections present a significantlyhigher riskofdeveloping venousthromboembolismwhencomparedwiththose who undergo spontaneous vaginal delivery. The pathophysiological bases for this difference were explored and described in this review, as well as the indications of prophylaxis and treatment. Doctors and health professionals must be continuously vigilant regarding this condition, since it is associated with high morbidity and mortality.

Objective: Evaluate which route of delivery were more used in women with a previous cesarean section. Methods: It was performed a descriptive, retrospective research with a quantitative and qualitative approach. Medical records were analyzed from pregnants with a single and on term gestation, which gave birth from January 2013 to January 2015, in an intermediate size and high complexity hospital from Anapolis – Goias, Brazil. Results: The study showed that of 333 analyzed pregnants, 313 (93,99%) underwent cesarean delivery way while 20 (6,01%) were submitted to natural childbirth. It was observed that the main election criteria was to have been submitted to a previous cesarean section. Besides that, there was no significant statistical difference in neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality between the delivery way. The needing of neonatal reanimation was more common in those vaginal birth neonates. Conclusion: It was concluded that, besides the current discussion about the risks of another cesarean after a previous cesarean section, there is a higher prevalence of this way compared to vaginal birth. Was observed that the maternal and neonatal complications profile, in both delivery ways, was similar, however a study with equivalent samples is needed, for better inferences about the safety of a delivery way compared to the other one. It is important to emphasize the need to base the choice of the delivery way in scientific evidence to minimize the risk and maximize the benefits to mother and neonate.

Objective: to analyze childbirth and birth care practices in a public maternity hospital. Methods: a cross-sectional descriptive study made in a tertiary maternity hospital with 264 puerperal women. Collection proceeded by means of a form based on good childbirth care practices. Results: prevalence of good childbirth care practices. It was observed that 233 (88.3%) received information, 256 (97.0%) had freedom of position, fetal monitoring occurred in 260 (98.5%), 198 (75.0%) used non-pharmacological pain relief methods, 263 (99.6%) were entitled to a companion, skin-to-skin contact in 258 (98.1%). Conclusion: practices such as early amniotomy and repeated touches were found that should be used with caution. In addition, the use of the Kristeller maneuver was verified, although in a low percentage, which should be eliminated from delivery care.

Abstract Introduction Systematic reviews that evaluate the perineal cryotherapy to reduce pain in the vaginal postpartum are inconclusive. Purpose To evaluate clinical effectiveness of cryotherapy in the management of humanized postpartum perineal pain and vaginal edema. Methods A double-bind randomized controlled clinical trial (UTN number: U1111- 1131-8433) was conducted in a hospital in Northeastern, Brazil.Women were included following humanized childbirth. All had vaginal deliveries of a single, full-term pregnancy with cephalic presentation. Exclusion criteria included previous perineal lesion, episiotomy during the current delivery, instrumental delivery, uterine curettage and postpartum hemorrhage. In the experimental group, an ice pack was applied six times on the perineum for 20 minutes, reducing the temperature between 10 and 15° C, then 60 minutes without exposure to cold. In the non-cryotherapy, a water bag unable to reduce the temperature to this extent was used, compliance with the same application protocol of the first group. Perineal temperature wasmonitored at zero, 10 and 20 minutes for application in both groups. Evaluations were made immediately before and after the applications and 24 hours after delivery spontaneous, to determine the association between variables. Results A total of 80 women were included in the study, 40 in each group. There was no significant difference in scores of perineal pain and edema between the groups with or without cryotherapy until 24 hours after childbirth. There was no difference between groups when accomplished repeated measures analysis over the 24 hours after delivery, considering the median perineal pain (p = 0.3) and edema (p = 0.9). Perineal cryotherapy did not influence the amount of analgesics used (p = 0.07) and no adverse effect was registered. Conclusion The use of cryotherapy following normal vaginal delivery within the concept of humanized minimally interventionist childbirth had no effect on perineal pain and edema, since it was already substantially lower, nor the need for pain medicaments.

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma análise de custo-efetividade do parto vaginal espontâneo comparado à cesariana eletiva, sem indicação clínica, para gestantes de risco habitual, sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde. Um modelo de decisão analítico foi desenvolvido e incluiu a escolha do tipo de parto e consequências clínicas para mãe e recém-nascido, da internação para o parto até a alta hospitalar. A população de referência foi gestantes de risco habitual, feto único, cefálico, a termo, subdivididas em primíparas e multíparas com uma cicatriz uterina prévia. Os dados de custos foram obtidos de três maternidades públicas, duas situadas no Rio de Janeiro e uma em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foram identificados custos diretos com recursos humanos, insumos hospitalares, custos de capital e administrativos. As medidas de efetividade foram identificadas com base na literatura científica. O estudo evidenciou que o parto vaginal é mais eficiente para gestantes primíparas, com menor custo (R$ 1.709,58) que a cesariana (R$ 2.245,86) e melhor efetividade para três dos quatro desfechos avaliados. Para multíparas, com uma cicatriz uterina prévia, a cesariana de repetição foi custo-efetiva para os desfechos morbidade materna evitada, ruptura uterina evitada, internação em UTI neonatal evitada e óbito neonatal evitado, mas o resultado não foi suportado pela análise de sensibilidade probabilística. Para o desfecho óbito materno não houve diferença de efetividade e o trabalho de parto se mostrou com o menor custo. Este estudo pode contribuir para a gestão da atenção perinatal, ampliando medidas que estimulem o parto adequado de acordo com as características da população.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the impact of the implementation of evidence-based practices on normal delivery care. Method: quasi-experimental, before-and-after intervention study conducted in a public maternity hospital, Amapá. Forty-two professionals and 280 puerperal women were interviewed and data from 555 medical records were analyzed. The study was developed in three phases: baseline audit (phase 1), educational intervention (phase 2) and post-intervention audit (phase 3). Results: after the intervention, there was an increase of 5.3 percentage points (p.p.) in the normal delivery rate. Interviews with the women revealed a significant increase of the presence of companions during labor (10.0 p.p.) and of adoption of the upright or squatting position (31.4 p.p.); significant reduction of amniotomy (16.8 p.p.), lithotomy position (24.3 p.p.), and intravenous oxytocin (17.1 p.p.). From the professionals’ perspective, there was a statistical reduction in the prescription/administration of oxytocin (29.6 p.p.). In the analysis of medical records, a significant reduction in the rate of amniotomy (29.5 p.p.) and lithotomy position (1.5 p.p.) was observed; the rate of adoption of the upright or squatting position presented a statistical increase of 2.2 p.p. Conclusions: there was a positive impact of the educational intervention on the improvement of parturition assistance, but the implementation process was not completely successful in the adoption of scientific evidence in normal delivery care in this institution.

