Experience and perception of puerperal women about obstetric violence

Abstract

Objective: To understand the experience and perception of puerperal women who have experienced obstetric violence. Methods: The research had a qualitative approach. The research participants were 21 postpartum women living in areas covered by the Family Health Strategy (ESF) in a municipality in the Zona da Mata Mineira. The sample was defined by data saturation. The analysis of collected data was carried out using Bardin's thematic content analysis proposal and with the use of the IRAMUTEQ software, through lexical analysis of Word Cloud and Descending Hierarchical Classification (CHD). Results: Through the speeches of the mothers, it was possible to identify the phenomenon of obstetric violence, even in the face of their lack of knowledge about the subject in question. Lack of empathy from health professionals, negligence in care, performing unnecessary cesarean sections and lack of guidance regarding the procedures performed at the time of delivery were the forms of violence most identified in the study. Conclusion: There is a need to invest in the process of humanization of obstetric care as a way of guaranteeing pregnant women quality care free of obstetric violence.