The effects of a quality improvement project to reduce caesarean sections in selected private hospitals in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Brazil is one of the countries with the highest rates of caesarean sections (CS), reaching almost 90% of births in the private sector. A quality improvement project called "Adequate Childbirth Project (PPA)" was conceived to reduce CS in the private sector. This project consisted of four primary components: "Governance", "Participation of Women", "Reorganization of Care" and "Monitoring". This paper aims to evaluate: (1) which specific activities of the PPA had the largest effect on the probability of a woman having a vaginal delivery; (2) which primary component of the PPA had the largest effect on the probability of vaginal delivery and (3) which scenarios combining the implementation of different activities planned in the PPA had a higher effect on the probability of vaginal delivery. METHODS: A sample of 12 private hospitals participating in the PPA was evaluated. We used a Bayesian Network (BN) to capture both non-linearities and complex cause-effect relations. The BN integrated knowledge from experts and data from women to estimate 26 model parameters. The PPA was evaluated in 2473 women belonging to groups 1-4 of the Robson classification, who were divided into two groups: those participating or not participating in the PPA. RESULTS: The probability of a woman having a vaginal delivery was 37.7% higher in women participating in the PPA. The most important component of the project that led to an increase in the probability of vaginal delivery was "Reorganization of Care", leading to a 73% probability of vaginal delivery among women in labor. The activity that had the greatest effect on the type of delivery was access to best practices during labor, with a 72% probability of vaginal delivery. Considering the 12 scenarios combining the different activities of the PPA, the best scenarios included: a non-scheduled delivery, access to information about best practices, access to at least 4 best practices during labor and respect of the birth plan, with an 80% probability of vaginal delivery in the best combinations. CONCLUSION: PPA has been shown to be an effective quality improvement program, increasing the likelihood of vaginal delivery in private Brazilian hospitals.

INTRODUCTION: Brazil boasts one of the highest rates of caesarean sections (CS) globally, with nearly 90% of births in private facilities being delivered via CS. In response, the 'Adequate Childbirth Project ­ PPA' was launched as a quality improvement initiative aimed at curbing CS rates in private healthcare. Its goal is to improve the quality of childbirth and reduce the number of CS in private healthcare. The project has four main parts: 'Governance', 'Participation of Women', 'Reorganization of Care', and 'Monitoring'. METHOD: an evaluative study was conducted across 12 private hospitals involved in the PPA, involving 2473 women who were categorized into PPA participants and non-participants. They used a method called a cause-effect network to see which parts of the PPA helped more women have vaginal deliveries. RESULTS: They found that women in the PPA were 37.7% more likely to have a vaginal delivery. Giving women access to good practices during labor and birth was really important. Also, 'Reorganization of Care' was the most important part of the project. It led to a 73% chance of vaginal delivery for women in labor. CONCLUSION: The PPA is effective in helping more women in private hospitals have vaginal deliveries. This means it's a good program for improving childbirth in Brazil's private hospitals.

An implementation analysis of a quality improvement project to reduce cesarean section in Brazilian private hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Brazil has one of the highest prevalence of cesarean sections in the world. The private health system is responsible for carrying out most of these surgical procedures. A quality improvement project called Adequate Childbirth Project ("Projeto Parto Adequado"- PPA) was developed to identify models of care for labor and childbirth, which place value on vaginal birth and reduce the frequency of cesarean sections without a clinical indication. This research aims to evaluate the implementation of PPA in private hospitals in Brazil. METHOD: Evaluative hospital-based survey, carried out in 2017, in 12 private hospitals, including 4,322 women. We used a Bayesian network strategy to develop a theoretical model for implementation analysis. We estimated and compared the degree of implementation of two major driving components of PPA-"Participation of women" and "Reorganization of care" - among the 12 hospitals and according to type of hospital (belonging to a health insurance company or not). To assess whether the degree of implementation was correlated with the rate of vaginal birth data we used the Bayesian Network and compared the difference between the group "Exposed to the PPA model of care" and the group "Standard of care model". RESULTS: PPA had a low degree of implementation in both components "Reorganization of Care" (0.17 - 0.32) and "Participation of Women" (0.21 - 0.34). The combined implementation score was 0.39-0.64 and was higher in hospitals that belonged to a health insurance company. The vaginal birth rate was higher in hospitals with a higher degree of implementation of PPA. CONCLUSION: The degree of implementation of PPA was low, which reflects the difficulties in changing childbirth care practices. Nevertheless, PPA increased vaginal birth rates in private hospitals with higher implementation scores. PPA is an ongoing quality improvement project and these results demonstrate the need for changes in the involvement of women and the care offered by the provider.

Agreement between maternal self-report of birth-related information and medical records in Brazil: A comparison study between public, mixed, and private hospitals.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to assess agreement between data obtained from interviews with postpartum women and their health records about labor and birth characteristics, newborn care, and reasons for cesarean birth. METHODS: The present study analyzes the Birth in Brazil study dataset, a nationwide hospital-based survey that included 23,894 postpartum women. Reliability was assessed using kappa coefficients and 95% confidence intervals. We also calculated the proportion of specific agreement: the observed proportion of positive agreement (Ppos) and the observed proportion of negative agreement (Pneg). RESULTS: In terms of labor and birth characteristics, more significant discrepancies in prevalence were observed for fundal pressure (1.4%-42.6%), followed by amniotomy, and augmentation. All of these variables were reported more frequently by women. Reliability was nearly perfect only for mode of delivery (kappa 0.99-1.00, Ppos and Pneg >99.0%). Higher discrepancies in reasons for cesarean prevalence were observed for previous cesarean birth (CB) (3.9%-10.4%) and diabetes mellitus (0.5%-8.5%). Most kappa coefficients for CB reasons were moderate to substantial. Lower coefficients were seen for diabetes mellitus, induction failure, and prelabor rupture of membranes and Pneg was consistently higher than Ppos. DISCUSSION: Our findings raise relevant questions about the quality of information shared with women during and after the process of care for labor and birth, as well as the information recorded in medical charts. Not having access to full information about their own health status at birth may impair women's health promotion behaviors or clear disclosure of risk factors in future interactions with the healthcare system.