Abstract Objective: Identify the route of birth delivery preferred by mothers and their motivations. Method: Cross-sectional study with 361 mothers from a university hospital. Data were obtained using a structured questionnaire from February to April 2013. Descriptive analysis was performed and the Chi-square test was used to verify association among the variables. Results: 77.6% of the women preferred vaginal delivery and the reason reported by 81.8% of them was easier recovery postpartum; 20.5% believed they took part in the decision-making concerning the type of delivery; 64.5% believed the type of delivery they experienced did not involve risk for themselves, while 21.9% believed it involved risk for the newborn. Statistical association was found between number of deliveries and type of previous delivery with the preferred route of delivery. Conclusion: Women did not have adequate knowledge regarding the risks and benefits of different types of delivery and for this reason were not empowered to exert their autonomy in regard to this decision.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the risks of severe acute maternal complications associated with cesarean section without medical indication. METHODS A systematic review was carried out with meta-analysis. The literature search was performed systematically, in multiple stages, in the PubMed, Lilacs, and Web of Science databases using the following descriptors: (postpartum period) and (cesarean section or natural childbirth) and ((morbidity or mortality) or (postpartum hemorrhage) or (puerperal infection) or (surgical infection) or (puerperal disorders)). The protocol of the study was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42016032933. A total of 1,328 articles were found; after selection, eight publications that met the study objective and inclusion criteria were selected, with information on 1,051,543 individuals. RESULTS The results obtained in the meta-analyses indicate that women with cesarean section have a higher chance of maternal death (OR = 3.10, 95%CI 1.92–5.00) and postpartum infection (OR = 2.83, 95%CI, 1.585.06), but they have a lower chance of hemorrhage (OR = 0.52, 95%CI 0.48–0.57). For the blood transfusion outcome, the group effect was not associated with the type of delivery (95%CI 0.88–2.81). CONCLUSIONS The quality of evidence was considered low for hemorrhage and blood transfusion and moderate for postpartum infection and maternal death. Thus, cesarean sections should be performed with caution and safety, especially when its benefits outweigh the risks of a surgical procedure.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes to the pelvic floor of primiparous women with different delivery modes, using three-dimensional ultrasound. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study on 35 primiparae divided into groups according to the delivery mode: elective cesarean delivery (n=10), vaginal delivery (n=16), and forceps delivery (n=9). Three-dimensional ultrasound on the pelvic floor was performed on the second postpartum day with the patient in a resting position. A convex volumetric transducer (RAB4-8L) was used, in contact with the large labia, with the patient in the gynecological position. Biometric measurements of the urogenital hiatus were taken in the axial plane on images in the rendering mode, in order to assess the area, anteroposterior and transverse diameters, average thickness, and avulsion of the levator ani muscle. Differences between groups were evaluated by determining the mean differences and their respective 95% confidence intervals. The proportions of levator ani muscle avulsion were compared between elective cesarean section and vaginal birth using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The mean areas of the urogenital hiatus in the cases of vaginal and forceps deliveries were 17.0 and 20.1 cm², respectively, versus 12.4 cm² in the Control Group (elective cesarean). Avulsion of the levator ani muscle was observed in women who underwent vaginal delivery (3/25), however there was no statistically significant difference between cesarean section and vaginal delivery groups (p=0.5). CONCLUSION: Transperineal three-dimensional ultrasound was useful for assessing the pelvic floor of primiparous women, by allowing pelvic morphological changes to be differentiated according to the delivery mode.OBJETIVO: Avaliar as mudanças no assoalho pélvico de mulheres primíparas em diversos tipos de partos por meio da ultrassonografia tridimensional. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal prospectivo com 35 primigestas, divididas em grupos com relação ao tipo de parto: cesariana eletiva (n=10), parto vaginal (n=16) e fórceps (n=9). A ultrassonografia tridimensional do assoalho pélvico foi realizada no segundo dia pós-parto com a paciente em repouso. Utilizou-se transdutor convexo volumétrico (RAB4-8L) em contato com os grandes lábios vaginais, estando a paciente em posição ginecológica. Medidas biométricas do hiato urogenital foram tomadas no plano axial da imagem renderizada para avaliar a área, os diâmetros anteroposterior e transverso, a espessura média e a avulsão do músculo elevador do ânus. Diferenças entre os grupos foram avaliadas pela determinação da média das diferenças com seus respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95%. As proporções de avulsão do músculo elevador do ânus foram comparadas entre a cesárea eletiva e o parto vaginal pelo teste exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS: As áreas médias do hiato urogenital dos partos vaginais e fórceps foram 17,0 e 20,1 cm², respectivamente, contra 12,4 cm² do Grupo Controle (cesárea eletiva). Avulsão do músculo elevador do ânus foi observado em mulheres submetidas ao parto vaginal (3/25); no entanto, não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos cesárea e parto vaginal (p=0,5). CONCLUSÃO: A ultrassonografia tridimensional por via perineal foi útil na avaliação do assoalho pélvico de mulheres primíparas, diferenciando alterações pélvicas de acordo com o tipo de parto.

