The meaning of humanized childbirth for pregnant women

Abstract

Objective: To understand the meaning of a humanized childbirth in the conception of pregnant women. Method: This was a descriptive study of a qualitative nature with a phenomenological approach. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 pregnant women enrolled in an outpatient prenatal care at a university hospital in the city of Montes Claros/MG. Results: The central unveiled theme was: Understanding the humanized childbirth as one in which the professional has as prerogative the empathic relationship and technical expertise enabling the woman to experience labor and delivery as the physiological protagonist during the process. Conclusion: The pregnant women define the humanized childbirth based on the philosophical bases of childbirth humanization and birth advocated by the Ministry of Health, which has the interpersonal relationship and competent assistance as principles.