Baixo peso ao nascer, prematuridade e restrição de crescimento intra-uterino: resultados dos dados de base da primeira coorte de nascimentos indígenas no Brasil (coorte de nascimentos Guarani).

ABSTRATO: FUNDO: O baixo peso ao nascer (BPN) continua sendo um importante problema de saúde global, associado a uma série de resultados adversos de saúde ao longo da vida. As evidências sugerem que o BPN é um determinante relevante de morbidade e mortalidade em grupos indígenas, que geralmente têm acesso limitado às políticas públicas de saúde e nutrição. O conhecimento da prevalência de BPN e de suas causas subjacentes pode contribuir com etapas essenciais para a prevenção de seus efeitos sobre a saúde. O estudo teve como objetivo estimar as prevalências de BPN, prematuridade e restrição de crescimento intra-uterino (RCIU) e investigar seus determinantes na primeira coorte de nascimentos indígenas no Brasil. MéTODOS: Este estudo transversal utilizou dados de linha de base coletados da primeira coorte de nascimentos indígenas no Brasil, a Coorte de Nascimentos Guarani. O Brasil é um dos países com maior diversidade étnica do mundo, com 305 povos indígenas e 274 línguas nativas. Os Guarani são uma das cinco maiores etnias, com aldeias localizadas principalmente na região sul. Todos os nascimentos únicos de 1º de junho de 2014 a 31 de maio de 2016 foram selecionados em 63 aldeias indígenas Guarani nas regiões Sul e Sudeste. Foi realizada regressão logística múltipla hierárquica. RESULTADOS: As taxas de prevalência de BPN, prematuridade e RCIU foram 15,5, 15,6 e 5,7%, respectivamente. As chances de BPN foram menores em recém-nascidos de mães que vivem em casas de tijolo e argamassa (OR: 0,25; IC 95%: 0,07-0,84) e foram maiores em filhos de mães ≤20 anos de idade (OR: 2,4; IC 95%: 1,29-4,44) e com anemia crônica antes da gravidez (OR: 6,41; IC 95%: 1,70-24,16). A prematuridade foi estatisticamente associada ao tipo de fonte de energia para cozinhar (fogão a lenha - OR: 3,87; IC 95%: 1,71-8,78 e fogueiras - OR: 2,57; IC 95%: 1,31-5,01). RCIU foi associado à primiparidade (OR: 4,66; IC 95%: 1,68-12,95) e anemia materna crônica antes da gravidez (OR: 7,21; IC 95%: 1,29-40,38). CONCLUSõES: Idade materna, estado nutricional e paridade, condições de moradia e exposição à poluição interna foram associados com resultados perinatais na população indígena Guarani. Esses resultados indicam a necessidade de investir no acesso e melhoria da assistência pré-natal; também no fortalecimento do Subsistema de Saúde Indígena, e em ações intersetoriais para o desenvolvimento de políticas habitacionais e de saneamento e melhorias ambientais ajustadas às necessidades e conhecimentos dos povos indígenas.

Regional and social inequalities in the performance of Pap test and screening mammography and their correlation with lifestyle: Brazilian national health survey, 2013.

BACKGROUND: Mass population screening for the early detection of cervical and breast cancer has been shown to be a safe and effective strategy worldwide and has reduced the incidence and mortality rates of these diseases. The aim of this study is to analyse the reach of screening tests for cervical and breast cancer according to sociodemographic variables and to analyse their correlation with a healthy lifestyle. METHODS: We have analysed data collected from 31.845 women aged 18 and over, who were interviewed for the Brazilian National Health Survey, a nationwide household inquiry, which took place between August 2013 and February 2014. The Pap tests performed in the last 3 years in women aged between 25 and 64 and screening mammogram performed in the last 2 years in women aged between 50 and 69 were considered adequate. We identified habits that constitute a healthy lifestyle, such as the consumption of five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables, 30 min or more of leisurely physical activity and not smoking. RESULTS: We observed that the Pap test (78.8 %) was more widespread than the screening mammogram (54.5 %), with significant geographical and social differences concerning access to health care. Access for such screening was higher for women living in more developed regions (Southeast and South), who were white-skinned, better educated, living with a partner and, especially, who were covered by private health insurance. Those who underwent the tests according to established protocols also had a healthy lifestyle, which corroborates the healthy behaviour pattern of damage prevention. CONCLUSION: Despite the progress made, social disparity still defines access to screening tests for cervical and breast cancer, with women covered by private health insurance tending to benefit the most. It is necessary to reduce social and regional inequalities and ensure a more uniform provision and access to the tests, especially for socially disadvantaged women, in order to reduce the incidence and mortality rate resulting from the aforementioned diseases.

Factors associated with unintended pregnancy in Brazil: cross-sectional results from the Birth in Brazil National Survey, 2011/2012.