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os resultados maternos e neonatais da assistência na Casa de Parto David Capistrano Filho. Pesquisa exploratório-descritiva, com abordagem quantitativa, que analisou 458 prontuários dos partos normais e nascimentos no período de janeiro de 2008 a dezembro de 2009. As parturientes eram mulheres jovens, de 15 a 25 anos de idade (66,6%), e nulíparas (55%). Durante o trabalho de parto, elas permaneceram com o acompanhante (94,1%) e receberam cuidados para o relaxamento e o conforto. A taxa de episiotomia foi de 2,4%. Não houve óbitos maternos e neonatais. Os casos de asfixia neonatal representaram 0,2% dos nascidos vivos. As transferências para o hospital corresponderam a 2,8% das mulheres no pós-parto e 8,5% entre os neonatos. A maioria dos resultados encontrados foi semelhante aos descritos nas pesquisas brasileiras e internacionais acerca da assistência em centros de parto.El objetivo de este estudio fue describir los resultados maternos y neonatales de la asistencia en la Casa de Parto David Capistrano Filho. Investigación exploratoria y descriptiva con enfoque cuantitativo, que analizó 458 registros clínicos de los partos normales y nacimientos en el período de Enero de 2008 a Diciembre de 2009. Las mujeres embarazadas eran mujeres jóvenes, entre 15 y 25 años de edad (66,6%), y nulíparas (55%). Durante el trabajo de parto, ellas recibieron dieta oral (100%), permanecieron con el acompañante (94,1%) y recibieron cuidados para la relajación y confort. La tasa de episiotomía fue del 2,4%. No hubo óbitos maternos y neonatales. Los casos de asfixia neonatal representaron 0,2% de los neonatos. Los traslados para el hospital correspondieron a 2,8% de las mujeres en el postparto y a 8,5% entre los recién nacidos. La mayoría de los resultados fueron similares a los descritos en las investigaciones brasileñas e internacionales a cerca de la asistencia en centros de nacimientos.The purpose of this study was to describe the maternal and neonatal assistance results in the Casa de Parto David Capistrano Filho Birthing Center. An exploratory and descriptive research with a quantitative approach, which were analyzed 458 patients' files data of normal delivery and births in period from January 2008 to December 2009. The pregnants were young women, from 15 to 25 years old (66.6%), and nulliparous (55%). During labor, they remained with the companion (94.1%) and received care to relaxation and comfort. The episiotomy rate was 2.4%. There were no maternal and neonatal deaths. The cases of neonatal asphyxia accounted for 0.2% of live births. Transfers rate to hospital corresponded to 2.8% of women postpartum and 8.5% among newborns. Most results were similar to those described in Brazilian and internationals researches about birth centers assistance.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a frequência e os fatores maternos e neonatais associados ao mecônio no líquido amniótico no parto. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 2.441 nascimentos em um centro de parto normal hospitalar em São Paulo, SP, em março e abril de 2005. A associação entre mecônio no líquido amniótico e as variáveis independentes (idade materna, paridade, ter ou não cesariana prévia, idade gestacional, antecedentes obstétricos, uso de ocitocina no trabalho de parto, dilatação cervical na admissão, tipo do parto atual, peso do RN, índice de Apgar de 1º e 5º minutos de vida) foi expressa como razão de prevalência. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se mecônio no líquido amniótico em 11,9% dos partos; 68,2% desses foram normais e 38,8%, cesarianas. O mecônio esteve associado a: primiparidade (RP = 1,49; IC95% 1,29;1,73), idade gestacional ≥ 41 semanas (RP = 5,05; IC95% 1,93;13,25), ocitocina no parto (RP = 1,83, IC95% 1,60;2,10), cesariana (RP = 2,65; IC95% 2,17;3,24) e índice de Apgar < 7 no 5º minuto (RP = 2,96, IC95% 2,94;2,99). A mortalidade neonatal foi 1,6/1.000 nascidos vivos; mecônio no líquido amniótico foi encontrado em 50% das mortes neonatais e associado a maiores taxas de partos cirúrgicos. CONCLUSÕES: Emprego de ocitocina, piores condições do recém-nascido logo após o parto e aumento de taxas de cesariana foram fatores associados ao mecônio. A utilização rotineira de ocitocina no intraparto poderia ser revista por sua associação com mecônio no líquido amniótico.OBJETIVO: Analizar la frecuencia y los factores maternos y neonatales asociados al meconio en el líquido amniótico en el parto. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal con 2.441 nacimientos en un centro de parto normal hospitalario en Sao Paulo, SP, en marzo y abril de 2005. La asociación entre meconio en el líquido amniótico y las variables independientes (edad materna, paridad, tener o no cesárea previa, edad de gestación, antecedentes obstétricos, uso de ocitocina en el trabajo de parto, dilatación cervical en la admisión, tipo de parto actual, peso del RN, índice de Apgar de 1º y 5º minutos de vida) fue expresada como el cociente de prevalencia. RESULTADOS: Se verificó meconio en el líquido amniótico en 11,9% de los partos; 68,2% de estos fueron normales y 38,8%, con cesárea. El meconio estuvo asociado a: primiparidad (RP = 1,49; IC95% 1,29;1,73), edad de gestación ≥ 41 semanas (RP = 5,05; IC95% 1,93;13,25), ocitocina en el parto (RP = 1,83, IC95% 1,60;2,10), cesárea (RP = 2,65; IC95% 2,17;3,24) e índice de Apgar < 7 no 5º minuto (RP = 2,96, IC95% 2,94;2,99). La mortalidad neonatal fue 1.6/1.000 nacidos vivos; meconio en el líquido amniótico fue encontrado en 50% de las muertes neonatales y asociado a mayores tasas de partos quirúrgicos. CONCLUSIONES: Empleo de ocitocina, peores condiciones del recién-nacido posterior al parto y aumento de tasas de cesárea fueron factores asociados al meconio. La utilización rutinaria de ocitocina en el intraparto podría ser revisada por su asociación con meconio en el líquido amniótico.OBJECTIVE: To identify the frequency and maternal and neonatal factors associated with meconium-stained amniotic fluid at birth. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out with 2,441 births at an in-hospital birth center in the city of São Paulo (Southeastern Brazil) in March and April, 2005. The association between meconium-stained amniotic fluid and the independent variables (maternal age, parity, previous c-section or not, gestational age, obstetric history, oxytocin use in the labor, cervical dilation at admission, mode of current delivery, newborn weight, Apgar score at the 1st and 5th minute) was expressed as prevalence ratio (PR). RESULTS: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid was verified in 11.9% of the births; 68.2% of these were normal births and 38.8% c-sections. Meconium was associated with: primiparity (PR=1.49, 95%CI 1.29; 1.73), gestational age ≥ 41 weeks (PR = 5.05, 95%CI 1.93;13.25), oxytocin in labor (PR = 1.83, 95%CI 1.60; 2.10), c- section (PR = 2.65, 95%CI 2.17; 3.24) and Apgar scores < 7 at the 5th minute (PR = 2.96, 95%CI 2,94;2,99). Neonatal mortality was 1.6/1,000 live births. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid was found in 50% of neonatal deaths and it was associated with higher rates of surgical deliveries. CONCLUSIONS: Oxytocin use, worse conditions of the newborn after the delivery and increased c-section rates were factors associated with meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Routine use of oxytocin in the intrapartum period could be evaluated due to its association with meconium-stained amniotic fluid.

