Choice of route of childbirth: expectation of pregnant women and obstetricians

Abstract

The technological and scientific advances in medicine and the respect for the autonomy of pregnant women and medical indications have contributed to the increased number of cesareans. In this context, the objective of this research was to identify the expectations of pregnant women and doctors about the process of childbirth. The majority of pregnant women (74.1%) expressed a preference for natural delivery, especially Catholic ones and those who have completed higher education or incomplete high school. Among obstetricians it was found a slight preference for cesarean delivery (58.3%), and if advising was requested by pregnant women, all (100%) obstetricians would recommend natural delivery. If the obstetricians were demanded to perform cesarean on request, 54.5% of them would agree immediately, but only 27.3% would admit that right for pregnant women in the public health system. In conclusion, the expectation of the majority of pregnant women was for the natural delivery, and doctors for cesarean, but they would agree with natural childbirth, under normal conditions, and perform cesarean on request.