BACKGROUND: Unintended pregnancy, a pregnancy that have been either unwanted or mistimed, is a serious public health issue in Brazil. It is reported for more than half of women who gave birth in the country, but the characteristics of women who conceive unintentionally are rarely documented. The aim of this study is to analyse the prevalence and the association between unintended pregnancy and a set of sociodemographic characteristics, individual-level variables and history of obstetric outcomes. METHODS: Birth in Brazil is a cross-sectional study with countrywide representation that interviewed 23,894 women after birth. The information about intendedness of pregnancy was obtained after birth at the hospital and classified into three categories: intended, mistimed or unwanted. Multinomial regression analysis was used to estimate the associations between intendedness of a pregnancy, and sociodemographic and obstetric variables, calculating odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals. All significant variables in the bivariate analysis were included in the multinomial multivariate model and the final model retaining variables that remained significant at the 5 % level. RESULTS: Unintended pregnancy was reported by 55.4 % of postpartum women. The following variables maintained positive and significant statistical associations with mistimed pregnancy: maternal age < 20 years (OR = 1.89, 95 % CI: 1.68-2.14); brown (OR = 1.15, 95 % CI: 1.04-1.27) or yellow skin color (OR = 1.56, 95 % CI: 1.05-2.32); having no partner (OR = 2.32, 95 % CI: 1.99-2.71); having no paid job (OR = 1.15, 95 % CI: 1.04-1.27); alcohol abuse with risk of alcoholism (OR = 1.25, 95 % CI: 1.04-1.50) and having had three or more births (OR = 2.01, 95 % CI: 1.63-2.47). The same factors were associated with unwanted pregnancy, though the strength of the associations was generally stronger. Women with three or more births were 14 times more likely to have an unwanted pregnancy, and complication in the previous pregnancies and preterm birth were 40 % and 19 % higher, respectively. Previous neonatal death was a protective factor for both mistimed (OR = 0.61, 95 % CI: 0.44-0.85) and unwanted pregnancy (OR = 0.44, 95 % CI: 0.34-0.57). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms findings from previous research about the influence of socioeconomic and individual risk factors on unintended pregnancy. It takes a new approach to the problem by showing the importance of previous neonatal death, preterm birth and complication during pregnancy as risk factors for unintended pregnancy.

Good practices according to WHO's recommendation for normal labor and birth and women's assessment of the care received: the "birth in Brazil" national research study, 2011/2012.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends good practices for the conduct of uncomplicated labor and birth, with the aim of improving the quality of and assessment by women of childbirth care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between adoption of good practices according to WHO's recommendation for normal labor and birth and assessment by women of the care received. METHODS: Birth in Brazil is a national hospital-based study with countrywide representation consisting of 23,894 mothers and their newborns, conducted between February 2011 and October 2012. The present study analysed a subsample of this national survey. Postpartum women classified as low risk during pregnancy who had experienced either spontaneous or induced labor were included in this study, totalling 4102 mothers. To estimate the association between assessment by women of the childbirth care received (dependent variable) and good practices according to WHO's recommendation during normal labor and birth (independent variables), a multinomial logistic regression analysis was used and crude and adjusted odds ratios calculated with their 95 % confidence intervals. RESULTS: The good practices associated with positive assessment of the care received by women during labor and birth included the partner's presence, privacy in the birthing place, time available to ask questions, clarity of information received, and empathic support from caregivers during labor and birth. Freedom of movement, free nutrition offered, choice of companions, nonpharmacological analgesia, skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding in the childbirth room were not associated with the assessment by women of the care received. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal the importance to mothers of their relationship with the team of caregivers during labor and birth. Therefore, caregiver teams must be qualified within a more humanistic vision of childbirth health care.

Prevalence and risk factors related to preterm birth in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The rate of preterm birth has been increasing worldwide, including in Brazil. This constitutes a significant public health challenge because of the higher levels of morbidity and mortality and long-term health effects associated with preterm birth. This study describes and quantifies factors affecting spontaneous and provider-initiated preterm birth in Brazil. METHODS: Data are from the 2011-2012 "Birth in Brazil" study, which used a national population-based sample of 23,940 women. We analyzed the variables following a three-level hierarchical methodology. For each level, we performed non-conditional multiple logistic regression for both spontaneous and provider-initiated preterm birth. RESULTS: The rate of preterm birth was 11.5 %, (95 % confidence 10.3 % to 12.9 %) 60.7 % spontaneous - with spontaneous onset of labor or premature preterm rupture of membranes - and 39.3 % provider-initiated, with more than 90 % of the last group being pre-labor cesarean deliveries. Socio-demographic factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth were adolescent pregnancy, low total years of schooling, and inadequate prenatal care. Other risk factors were previous preterm birth (OR 3.74; 95 % CI 2.92-4.79), multiple pregnancy (OR 16.42; 95 % CI 10.56-25.53), abruptio placentae (OR 2.38; 95 % CI 1.27-4.47) and infections (OR 4.89; 95 % CI 1.72-13.88). In contrast, provider-initiated preterm birth was associated with private childbirth healthcare (OR 1.47; 95 % CI 1.09-1.97), advanced-age pregnancy (OR 1.27; 95 % CI 1.01-1.59), two or more prior cesarean deliveries (OR 1.64; 95 % CI 1.19-2.26), multiple pregnancy (OR 20.29; 95 % CI 12.58-32.72) and any maternal or fetal pathology (OR 6.84; 95 % CI 5.56-8.42). CONCLUSION: The high proportion of provider-initiated preterm birth and its association with prior cesarean deliveries and all of the studied maternal/fetal pathologies suggest that a reduction of this type of prematurity may be possible. The association of spontaneous preterm birth with socially-disadvantaged groups reaffirms that the reduction of social and health inequalities should continue to be a national priority.

