Water birth: pregnant women’s decision-making and interaction with health professionals
Parto en el agua: toma de decisiones de la gestante e interacción con los profesionales de la salud
Parto na água: tomada de decisão da gestante e interação com os profissionais de saúde
Joyce da Costa Silveira de Camargo; Fernanda Marçal Ferreira; Larissa dos Santos Henrique; Lucila Coca Leventhal; Kelly Cristina Máxima Pereira Venâncio; Natalucia Matos Araújo; Marlise de Oliveira Pimentel Lima
Abstract
Objective to explore pregnant women’s decision-making process regarding water birth, based on their personal experiences.
Methods this study employs qualitative research and thematic data analysis using the “Four Models of the Physician–Patient Relationship” framework as its theoretical and analytical foundation.
Results A total of 61 women from four Brazilian regions participated in the study. Among them, 52.5% gave birth in a hospital or birth center, whereas 47.5% opted for a home birth. Among the 83.6% who had planned their birth, 57.4% received guidance from obstetric nurses/midwives. Two thematic categories emerged: “Determinant factors in the decision-making process for water birth” and “Water birth planning: possibilities and limitations”, comprising four and three subcategories, respectively.
Final considerations and practical implications pain relief, physical comfort, and the baby’s well-being, together with a smooth transition and respect for the natural process were key factors influencing the birth method choice. The study acknowledged the use of Google Forms for online data collection as a limitation, as it potentially excluded participants without internet access or electronic devices. Respecting the birth plan was crucial for ensuring humanized care, fostering a collaborative relationship between pregnant women and healthcare professionals. This interaction facilitated knowledge sharing, provided professional prenatal support, contributed to a positive birth experience, and enhanced overall birth safety.
Keywords
Resumen
Palabras clave
Resumo
Objetivo: analisar a tomada de decisão sobre o parto na água por gestantes, a partir de suas vivências.
Métodos: pesquisa qualitativa, com análise temática dos dados, baseada no referencial teórico-analítico “Quatro modelos da relação médico-paciente”.
Resultados: participaram 61 mulheres de quatro regiões brasileiras, destas 52,5% tiveram parto em hospital ou casa de parto, enquanto 47,5% escolheram o domicílio. Das 83,6% mulheres que planejaram o parto, 57,4% receberam orientações de enfermeiras obstetras/obstetrizes. Emergiram duas categorias temáticas: “Determinantes no processo de tomada de decisão pelo parto na água” e “Planejamento do parto na água: possibilidades e limites”, com quatro subcategorias e três subcategorias respectivamente.
Considerações finais e implicações para a prática: o alívio da dor, conforto físico e bem-estar do bebê, aliados a uma transição suave e ao respeito pela naturalidade do processo, foram fatores determinantes para a tomada de decisão pela modalidade de parto. A pesquisa destacou, como limitação o Google Forms como modalidade on-line, restringindo a participação de indivíduos que não dispõem de acesso à internet e dispositivos eletrônicos. O respeito ao plano de parto foi fundamental para assistência humanizada associada à interação gestantes/profissionais para aquisição de conhecimento; ao suporte profissional pré-natalista, à experiência positiva e à segurança do parto.
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Referencias
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Accepted date:
18/09/2025
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