As motivações para a solicitação pela cesárea numa maternidade do Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

It is essential that health professionals seek to understand the motivations that lead patients to choose a cesarean section so that they can provide more effective counseling to help them make an informed decision. Objective: To understand the motivations of patients to request a cesarean section, without clinical indication, at the UFRJ Maternity School. Methodology: A descriptive exploratory study with a qualitative approach carried out at the UFRJ Maternity School. Data collection took place from February to July 2024 and was carried out in two stages, the first stage being a semi-structured interview and the second stage collecting information on the medical records about the sociodemographic and obstetric profile. The research population consisted of patients at the Maternity School who opted for a cesarean section. Data analysis was performed using Minayo's discourse analysis technique. Results and Discussion: Four categories of motivations for requesting a cesarean section emerged: Perception of delay in labor progression; Fear and pain; Experiences of previous births; and Maternal and fetal clinical and physical conditions. Most participants reported receiving more superficial guidance, which may have affected their ability to make an informed choice about the best route of delivery. Conclusion: It is essential that professionals invest more in guiding these women during prenatal care about vaginal and cesarean delivery and actively listening to their perceptions and experiences about vaginal delivery.