Labor and birth care by nurse with midwifery skills in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The participation of nurses and midwives in vaginal birth care is limited in Brazil, and there are no national data regarding their involvement. The goal was to describe the participation of nurses and nurse-midwives in childbirth care in Brazil in the years 2011 and 2012, and to analyze the association between hospitals with nurses and nurse-midwives in labor and birth care and the use of good practices, and their influence in the reduction of unnecessary interventions, including cesarean sections. METHODS: Birth in Brazil is a national, population-based study consisting of 23,894 postpartum women, carried out in the period between February 2011 and October 2012, in 266 healthcare settings. The study included all vaginal births involving physicians or nurses/nurse-midwives. A logistic regression model was used to examine the association between the implementation of good practices and suitable interventions during labor and birth, and whether care was a physician or a nurse/nurse-midwife led care. We developed another model to assess the association between the use of obstetric interventions during labor and birth to the personnel responsible for the care of the patient, comparing hospitals with decisions revolving exclusively around a physician to those that also included nurses/nurse-midwives as responsible for vaginal births. RESULTS: 16.2 % of vaginal births were assisted by a nurse/nurse-midwife. Good practices were significantly more frequent in those births assisted by nurses/nurse-midwives (ad lib. diet, mobility during labor, non-pharmacological means of pain relief, and use of a partograph), while some interventions were less frequently used (anesthesia, lithotomy position, uterine fundal pressure and episiotomy). In maternity wards that included a nurse/nurse-midwife in labour and birth care, the incidence of cesarean section was lower. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study illustrate the potential benefit of collaborative work between physicians and nurses/nurse-midwives in labor and birth care. The adoption of good practices in managing labor and birth could be the first step toward more effective obstetric and midwifery care in Brazil. It may be easier to introduce new approaches rather than to eliminate old ones, which may explain why the reduction of unnecessary interventions during labor and birth was less pronounced than the adoption of new practices.

[Adequacy of prenatal care according to maternal characteristics in Brazil]. / Adequação da assistência pré-natal segundo as características maternas no Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the degree of adequacy of prenatal care in Brazil and to determine whether it is associated with sociodemographic characteristics of women. METHODS: This nationwide hospital-based study was performed with 23 894 women in 2011 and 2012. Data were obtained from interviews with puerperal women and from the prenatal card recording prenatal care appointments. Adequate prenatal care was defined as that started no later than the 12th gestational week, with performance of at least six consultations (with number of consultations adjusted for gestational age at delivery), record in the prenatal card of at least one result for each of the recommended routine prenatal tests, and guidance regarding the maternity hospital for delivery. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to verify the association between maternal characteristics and the adequacy of prenatal care. RESULTS: Early onset of prenatal care was observed in 53.9% of participants, adequate number of consultations in 73.2%, record of at least one of each recommended test in 62.9%, guidance regarding maternity hospital in 58.7%, and overall adequate prenatal care in 21.6%. Less adequate prenatal care was observed in women who were younger, black, multiparous, who did not have a partner, without paid employment, having fewer years of formal schooling, belonging to lower socioeconomic classes, and living in the North and Northeast of Brazil. After adjustment of maternal characteristics, no differences were observed between public or private health care services regarding adequacy of prenatal care. CONCLUSIONS: Even though the coverage of prenatal care is virtually universal in Brazil, regional and social differences in the access and adequacy of care still persist. The implementation of strategies to facilitate early access to prenatal care is essential.

Increased consumption of ultra-processed foods during pregnancy is associated with sociodemographic, behavioral, and obstetric factors: A cohort study.

A diet based on ultra-processed food (UPF) does not meet nutritional needs, especially during pregnancy. The aim of this study is to assess the change in UPF consumption from preconception to pregnancy and associated factors. Our hypothesis is that women tend to adopt a healthier eating pattern during pregnancy, decreasing the intake of UPF and increasing the intake of unprocessed/minimally processed foods. A prospective cohort study with 326 participants was carried out from 2016 to 2019 in 2 health units in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Pregestational food consumption assessed using the food frequency questionnaire in the prenatal interview in women up to 20 gestational weeks and gestational consumption in the interview 2 months after delivery. Food items classified according to the NOVA system. For the mean variation from preconception to gestational UPF consumption, we used the generalized estimating equations model with linear distribution. Control of confounding variables was based on the literature on factors associated with UPF consumption, using a 3-level hierarchical model. The proportion of UPF energy consumption was 28.9% in preconception and 33% during pregnancy. Older and more educated women had a lower mean variation in the consumption of UPF during the pregnancy. A higher average consumption of UPF observed among women physically inactive before pregnancy, who smoked during pregnancy, were multiparous, and with had a low pregestational weight. These results reflect similar behavior to that of the general population, aggravated by a significant increase during pregnancy. However, older and more educated women and those with healthy behaviors showed lower UPF intake in pregnancy.

Maternal mortality: protocol of a study integrated to the Birth in Brazil II survey. / Mortalidade materna: protocolo de um estudo integrado à pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II.