Estudo transversal sobre resultados obstétricos e neonatais dos partos domiciliares planejados assistidos por enfermeiras obstétricas em Florianópolis, SC. Dados coletados nos prontuários de 100 parturientes assistidas de 2005 a 2009 apontam 11 transferências hospitalares, sendo nove submetidas a cesariana. A maioria das que pariram no domicílio apresentou batimentos cardíacos fetais (94,0%) e evolução no partograma normais (61,0%), adotou posição vertical na água, no período expulsivo (71,9%), e os recém-nascidos receberam Apgar do 5° minuto > 7 (98,9%). A frequência de episiotomia foi 1,0%, 49,4% não necessitaram sutura perineal. Os resultados indicam que o parto domiciliar é seguro.Estudio transversal sobre resultados obstétricos y neonatales de los partos domiciliares planificados asistidos por enfermeras obstétricas en Florianópolis, Sur de Brasil. Datos colectados en los prontuarios de 100 parturientas asistidas de 2005 a 2009, señalan 11 transferencias hospitalarias, siendo nueve sometidas a cesárea. La mayoría de las que parieron en el domicilio presentó pulsaciones cardíacas fetales (94,0%) y evolución en el partograma normales (61,0%), adoptó posición vertical en el agua, en el período expulsivo (71,9%), y los recién nacidos recibieron Apgar al 5° minuto >7 (98,9%). La frecuencia de episiotomía fue 1,0%, 49,4% no necesitaron sutura perineal. Los resultados indican que el parto domiciliar es seguro.A cross-sectional study was performed to analyze obstetric and neonatal results of planned home births assisted by obstetric nurses in the city of Florianópolis, Southern Brazil. Data collected from the medical records of 100 parturient women cared for between 2005 and 2009 indicated 11 hospital transfers, nine of which underwent a Cesarean section. The majority of women who had a home birth showed normal fetal heart beat (94.0%) and progress on the partogram (61.0%), vertical water delivery was the position most frequently chosen (71.9%), newborns had an Apgar score > 7 at five minutes (98.9%), episiotomy was performed in 1.0%, and 49.4% did not need perineal suturing. Outcomes indicated that planned home birth is safe.

Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, de natureza exploratória, que objetivou identificar o conhecimento das enfermeiras obstétricas em relação à responsabilidade profissional na assistência ao parto. Foram entrevistadas 11 enfermeiras que atuavam na assistência ao parto em hospitais e/ou domicílio no estado de Santa Catarina, entre março e agosto de 2009. Após análise pelo Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo, emergiram Ideias Centrais que contemplam os temas sobre as relações das enfermeiras obstétricas com os médicos e a instituição; a responsabilização profissional e as repercussões morais e legais do erro. Verificou-se que as enfermeiras conhecem pouco a respeito das repercussões legais do erro. Ao assumir a assistência ao parto, devem dedicar total atenção aos limites da competência e à prevenção de erros previsíveis, tendo em mente que assumirão também a responsabilização por suas falhas. A atualização sobre responsabilidade legal é tão importante quanto a científica e pode contribuir para a autoconfiança profissional.Investigación cualitativa, exploratoria, que tuvo como objetivo identificar el conocimiento de las enfermeras obstétricas en relación a la responsabilidad profesional en la atención al parto. Se entrevistaron once enfermeras que trabajaban en la atención al parto en hospitales y/u hogares, en Santa Catarina, entre marzo y agosto de 2009. A partir del análisis de Discurso del Sujeto Colectivo, surgieron las ideas centrales que abordan los siguientes temas: las relaciones de las enfermeras obstétricas con los médicos y la institución; la responsabilidad profesional y las implicaciones morales y jurídicas del error. Se encontró que las enfermeras saben poco acerca de las consecuencias jurídicas del error. Al atender el parto, deben prestar plena atención a los límites de la competencia y prevención de errores previsibles, teniendo en cuenta que también deberán asumir la responsabilidad por sus fallas. La actualización de la responsabilidad jurídica es tan importante como la científica y puede contribuir a la autoconfianza profesional.The objective of this qualitative, exploratory study was to identify obstetrics nurses' knowledge concerning professional delivery responsibilities. Eleven nurses in hospital delivery wards and/or home birthing in Santa Catarina, Brazil were interviewed from March - August, 2009 for data collection. After analysis, using Discourse of the Collective Subject, Central Ideas emerged concerning themes related to relationships among obstetrics nurses, physicians, and institutions; professional responsibility; and legal and moral repercussions of errors. This study verified that nurses understand little about legal repercussions of potential delivery errors. Assuming their role in assisting deliveries, they must dedicate their total attention to competence limits and predictable error prevention, maintaining that they will also assume responsibility for their failures. An opportunity to bring these nurses up-to-date concerning their legal responsibilities is as important as scientific and may contribute to greater professional self-confidence, creating more efficient overall nursing performance.

ABSTRACT Objective: To present clinical and epidemiological aspects of prematurity in a Normal Delivery Center, and to describe outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study, with 189 medical records of premature, single, and living fetuses, with gestational ages between 25 and 36.6 weeks. Results: The prevalence of preterm births was 7.8%, and 23.2% in adolescent mothers. The most frequent obstetric complication was premature rupture of ovular membranes (35.4%), followed by hypertensive syndrome (18.5%). Cesarean section was performed in 33% of cases. The Apgar score in the 1st minute was < 7 in 36.0% of cases, and in the 5th minute of life, in 9.5% of cases. Conclusion: Among the aspects studied, results showed that the prevalence of preterm births was higher than expected for the adolescent mothers, however, with a satisfactory perinatal outcome.

