A prática dos métodos não farmacológicos durante o trabalho de parto em uma Maternidade Escola

Abstract

To describe the practice of non-pharmacological methods during labor in a Maternity School in Rio de Janeiro. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, carried out in a Maternity School in Rio de Janeiro. Records of women who used non-pharmacological methods for pain relief during labor in the first half of 2022 were included, excluding cases of gestational age less than 37 weeks or equal to or greater than 42 weeks. Data collection was performed using an instrument based on the safe childbirth checklist, using institutional data and pregnant women's medical records. Results: A total of 277 women participated, of which 95.67% with dilation greater than 4 centimeters used non-pharmacological methods. The most commonly used were hot baths (79.78%) and breathing exercises (70.40%). Of the total, 61.73% did not require medical induction, while 38.27% were induced with misoprostol. The majority of participants were Brazilian (98.19%), young (51.99% between 20 and 29 years old), single (59.57%), brown (42.96%) and had incomplete secondary or higher education (64.26%). Most deliveries were vaginal (81.55%), with low complication rates (15.16%) and favorable neonatal outcomes, such as high Apgar scores at the fifth minute (98.19%). Conclusion: Non-pharmacological methods are effective, safe, and viable for pain management during labor. The implementation of humanized practices, such as skin-to-skin contact and early breastfeeding, reinforces female protagonism and promotes better maternal and neonatal outcomes.