The Maternal Mortality Study conducts a hospital investigation of maternal deaths that occurred in 2020/2021 in the maternity hospitals sampled by the Birth in Brazil II survey, with the following objectives: estimate the maternal mortality underreporting; calculate a correction factor and the corrected (MMR); validate the causes of maternal mortality reported in the death certificate (DC); and analyze the factors associated with maternal mortality. The Birth in Brazil II includes approximately 24,250 puerperal women distributed in 465 public, private, and mixed hospitals with ≥ 100 live births/year in the five macroregions of Brazil. The Maternal Mortality Study data will be completed using the same Birth in Brazil II questionnaire, from the consultation of hospital records. Trained obstetricians will fill out a new DC (redone DC) from independent analysis of this questionnaire, comparing it to official data. The database of the investigated deaths will be related to the deaths listed in the Mortality Information System of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, allowing the estimation of underreporting and calculation of the corrected MMR. To calculate the reliability of the causes of death, the kappa test and prevalence-adjusted kappa with 95% confidence interval will be used. A case-control study to estimate the risk factors for maternal mortality will be developed with the investigated deaths (cases) and the controls obtained in the Birth in Brazil II survey, using conditional multiple logistic regression models. We expect this research to contribute to the correction of the underreporting of maternal mortality and to a better understanding of the determinants of the persistence of a high MMR in Brazil.

O Estudo da Mortalidade Materna conduz uma investigação hospitalar dos óbitos maternos ocorridos em 2020/2021 nas maternidades amostradas na pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II, com os seguintes objetivos: estimar o sub-registro da mortalidade materna e calcular um fator de correção e a razão de mortalidade materna (RMM) corrigida; validar as causas de mortalidade materna informadas na declaração de óbito (DO); e analisar os fatores associados à mortalidade materna. O Nascer no Brasil II inclui aproximadamente 24.255 puérperas distribuídas em 465 hospitais públicos, privados e mistos com ≥ 100 partos de nascidos vivos/ano nas cinco macrorregiões do país. Os dados do Estudo da Mortalidade Materna serão preenchidos utilizando o mesmo questionário do Nascer no Brasil II, a partir da consulta aos prontuários hospitalares. Obstetras treinados preencherão uma nova DO (DO refeita) a partir de análise independente desse questionário, comparando aos dados oficiais. A base de dados dos óbitos investigados será relacionada com os óbitos constantes no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade do Ministério da Saúde, permitindo a estimativa do sub-registro e cálculo da RMM corrigida. Para o cálculo da confiabilidade das causas de morte, serão utilizados os testes kappa e kappa ajustado à prevalência com intervalo de 95% de confiança. Um estudo de caso-controle para estimar os fatores de risco para mortalidade materna será desenvolvido com os óbitos investigados (casos) e os controles obtidos na pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II, utilizando-se modelos de regressão logística múltipla condicional. Espera-se contribuir para a correção do sub-registro da mortalidade materna e para a melhor compreensão dos fatores determinantes da persistência de RMM elevada no Brasil.

El Estudio de Mortalidad Materna evalúa las muertes maternas ocurridas en 2020-2021 en las muestras de maternidades del encuesta Nacer en Brasil II con los objetivos de estimar el subregistro de mortalidad materna y calcular el factor de corrección y la tasa de mortalidad materna corregida (TMM); validar las causas de mortalidad materna reportadas en el certificado de defunción (CD); y analizar los factores asociados a la mortalidad materna. La Nacer en Brasil II incluye aproximadamente 24.250 mujeres puerperales, distribuidas en 465 hospitales públicos, privados y mixtos con ≥ 100 nacidos vivos/año en las cinco macrorregiones de Brasil. Los datos de Estudio de Mortalidad Materna se completarán con la información del cuestionario Nacer en Brasil II a partir de una búsqueda de los registros médicos hospitalarios. Los obstetras capacitados completarán un nuevo CD (CD rehecho) desde un análisis independiente de este cuestionario, comparándolo con los datos oficiales. La base de datos de muertes investigadas se relacionará con las muertes que constan en el Sistema de Informaciones sobre la Mortalidad del Ministerio de Salud para permitir la estimación del subregistro y el cálculo de la TMM corregida. Para calcular la exactitud de las causas de muerte, se utilizarán las pruebas kappa y kappa ajustada a la prevalencia con un intervalo de 95% de confianza. Un estudio de casos y controles se aplicará para estimar los factores de riesgo de las mortalidad materna con las muertes investigadas (casos) y los controles obtenidos en el estudio Nacer en Brasil II utilizando modelos de regresión logística múltiple condicional. Se espera que este estudio pueda contribuir a la corrección del subregistro de la mortalidad materna y a una mejor comprensión de los determinantes de la persistencia de alta TMM en Brasil.

Perinatal mortality, severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss: protocol of a study integrated with the Birth in Brazil II survey. / Mortalidade perinatal, morbidade materna grave e near miss materno: protocolo de um estudo integrado à pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II.

Brazil presents high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Cases of severe maternal morbidity, maternal near miss, and perinatal deaths are important health indicators and share the same determinants, being closely related to living conditions and quality of perinatal care. This article aims to present the study protocol to estimate the perinatal mortality rate and the incidence of severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss in the country, identifying its determinants. Cross-sectional study integrated into the research Birth in Brazil II, conducted from 2021 to 2023. This study will include 155 public, mixed and private maternities, accounting for more than 2,750 births per year, participating in the Birth in Brazil II survey. We will collect retrospective data from maternal and neonatal records of all hospitalizations within a 30-day period in these maternities, applying a screening form to identify cases of maternal morbidity and perinatal deaths. Medical record data of all identified cases will be collected after hospital discharge, using a standardized instrument. Cases of severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss will be classified based on the definition adopted by the World Health Organization. The perinatal deaths rate and the incidence of severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss will be estimated. Cases will be compared to controls obtained in the Birth in Brazil II survey, matched by hospital and duration of pregnancy, in order to identify factors associated with negative outcomes. Results are expected to contribute to the knowledge on maternal morbidity and perinatal deaths in Brazil, as well as the development of strategies to improve care.

