A cultura mediando preferências pelo tipo de parto

Abstract

This is a qualitative and descriptive study that aims at identifying the cultural aspects influencing on women's preferences regarding type of delivery as well as the influence of family and personal experiences. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with women participating in a group meeting of pregnant women. Two categories emerged from the thematic content analysis. Results revealed that women are inserted in a cultural context, surrounded by experiences, values and beliefs, which shape their preferences regarding delivery method. Current tendency to medicalize childbirth care threatens women's knowledge about, appropriation of and ownership over their own body, and contributes to cement the idea that a vaginal birth is dangerous, increasing sense of fear over this type of delivery.