OBJETIVO: comparar a acurácia da mensuração ultrassonográfica transvaginal do colo uterino com o escore de Bishop para predição do parto vaginal após indução do trabalho de parto com misoprostol a 25 mcg. MÉTODOS: realizou-se estudo de validação de técnica diagnóstica com 126 gestantes com indicação para indução do trabalho de parto, as quais foram avaliadas pelo escore de Bishop e por ultrassonografia transvaginal para mensuração cervical. As pacientes foram submetidas, também, à ultrassonografia obstétrica transabdominal para avaliação da estática, pesos fetais e índice de líquido amniótico, e à cardiotocografia basal para avaliação da vitalidade fetal. Procedeu-se à indução do trabalho de parto com misoprostol vaginal e sublingual, um dos comprimidos contendo 25 mcg da droga e o outro apenas placebo. Os comprimidos foram administrados a cada seis horas, em um número máximo de oito. Construíram-se tabelas de distribuição de frequência e calcularam-se medidas de tendência central e de dispersão. Curvas ROC foram construídas para avaliação do escore de Bishop e da medida ultrassonográfica do colo uterino para predição de parto vaginal. RESULTADOS: obteve-se uma área sob a curva ROC de 0,5 (p=0,8) para medição do colo uterino pela ultrassonografia transvaginal, enquanto a curva ROC do escore de Bishop (ponto de corte ³4) apresentou área de 0,6 (p=0,02). O escore de Bishop ³4 apresentou sensibilidade de 56,2% e especificidade de 67,9% para predição de parto vaginal, com razão de verossimilhança positiva de 1,75 e negativa de 0,65. CONCLUSÕES: a medida ultrassonográfica transvaginal do colo uterino não foi boa preditora da evolução para parto vaginal em pacientes com trabalho de parto induzido com misoprostol. O escore de Bishop foi melhor preditor para parto vaginal nestas circunstâncias.PURPOSE: to compare the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasonographic measurement of the uterine cervix with Bishop’s score for the prediction of vaginal delivery after labor induction, with 25 mcg of misoprostol. METHODS: a prospective study for the validation of a diagnostic test was conducted on 126 pregnant women with indication for labor induction. The patients were evaluated by Bishop’s score and transvaginal ultrasonography for cervical measurement. They also undergone obstetric transabdominal ultrasound to evaluate static and fetal weight, as well as the amniotic fluid index, and basal cardiotocography for the evaluation of fetal vitality. Labor was induced with vaginal and sublingual misoprostol, one of the tablets containing 25 mcg of the drug and the other only placebo. The tablets were administered every six hours, with a maximum number of eight. Frequency tables were obtained, and measures of central tendency and dispersion were calculated. ROC curves were constructed for the evaluation of Bishop’s score and ultrasonographic measurement of the uterine cervix for the prediction of vaginal delivery. RESULTS: the area under the ROC curve was 0.5 (p=0.8) for the ultrasonographic measurement of the uterine cervix, and 0.6 (p=0.02) for Bishop’s score (cut point ³4). Bishop’s score had a sensitivity of 56.2% and specificity of 67.9% for prediction of vaginal delivery, with a positive likelihood ratio of 1.75 and a negative one of 0.65. CONCLUSIONS: ultrasonographic measurement of the uterine cervix was not a good predictor of evolution to vaginal delivery among patients with misoprostol-induced labor. Bishop’s score was a better predictor of vaginal delivery under these circumstances.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade da assistência hospitalar ao parto normal em Goiânia. MÉTODOS: Foi estudada uma amostra de 404 mulheres que tiveram partos normais em 13 hospitais de Goiânia, durante o período de abril a dezembro de 2007. Os dados foram obtidos de entrevistas com as puérperas e revisão dos prontuários médicos. A qualidade de assistência aos partos foi avaliada por meio do cálculo do índice Bologna e da comparação dos procedimentos utilizados com normas e procedimentos recomendados. RESULTADOS: O índice Bologna apresentou valor médio de 1,04 (IC95%=0,9-1,1). A proporção de cesarianas eletivas foi 30%, a de cesarianas de urgência foi 10% e os partos induzidos representaram 1,6%. A porcentagem de partos assistidos por profissional de saúde foi de 100%, mas o pediatra esteve presente na sala de parto em apenas 30% dos casos. Durante o trabalho de parto, metade das parturientes não teve avaliação da dinâmica uterina e 29,1% não tiveram avaliação dos batimentos cardiofetais, com o partograma sendo utilizado em somente 28,5% dos casos. Por outro lado, a utilização de ocitocina foi de 45,8%. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados indicam má qualidade da assistência ao parto normal em Goiânia, com baixo valor do índice Bologna, altas proporções de cesarianas eletivas e de urgência, frequência não-adequada de intervenções benéficas e alta ocorrência de algumas intervenções consideradas prejudiciais na assistência ao parto.PURPOSE: To evaluate the quality of health care assistance during childbirth in the hospitals of Goiânia, in Brazil. METHODS: Thirteen hospitals were appraised from April to December 2007, and a random sample of 404 normal births was studied. Data were obtained from interviews with mothers after delivery and by consulting their medical records. The quality of assistance at birth was evaluated by using the Bologna score and by comparing the procedures used in those hospitals to standard recommended practices. RESULTS: The Bologna score presented an average value of 1.04 (95%CI=0.9-1.1). The elective caesarian rate was 30%, the emergency caesarian rate was 10%, and the rate of induced childbirth was 1.6% The percentage of childbirths attended by health care professionals was 100%, but pediatricians in the delivery room were present only in 30% of the time. During labor, half of the women had no evaluation of the uterine dynamics and 29% had no auscultation fetal monitoring. The partogram was used for only 28.5% of the women, whereas the use of oxytocin was 45.8%. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate a poor quality of childbirth care with low values of the Bologna score, high elective and emergency caesarians rates, a high number of unnecessary and potentially harmful interventions, and an insufficient frequency of beneficial interventions.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effects of the modes of delivery on the health of newborns in a private maternity hospital in the city of São Paulo. Methods: Between January 1995 and December 1998, all patients consecutively admitted for deliveries were included in this cross-sectional retrospective study. A total of 8,457 medical records were analyzed, being excluded of the sample 460 multiple pregnancies and 517 pregnant women with obstetric and/or clinical disorders. The incidence of neonatal birth injury, respiratory distress and anoxia was analyzed, as well as birth weight, type of delivery and gestational age (according to Näegele and Capurro). Results: The final sample consisted of 7,480 neonates, and 69.6% were born by cesarean section, 24% vaginally and 6.4% through the vagina with the aid of forceps. A significant association was found between anoxia and the three types of delivery (p < 0.001). Respiratory distress was more frequent in cesarean delivery in newborns with gestational age superior to 37 weeks and in newborns weighing more than or equal to 2,500 g. Respiratory distress was significantly associated with cesarean delivery and/or forceps delivery, as compared with vaginal delivery, in the entire sample. Neonatal birth injury was associated with the use of forceps. In neonates born by cesarean section, anoxia was associated with lower gestational age estimated by the Capurro method and with lower weight. Conclusions: The abdominal approach is associated with greater morbidity of fetuses due to respiratory distress. Vaginal delivery is safer in newborns with more than 37 weeks of gestation and in those weighing more than 2,500 g.