O Brasil apresenta elevada morbimortalidade materna e perinatal. Casos de morbidade materna grave, near miss materno e óbitos perinatais são indicadores importantes de saúde e compartilham dos mesmos determinantes sociais, tendo estreita relação com as condições de vida e qualidade da assistência perinatal. Este artigo pretende apresentar o protocolo de estudo que visa estimar a taxa de mortalidade perinatal e a incidência de morbidade materna grave e near miss materno no país, assim como identificar seus determinantes. Trata-se de estudo transversal integrado à pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II, realizada entre 2021 e 2023. Serão incluídas neste estudo 155 maternidades públicas, mistas e privadas, com mais de 2.750 partos por ano, participantes do Nascer no Brasil II. Nessas maternidades, será realizada coleta retrospectiva de dados de prontuário materno e neonatal de todas as internações ocorridas num período de 30 dias, com aplicação de uma ficha de triagem para identificação de casos de morbidade materna e de óbito perinatal. Dados de prontuário de todos os casos identificados serão coletados após a alta hospitalar, utilizando instrumento padronizado. Casos de morbidade materna grave e near miss materno serão classificados por meio da definição adotada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Será estimada a taxa de mortalidade perinatal e a incidência de morbidade materna grave e near miss materno. Os casos serão comparados a controles obtidos na pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II, pareados por hospital e duração da gestação, visando a identificação de fatores associados aos desfechos negativos. Espera-se que os resultados deste artigo contribuam para o conhecimento sobre a morbidade materna e a mortalidade perinatal no país, bem como para a elaboração de estratégias de melhoria do cuidado.

Brasil tiene una alta morbimortalidad materna y perinatal. Los casos de morbilidad materna severa, maternal near miss y muertes perinatales son importantes indicadores de salud y comparten los mismos determinantes sociales, y tienen una estrecha relación con las condiciones de vida y la calidad de la asistencia perinatal. Este artículo pretende presentar el protocolo de estudio que tiene como objetivo estimar la tasa de mortalidad perinatal y la incidencia de morbilidad materna severa y maternal near miss en el país, así como identificar sus determinantes. Se trata de un estudio transversal integrado a la investigación Nacer en Brasil II, realizada entre el 2021 y el 2023. Este estudio incluirá 155 maternidades públicas, mixtas y privadas, con más de 2.750 partos al año, que participan en el Nacer en Brasil II. En estas maternidades, se realizará una recopilación retrospectiva de datos de las historias clínicas maternas y neonatales de todas las hospitalizaciones ocurridas en un período de 30 días, con la aplicación de un formulario de triaje para identificar casos de morbilidad materna y de muerte perinatal. Los datos de las historias clínicas de todos los casos identificados se recopilarán tras el alta hospitalaria, mediante un instrumento estandarizado. Los casos de morbilidad materna severa y maternal near miss se clasificarán por medio de la definición adoptada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se estimará la tasa de mortalidad perinatal y la incidencia de morbilidad materna severa y maternal near miss. Los casos se compararán con los controles obtenidos en el estudio Nacer en Brasil II, emparejados por hospital y duración del embarazo, para identificar factores asociados con desenlaces negativos. Se espera que los resultados de este artículo contribuyan al conocimiento sobre la morbilidad materna y la mortalidad perinatal en el país, así como a la elaboración de estrategias para mejorar el cuidado.

Birth in Brazil II: a postpartum maternal, paternal and child health research protocol. / Nascer no Brasil II: protocolo de investigação da saúde materna, paterna e da criança no pós-parto.

Pregnancy, parturition and birth bring major changes to the lives of mothers and fathers. This article presents a research protocol for estimating the prevalence of postpartum mental health outcomes in mothers and fathers, abuse and satisfaction in delivery/abortion care, and the correlations between them and socioeconomic, obstetric, and child health factors. As a 2-component research, it consists of a prospective cohort study with all postpartum women interviewed in the 465 maternity hospitals included at the Birth in Brazil II baseline survey conducted from 2021 to 2023, and a cross-sectional study with the newborns' fathers/partners. Interviews will be conducted via telephone or self-completion link sent by WhatsApp with the mother at 2 and 4 months after delivery/abortion. Partners will be approached three months after birth (excluding abortions, stillbirths and newborn death) using the telephone number informed by the mother at the maternity ward. Postpartum women will be inquired about symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, abuse during maternity care and quality of the mother-newborn bond. Maternal and neonatal morbidity, use of postnatal services, and satisfaction with maternity care are also investigated. Fathers will be asked to report on symptoms of depression and anxiety, and the quality of the relationship with the partner and the newborn. The information collected in this research stage may help to plan and improve care aimed at the postpartum health of the mother-father-child triad.

A gravidez, o parto e o nascimento são momentos de grandes mudanças na vida das mães e dos pais. Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar o protocolo da pesquisa para estimar a prevalência dos desfechos em saúde mental nas mães e pais no pós-parto, dos maus tratos e satisfação na atenção ao parto/abortamento, e as inter-relações entre eles e fatores socioeconômicos, obstétricos e da saúde da criança. A pesquisa tem dois componentes: estudo de coorte prospectiva com todas as puérperas entrevistadas nas 465 maternidades incluídas na linha de base da pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II realizada entre 2021 e 2023, e estudo seccional com os companheiros/pais dos bebês. As entrevistas são realizadas por ligação telefônica ou link de autopreenchimento enviado por WhatsApp com as puérperas aos 2 e 4 meses após o parto/aborto. Os companheiros são abordados três meses após o nascimento (excluídos os abortos, natimortos e neomortos), a partir do telefone informado pela puérpera na maternidade. As entrevistas abordam, entre as puérperas, sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e transtorno de estresse pós-traumático, maus-tratos na atenção na maternidade e qualidade do vínculo mãe-bebê. São investigados também a presença de morbidade materna e neonatal, utilização de serviços pós-natais, e satisfação com o atendimento na maternidade. Entre os pais, é abordada a ocorrência de sintomas de depressão e ansiedade, e a qualidade do relacionamento com a esposa/companheira e o bebê. As informações coletadas nessa etapa da pesquisa poderão subsidiar o planejamento e melhoria do cuidado voltado para a saúde da tríade mãe-pai-filho após o nascimento.

