Perceptions and wishes about delivery of full-term pregnant women in Zamora

Abstract

Objective: To describe perceptions and wishes regarding childbirth in a group of full-term pregnant women in Zamora.

Method: Qualitative study of phenomenological character. Participants and scope of study: pregnant women (37-38 weeks), Zamora Sur and Santa Elena health centres (Zamora, Spain).

Data collection: semi-structured interviews, until data saturation (16 interviews).

Data analysis: analysis of thematic content.

Results: The maternal feelings varied from joy to fear or stress. The interviewees said they did not feel capable of enduring the pain of childbirth. The needs that they felt most important were having support and accompaniment during delivery (especially of their partner) and receiving good treatment from the healthcare workers.

Conclusions: The importance and repercussion of childbirth for women are not only biological, but also largely mental, emotional and social. It is conditioned by multiple factors: maternal feelings, their ability to deal with the pain of childbirth, their needs, the changes they have made, the support they have and the health professionals who care for them.

Keywords: Embarazo; Enfermeras obstétricas; Feelings; Obstetric delivery; Obstetric nurses; Parto obstétrico; Patient priority; Pregnancy; Prioridad del paciente; Sentimientos.