Pesquisa bibliográfica com objetivo de identificar estado da arte da produção publicada sobre atuação da enfermeira obstétrica no processo do nascimento, contribuir para futuras investigações e auxiliar nas reflexões sobre esta temática. Levantamento bibliográfico no LILACS, MEDLINE, Biblioteca Cochrane, SciELO. Descritores utilizados: enfermeiras obstétricas, trabalho de parto, parto, assistência de Enfermagem. Selecionados 05 trabalhos, posteriormente catalogados em fichas bibliográficas. Temas selecionados: regulamentação da profissão; atendimento; assistência prestada; vínculo estabelecido; ações educativas; atividades administrativas; dificuldades. Embora os estudos reconheçam esta profissional como capacitada, respaldada legalmente, prestando assistência humanizada, resgatando o parto normal, proporcionando dignidade, segurança e autonomia à parturiente, muito ainda precisa ser escrito para que a mesma adquira autonomia e respeito ético-legal por parte dos profissionais de saúde e clientela.Investigación bibliográfica con el objetivo de identificar el estado del arte de las publicaciones sobre la labor de la enfermera obstétrica en el proceso del parto, contribuir para futuras investigaciones y ayudar en las reflexiones sobre este tema. Los datos bibliográficos se recopilaron en las bases LILACS, MEDLINE, Biblioteca Cochrane, SciELO. Las palabras clave son: enfermera obstétrica, trabajo de parto, parto, atención de enfermería. Se seleccionaron cinco trabajos, los cuales fueron catalogados en fichas bibliográficas. Los temas seleccionados son: regulación de la profesión, atención, asistencia prestada, vínculo establecido, acciones educativas, actividades administrativas, dificultades. Aunque los estudios examinados reconocen que el profesional está calificado, tiene respaldo legal, está preparado para prestar una atención humanizada, valoriza el parto normal, proporcionando dignidad, seguridad y autonomía a la parturienta, aún falta mucho a ser escrito para que la enfermera obstétrica adquiera autonomía y el respeto ético y jurídico de los profesionales de salud y la clientela.The objective of this bibliographic study is to identify the state of the art of production published in the area of obstetrics nursing involving the birth process, to contribute to future investigations, and to assist in reflection upon this theme. Data was collected through the bibliographic analysis of the LILACS, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and SciELO databases. Descriptors used: nurse-midwives, childbirth work, normal childbirth, and Nursing care. Five studies were selected and later catalogued in bibliographic files. The themes selected were: professional regulation, care, assistance given, link established, educational actions, administrative activities, and difficulties. While the studies recognize this professional as a capacitated, legally backed professional who offers humanized assistance and thus reaffirms normal vaginal delivery, thus proportioning dignity, security, and autonomy to the delivering mother much still needs to written in order for the same autonomy and ethical-legal respect is acquired for health care professionals and clientele.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence and mixed urinary incontinence among women residing in the city of Jundiaí (São Paulo, Brazil), and the relation between the type of incontinence and the obstetric history of these women. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted. A total of 332 women were interviewed; they were seen for whatever reason at the public primary healthcare units of the city of Jundiaí, from March 2005 to April 2006. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered and consisted of questions used in the EPINCONT Study (Epidemiology of Incontinence in the County of Nord-Trondelag). Statistical analysis was carried out using the χ2 test and odds ratio (95%CI). Results: Urinary incontinence was a complaint for 23.5% of the women interviewed. Stress urinary incontinence prevailed (50%), followed by mixed urinary incontinence (35%) and urge incontinence (15%). Being in the age group of 35-64 years, having a body mass index of 30 or greater and having had only vaginal delivery or cesarean section, with uterine contraction, regardless of the number of pregnancies, were factors associated with stress urinary incontinence. However, being in the age group of 55 or older, having a body mass index of 30 or greater and having had three or more pregnancies, only with vaginal deliveries, were factors associated with mixed urinary incontinence. Conclusions: One third of the interviewees complained of some type of urinary incontinence, and half of them presented stress urinary incontinence. Cesarean section, only when not preceded by contractions, was not associated with stress urinary incontinence. The body mass index is only relevant when the stress factor is present.