El embarazo, el parto y el nacimiento son momentos de grandes cambios en la vida de madres y padres. Este artículo tiene como objetivo presentar el protocolo de investigación para estimar la prevalencia de los resultados de la salud mental en madres y padres en el posparto, maltratos y la satisfacción durante la atención del parto/aborto, y las interrelaciones entre ellos y los factores socioeconómicos, obstétricos y de salud infantil. La investigación tiene dos componentes: un estudio de cohorte prospectivo con todas las puérperas entrevistadas en las 465 maternidades incluidas en la línea de base de la encuesta Nacer en Brasil II realizada entre 2021 y 2023, y un estudio seccional con las parejas/padres de los bebés. Las entrevistas se efectúan mediante llamada telefónica o enlace de autocumplimentación enviado vía WhatsApp a las puérperas a los 2 y 4 meses después del parto/aborto. El contacto con la pareja se hace a los tres meses del nacimiento (excluyendo abortos, mortinatos y muertes de recién nacidos), a través del teléfono facilitado por la puérpera en la sala de maternidad. Las entrevistas abordan, entre las puérperas, los síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y trastorno de estrés postraumático, maltrato durante la atención en la maternidad y la calidad del vínculo madre-bebé. También se investiga la presencia de morbilidad materna y neonatal, uso de servicios posnatales y satisfacción con la atención en la maternidad. Entre los padres, se aborda la ocurrencia de síntomas de depresión y ansiedad, y la calidad de la relación con la esposa/pareja y el bebé. La información recopilada en esta etapa de la investigación puede apoyar la planificación y mejora de la atención dirigida a la salud de la tríada madre-padre-hijo después del nacimiento.

Protocol of Birth in Brazil II: National Research on Abortion, Labor and Childbirth. / Protocolo do Nascer no Brasil II: Pesquisa Nacional sobre Aborto, Parto e Nascimento.

Brazil has made advances in obstetric care in public and private hospitals; however, weaknesses in this system still require attention. The Brazilian Ministry of Health, aware of this need, funded the second version of the Birth in Brazil survey. This study aimed to evaluate: prenatal, labor and birth, postpartum, and abortion care, comparing the results with those of Birth in Brazil I; and analyze the main determinants of perinatal morbidity and mortality; evaluate the care structure and processes of obstetrics and neonatology services in maternity hospitals; analyze the knowledge, practices, and attitudes of health professionals who provide birth and abortion care; and identify the main barriers and facilitators related to care of this nature in Brazil. With a national scope and a 2-stage probability sample: 1-hospitals and 2-women, stratified into 59 strata, 465 hospitals were selected with a total planned sample of around 24,255 women - 2,205 for abortion reasons and 22,050 for labor reasons. Data collection was conducted using six electronic instruments during hospital admission for labor or abortion, with two follow-up waves, at two and four months. In order to expand the number of cases of severe maternal morbidity, maternal and perinatal mortality, three case control studies were incorporated into Birth in Brazil II. The fieldwork began in November 2021 and is scheduled to end in 2023. It will allow a comparison between current labor and birth care results and those obtained in the first study and will evaluate the advances achieved in 10 years.

Com o passar do tempo, o Brasil vem apresentando avanços na assistência obstétrica em hospitais públicos e privados; no entanto, ainda existem pontos frágeis que necessitam de atenção. O Ministério da Saúde, ciente dessa necessidade, financiou a segunda versão da pesquisa Nascer no Brasil. Os objetivos gerais são: avaliar a assistência pré-natal, ao parto e nascimento, ao puerpério e ao aborto, comparando com os resultados do Nascer no Brasil I, e analisar os principais determinantes da morbimortalidade perinatal; avaliar a estrutura e processos assistenciais dos serviços de obstetrícia e neonatologia das maternidades; analisar os conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas de profissionais de saúde que prestam assistência ao parto e ao aborto; e identificar as principais barreiras e facilitadores para essa assistência no país. Com escopo nacional e amostra probabilística em dois estágios (1-hospitais e 2-mulheres), dividida em 59 estratos, foram selecionados 465 hospitais com total planejado de, aproximadamente, 24.255 mulheres, 2.205 por motivo de aborto e 22.050 por motivo de parto. A coleta de dados, realizada por meio de seis instrumentos eletrônicos, ocorre durante a internação hospitalar para o parto ou aborto, com duas ondas de seguimento, aos dois e quatro meses. Com o intuito de expandir o número de casos de morbidade materna grave, mortalidade materna e perinatal, três estudos caso controle foram incorporados ao Nascer no Brasil II. O trabalho de campo foi iniciado em novembro de 2021 com término previsto para 2023. Os resultados permitirão comparar a atenção atual ao parto e ao nascimento com a retratada no primeiro inquérito e, com isso, avaliar os avanços alcançados no decorrer desses 10 anos.

