Expectations of Delivery and Birth: A Qualitative View of Professionals Working in Obstetrics

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20435/pssa.v1i1.2541

Keywords:

pregnancy, birth, labor (childbirth), humanization assistance

Abstract

Introduction: professionals in the obstetric field play an important role in meeting women's expectations, which influences their satisfaction with childbirth. Aim: To assess the perception of obstetric team professionals on women's expectations regarding labor and birth and their influence on the labor process. Methods: Qualitative study whose data were obtained using the focus group technique and interpreted through content analysis proposed by Bardin. A non-random convenience sample was recruited. Participants were professionals working in obstetrics (doctors and obstetric nurses, doula), who were asked to consider aspects of their experience and professional experience concerning labor and birth. Result: Eight specialists participated in the meeting, including doctors, obstetric nurses and doulas. The analysis of the discussion generated in the group resulted in five distinct themes: influences in the choice of childbirth; choosing a cesarean; the fear of giving birth; childbirth today; the professional’s role. Conclusion: Even among professionals, the discussion about expectations is focused on women's choices regarding the type of birth and its intervening factors. Health professionals have an important role in addressing these feelings from the prenatal stage onwards, demystifying preconceptions, and providing appropriate guidance to women.

Author Biographies

Gabriela Marques do Nascimento, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina (UNISUL)

Doutoranda e mestra em Ciências da Saúde pela Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina (UNISUL). Psicóloga pela UNISUL. Docente na instituição Centro Universitário Univinte (UNIVINTE).

Diego Zapelini do Nascimento, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina (UNISUL)

Doutorando e mestre em Ciências da Saúde pela Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina (UNISUL). Farmacêutico pela UNISUL. Docente na instituição Faculdade Senac Tubarão (SENAC SC). Escritor. Farmacêutico na farmácia Deluca.

Rosa Cristina Ferreira de Souza, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina (UNISUL)

Doutora em Ciências da Linguagem pela Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina (UNISUL). Mestre em Psicologia Social pela Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC). Psicóloga pela UNISUL. Docente na UNISUL.

Camila Giugliane, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)

Doutora em Epidemiologia pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Especialista em Saúde Pública (Paris). Médica pela UFRGS. Docente na UFRGS.

Betine Pinto Moehlecke Iser, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina (UNISUL)

Doutora e mestre em Epidemiologia pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Graduada em Odontologia pela UFRGS. Docente na Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina (UNISUL).

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2025-04-10

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Marques do Nascimento, G., Zapelini do Nascimento, D., Cristina Ferreira de Souza, R., Giugliane, C., & Pinto Moehlecke Iser, B. (2025). Expectations of Delivery and Birth: A Qualitative View of Professionals Working in Obstetrics. Revista Psicologia E Saúde, 17, e17062541. https://doi.org/10.20435/pssa.v1i1.2541

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v. 17, 2025

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