OBJETIVOS: determinar a prevalência de fatores obstétricos associados à posição de parto vaginal (PPV) - vertical ou horizontal; investigar correlações entre PPV e fatores obstétricos, bem como sua influência sobre as características neonatais. MÉTODOS: foi realizado um estudo de corte transversal. A amostra foi composta por 176 mulheres primíparas que realizaram parto vaginal, entre julho/2006 e fevereiro/2007. Foi investigada a correlação entre PPV e as seguintes variáveis obstétricas: ocorrência e grau de laceração perineal espontânea, episiotomia, sutura perineal, uso de ocitocina e instrumentação cirúrgica. Os neonatos foram classificados quanto à idade gestacional, peso, estatura, perímetro cefálico e Apgar 1º e 5º minutos. Teste qui quadrado foi aplicado para investigar correlação entre PPV e variáveis obstétricas e o teste t-student para investigar a influência da PPV nas características neonatais. RESULTADOS: não foi observada correlação entre PPV e sutura perineal, laceração perineal, uso de ocitocina, episiotomia e utilização de instrumentação cirúrgica (uso de fórceps ou vácuo-extrator). Houve correlação entre PPV e episiotomia e maior prevalência de episiotomia na posição horizontal. Não houve influência da PPV nas características neonatais. CONCLUSÕES: houve maior ocorrência de episiotomia na posição de parto horizontal, embora ambas as posições de parto tenham sido satisfatórias para os neonatos.OBJECTIVES: to determine the prevalence of obstetric factors associated with vaginal birth posi tion (VBP)-vertical or horizontal; to investigate correlations between VBP and obstetric factors and neonatal characteristics. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was carried out. The sample comprised 176 primiparous women who had given birth vaginally, between july 2006 and february 2007. The correlation was investigated between VBP and the following obstetric variables: occurrence and severity of spontaneous perineal lacerations, episiotomy, perineal suture, the use of oxytocin and surgical instruments. The newborns were characterized according to gestational age, weight, height, head circumference and one-and five-minute Apgar. The chi-squared test was used to inves tigate the correlation between VBP and obstetric vari ables and Student's t-test to investigate differences in neonatal characteristics according to VBP. RESULTS: no association was found between VBP and perineal suture, perineal laceration, the use of oxytocin, episiotomy or the use of surgical instru ments (forceps or vacuum-extractor). There was a correlation between VBP and episiotomy and a greater prevalence of episiotomy for the horizontal position. VBP had no influence on the characteristics of the newborn. CONCLUSIONS: episiotomy was more prevalent in cases of horizontal birth position, although both birth positions are satisfactory as far as the newborn is concerned.

Este artigo consiste em uma revisão narrativa com o objetivo de identificar a produção científica brasileira relacionada ao processo assistencial e aos resultados maternos e perinatais em centro de parto normal (CPN). As publicações foram recuperadas nas bases de dados e portais de periódicos PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHAL, SciELO e REVENF. Incluíram-se, também, publicação em livro e produção não publicada de grupo de pesquisa. Foram selecionados oito estudos do tipo descritivo, dois transversais e dois casos-controle, realizados com 5.407 mulheres e 5.395 recém-nascidos, divulgados entre 2005 e 2009. Os estudos analisaram variáveis sócio-demográficas e obstétricas, práticas na assistência ao parto e nascimento e remoções maternas e neonatais para o hospital. A produção científica sobre CPN apresenta dados da última década, relativos a sete serviços. São, principalmente, estudos descritivos, com foco nas práticas obstétricas e nos resultados maternos, com ênfase menor na assistência neonatal.Este artículo es una revisión narrativa, con el objetivo de identificar la producción científica brasileña relacionada con la atención y los resultados maternos y perinatales en centros de nacimiento (CN). Las publicaciones fueron recuperadas en las bases de datos y portales PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHAL, SciELO y REVENF. Fueron incluidos también libro publicado y los trabajos no publicados de un grupo de investigadores. Fueron seleccionados ocho estudios de tipo descriptivo, dos transversales y dos casos-control, realizados con 5.407 mujeres y 5.395 recién-nacidos, divulgados en el período de 2005 a 2009. Los estudios analizaron variables socio-demográficas y obstétricas, prácticas en la atención al parto y nacimiento y el traslado materno y neonatal hacia al hospital. La producción científica sobre CN presenta datos de la última década, relativos a siete servicios. Son estudios principalmente descriptivos, con enfoque en las prácticas obstétricas y en los resultados maternos, con menos énfasis en la atención neonatal.This article is a narrative review with the aim of identifying the Brazilian scientific production related to the care process and maternal and perinatal outcomes in birth centres (BC). The papers were recovered in the databases and portals PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHAL, SciELO and REVENF. There were also included one book and the non published studies from a researcher group. There were selected eight descriptive, two cross-sectional and two case-control studies conducted with 5,407 women and 5,395 newborns, which were reported in the period from 2005 to 2009. These studies analyzed socio-demographic and obstetric outcomes in childbirth and maternal and neonatal transfers to the hospital setting. BC scientific production presents data about seven services, from the last decade. There are mainly descriptive studies, with focus on obstetric practices and maternal outcomes, with less emphasis on neonatal care.

Este estudo analisa as diferentes representações e experiências quanto ao parto vaginal e cesárea de mulheres de diferentes estratos sócio-econômicos, bem como a natureza das relações profissionais de saúde/usuárias no contexto institucional em que estão inseridas. A pesquisa de natureza qualitativa foi desenvolvida em três maternidades do Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, sendo uma pública, uma conveniada com o SUS e uma particular, com mulheres que tiveram os dois tipos de parto. Os resultados revelam que o modelo de organização dos serviços público e privado apresentam variações que produzem diferentes tipos de assistência e de relação entre os profissionais de saúde e as usuárias, dando forma a experiências distintas entre as mulheres pesquisadas. Todavia, ao empreendermos uma crítica assentada nas relações de gênero, podemos verificar que o modelo de assistência ao parto permanece submetendo quem deve ser sujeito e reproduzindo o projeto da medicalização - mesmo que este processo se manifeste de formas diferenciadas entre os grupos estudados -, o que reduz o campo da assistência e inviabiliza um lugar de poder diferenciado das usuárias.This study analyzes the different representations and experiences of women from different social classes, including issues related to their relations with hospital staff in different institutional settings. This qualitative study focused on women who had experienced both types of delivery, in three maternity hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (one public, one fully private, and another private under an outsourcing agreement with the public health system). The study showed that variations in public and private service models result in different types of delivery care and different relations with staff, and are reflected in different birthing experiences for the women. However, a critical gender perspective shows that in both cases, the service models reproduce the medicalization of childbirth and women's submission as objects in the birthing process. Although this is manifested in different ways in the three groups, the end result is to reduce the range of care and the possibility of women's empowerment during childbirth.

