Puerperal women's perceptions on vertical and horizontal deliveries

Abstract

This qualitative study aims to better understand the perceptions of puerperal women regarding their experiences in vertical and horizontal deliveries and identify positive and negative aspects of each position. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with ten puerperal women hospitalized in the rooming-in unit of a teaching hospital. After thematic analysis - Collective Subject Discourse - positive aspects of the vertical position emerged, namely: greater comfort, freedom of movement, reduction of the expulsive effort, favors women's participation. Negative aspects were listed as discomfort and lack of obstetric intervention. Positive aspects of the horizontal position were reported as quickness, feelings of security and of being helped. Negative aspects were related to discomfort and difficulty in exerting strength. Positive aspects of the vertical position and negative aspects of the horizontal position stood out more intensely and frequently, and are in accordance with scientific evidence.

Do pré-natal ao parto: um estudo transversal sobre a influência do acompanhante nas boas práticas obstétricas no Sistema Único de Saúde em Santa Catarina, 2019

“…26 A qualitative study conducted in a teaching hospital in Santa Catarina State, analyzed the perception of puerperal women of giving birth in a vertical or horizontal position and concluded that women considered the vertical position to be more positive because it favors movement, is more adequate for pushing and expelling the fetus, in addition to enabling them to have greater participation in childbirth. 27 In this context, it should be noted that knowledge about childbirth should be imparted from the beginning of prenatal care and, when it is reinforced throughout pregnancy up until delivery, it can provide pregnant women and their companions with empowerment and autonomy fitting for parturition, positively influencing the way in which they all experience the accomplishment of pregnancy.…”

Adaptation Of Women’s Questionnaire To Reality Of Assistance Before, During And After Delivery

“…In contrast, the horizontal position makes these aspects difficult. As the movements are limited it causes suffering, fatigue, longer duration of the expulsive period and usually more occurrence of obstetric interventions [16].…”

Variables clínicas del parto en posición vertical y horizontal: Revisión exhaustiva de literatura

“…En un estudio cualitativo llevado a cabo en Brasil que incluyó las percepciones de mujeres respecto a sus vivencias en el parto vaginal, se determinó que los aspectos positivos de la posición horizontal fueron la reducción en su tiempo de duración y una mayor sensación de seguridad y apoyo por parte del personal médico, mientras que los aspectos negativos se relacionaron con la incomodidad y la dificultad para ejercer la fuerza. Dentro de algunos aspectos positivos de la posición vertical y los aspectos negativos de la posición horizontal se destacaron con mayor intensidad y frecuencia, y están de acuerdo con la evidencia científica (27).…”