OBJETIVOS: descrever a evolução do número de partos horizontais e verticais na maternidade do Hospital da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Brasil, e avaliar a associação dos mesmos com a taxa de cesárea, de internações dos recém-nascidos em unidade de tratamento intensivo e semi-intensivo e as transfusões sanguíneas maternas. MÉTODOS: estudo descritivo -série histórica. Foram incluídos todos os partos, as internações dos recémnascidos na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva e as transfusões sanguíneas maternas ocorridas de 1996 até 2005. Para testar as tendências, utilizou-se o método de Prais-Winsten para regressão linear generalizada. RESULTADOS: em 1996 a porcentagem de partos verticais era 5,4% e em 2005 foi 52,3%. A variação média anual dos partos verticais foi de +20,8% (p=0,007) e dos partos horizontais de -15,2% (pOBJECTIVES: to describe the evolution of the number of horizontal and vertical births in the maternity ward of the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil and to evaluate their correlation with the rates for caesarian, for transfer of newborns to intensive and semi-intensive care units, and maternal blood transfusions. METHODS: a time-series study. All births resulting in newborns being transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, and the maternal blood transfusions obstetrics ward between 1996 and 2005 were included in this study. In order to test the tendencies, the Prais-Winsten generalized linear regression method was used. RESULTS: in 1996 the percentage for vertical births was 5.4% and in 2005 52.3%. The average annual variance for vertical births was +20.8% (p=0.007), and for horizontal births -15.2% (p

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a associação entre a analgesia epidural e a laceração perineal em mulheres submetidas ao parto vaginal. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo e transversal, para o qual foram pesquisados 109 prontuários de mulheres assistidas durante o processo de parturição, em uma maternidade em Ribeirão Preto. Os dados foram coletados nos meses de março e abril de 2003. Para analisar a correlação entre as variáveis foi aplicado o teste qui-quadrado. Foi realizado parto normal em 91,7% (100) das parturientes e fórceps em 8,2% (9). Na análise dos dados, 74,3% da amostra receberam analgesia epidural; destas, 26,5% tiveram algum grau de laceração perineal e 9,1%, períneo íntegro, não sendo possível verificar a associação entre as variáveis mencionadas. Não foi verificada, neste estudo, significância estatística para afirmar que as condições do períneo após o parto vaginal e a utilização da analgesia epidural estão associadas (valor x²4GL= 3,1).El objetivo de esto estudio fue analizar la asociación entre la analgesia epidural y la laceración perineal en mujeres sometidas al parto vaginal. Fue realizado un estudio descriptivo y transversal, para lo cual fueron investigados 109 prontuarios de mujeres asistidas durante el proceso de parturición en una maternidad en Ribeirão Preto. Los datos fueron colectados en marzo y abril de 2003. Para analizar la correlación entre las variables fue aplicado el Teste Chi-Cuadrado. Fue realizado parto normal en 91,7% (100) de las parturientes y en 8,2% (09) parto fórceps. En el análisis de los datos, 74,3% de la muestra recibieron analgesia epidural, y de estas 26,5% tuvieron algún nivel de laceración perineal y 9,1% perineo íntegro. No fue posible verificar la asociación entre las variables aludidas. No fue verificado en esto estudio, significancia estadística para afirmar que las condiciones del perineo después del parto vaginal y el uso de analgesia epidural, están asociadas (x²4GL= 3,1).The aim of this study was to analyze the association between the epidural analgesia and the perineal laceration in women submitted to a vaginal childbirth. A descriptive and transversal study was realized with 109 archives of women attended during the childbirth process in a maternity located in Ribeirão Preto. The data was collected in March and April 2003. To analyze the correlation between the variables, the Chi-Square Test was applied. Was realized normal childbirth in 91,7% of the parturient and forceps labor in 8,2%. In the data analysis, 74.3% of the sample received epidural analgesia, 26.5% had some degree of laceration perineal and 9.1% had intact perineum. The results demonstrated none association between the mentioned variables. No statistical significance was found in this study to affirm that the conditions of the perineum after the vaginal childbirth and the use of the epidural analgesia are associates (x²4GL= 3,1).

Durante o parto normal, a maioria das mulheres sofre algum tipo de lesão perineal, em razão de lacerações espontâneas ou como conseqüência da incisão cirúrgica - episiotomia. Este estudo, do tipo descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa, visa levantar a freqüência de lesões perineais ocorridas em mulheres durante o parto vaginal em uma instituição hospitalar que exerce a obstetrícia tradicional. A amostra foi composta por 279 prontuários de mulheres que pariram na instituição durante o período de julho a dezembro de 2006. Em 11,82% dos prontuários não foi relatada a ocorrência de lesões. A episiotomia foi realizada em 86,99% das mulheres, 3,25% sofreram episiotomia e lacerações perineais de 1° e 2° graus, 9,76% tiveram o períneo íntegro. A prática da episiotomia não foi justificada nos prontuários, sua realização ocorreu sem qualquer enfoque seletivo, sendo praticada rotineiramente na instituição, demonstrando que ainda persiste o desrespeito aos direitos humanos adquiridos pelas mulheres.Durante el proceso de parto normal, la mayoría de las mujeres sufre algún tipo de trauma del períneo, debido a laceraciones espontáneas del períneo o por la incisión quirúrgica - las episiotomías. Este estudio de tipo descriptivo con un abordaje cuantitativo y intenta registrar el número y frecuencia de de traumas perineales ocurridos en mujeres durante el parto normal en una instituición hospitalar que practica obstetricia tradicional. La muestra fue recogida de 279 casos clínicos de mujeres que tuvieron partos normales en la institución, durante el período de julio a diciembre de 2006. En 11,82% de los casos no hubo relatos de. La episiotomía fue practicada en 86.99% de las mujeres, 3.25% sufrieron de episiotomía y de laceraciones de primero y segundo grados, 9.76% tuvieron el períneo intacto. Por lo tanto, concluímos que la episiotomía es practicada rutinariamente sin justificación y sin enfoque selectivo y en la instituición. Esto demuestra que persiste una clara falta de respeto a los derechos humanos de las mujeres.During the process of natural child labour, most of women suffers some kind of perineal trauma when they go into natural childbirth labor, due to spontaneous perineum lacerations or episiotomies. The objective of this study of quantitative and descriptive approach is to document the number of perineal traumas occurred in women during natural childbirths in a hospital institution. This study was created based on 279 files of women who delivered their babies by natural birth a hospital institution that practiced tradicional obstetricsduring a period from July to December 2006. In 11,82% of the cases no lesions were reported. The episiotomy was practiced in 86,99% of the women and 3,25% suffered episiotomy and perineal lacerations in 1 and 2 degrees, 9,76% of the women had their perineum intact. The practice of the episiotomy was not justified in the files and it is practiced as a routine without any selective criteria by the institution, demonstrating that the disrespect to human rights of women still persists.