Aunque Brasil ha presentado avances en la atención obstétrica en hospitales públicos y privados, todavía hay puntos débiles que necesitan atención. El Ministerio de Salud, consciente de esta necesidad, financió la segunda versión de la encuesta Nacer en Brasil. Los objetivos generales son: evaluar la atención prenatal, el parto y el nacimiento, el puerperio y el aborto, comparando con los resultados del Nacer en Brasil I, y analizar los principales determinantes de la morbimortalidad perinatal; evaluar la estructura y los procesos de atención de los servicios de obstetricia y neonatología en las maternidades; analizar los conocimientos, prácticas y actitudes de los profesionales de la salud que brindan atención para el parto y el aborto; e identificar las principales barreras y facilitadores para esta atención en el país. Tiene un alcance nacional y muestra probabilística en dos etapas (1-hospitales y 2-mujeres), la cual se dividió en 59 estratos; y se seleccionaron 465 hospitales con un total planificado de aproximadamente 24.255 mujeres, de las cuales 2.205 tuvieron procedimientos por aborto y 22.050 por parto. Para la recolección de datos se aplicó seis instrumentos electrónicos, que se realizó durante la hospitalización por parto o aborto, con dos rondas de seguimiento, a los dos y cuatro meses. Con el fin de ampliar el número de casos de morbilidad materna grave, mortalidad materna y perinatal, se incorporaron tres estudios de casos y controles en Nacer en Brasil II. El trabajo de campo comenzó en noviembre de 2021 y finalizará en 2023. Los resultados nos permitirán evaluar la atención al parto y al nacimiento actual con lo que se retrató en la primera encuesta, de esta manera se podrá evaluar los avances alcanzados a lo largo de estos 10 años.

Construct validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS): a proposal for a 12-item short version.

This study aimed to update the assessment of construct validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS). This is part of a cohort study, in which the scale was applied to 415 pregnant women. The factor structure was verified via structural equation models. Comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) were used to verify the model fit. Additionally, to test the validity of the MFAS based on external variables, generalized linear model was performed to test the association between obstetric variables, social support, and symptoms of depression with the MFAS. The reliability was analyzed via the composite reliability coefficient (CR). The 12-item short version of the Brazilian MFAS showed adequate parameters of construct validity (CFI = 0.969, TLI = 0.960 and RMSEA = 0.032, 90%CI: 0.012-0.048) and is composed of three factors ("empathy and care", "role-taking", and "interaction with the fetus") containing 12 items. The total scores of the MFAS were positively correlated with social support (p-value < 0.001) and negatively correlated with depressive symptoms (p-value = 0.007). Moreover, women who live with a partner (p-value = 0.026) and had intended pregnancies (p-value < 0.001) presented a better bond with the fetus. Regarding reliability, factors 1 and 2 showed adequate values (CR = 0.72 and CR = 0.82, respectively) and factor 3 regular value (CR = 0.63). This 12-item short version of the Brazilian MFAS may be a reliable and valid instrument for scientific studies and clinical assistance in Brazil.

Factors associated with ultra-processed foods consumption in a cohort of Brazilian pregnant women.

Nutrition during pregnancy is essential for the health of the pregnant woman, the development of the fetus, and the prevention of complications related to pregnancy and the postpartum period. This study described the factors associated with high consumption of ultra-processed foods among pregnant women. This prospective cohort study was performed from February 2016 to November 2019 in two health units in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with data from 344 pregnant women. The first interview was conducted in the prenatal visit at less than 20 gestational weeks, the second at 34 gestational weeks, and the third at two months postpartum. Diet was assessed in the last interview using a food frequency questionnaire, and food items were classified according to NOVA. The percentage of ultra-processed foods consumption was estimated by tertile distribution, and the third tertile represented the highest consumption. Based on the hierarchical analysis model, the associations between ultra-processed foods consumption and sociodemographic, reproductive health, pregestational, behavioral, and pregnancy variables were assessed using a multinomial logistic regression model. Older women had lower ultra-processed foods consumption (OR = 0.33; 95%CI: 0.15-0.71). Few years of schooling (up to 7 years; OR = 5.58; 95%CI: 1.62-19.23), history of a previous childbirth (OR = 2.48; 95%CI: 1.22-5.04), history of two or more previous childbirths (OR = 7.53; 95%CI: 3.02-18.76), and no history of regular physical activity before pregnancy (OR = 2.40; 95%CI: 1.31-4.38) were risk factors. The identification of risk and protection factors allows for the establishment of control measures and encouragement of healthy practices during prenatal care.

Pregestational overweight and obesity and symptoms of postpartum depression: Data from the Birth in Brazil Study.

BACKGROUND: Relationship between pregestational overweight and obesity and symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) has been documented in developed countries. In middle and low-income countries the studies are scarce and the pattern of findings is more mixed. Our objective is to assess the effect of pregestational overweight and obesity on development symptoms of PPD in a nationwide Brazilian study. METHODS: The study included 23,894 puerperal women, from 2011 to 2012. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was applied from 6 to 18 months postpartum, with ≥13 points as the cutoff. Classification of pregestational nutritional status followed the method recommended by the Institute of Medicine. Confounding variables were identified using directed acyclic graph (DAG), and propensity score estimated the effect of nutritional status on PPD symptoms. RESULTS: Prevalence of PPD was 26.3%. Women with excess weight represented nearly 32% of the sample. In the crude analysis, women with pregestational obesity showed 23% higher odds of developing symptoms of PPD when compared to those with normal weight (OR=1.23 CI 95% 1.04-1.45). There was a loss of statistical significance after propensity score analysis (OR=1.14 CI 95% 0.91-1.42). LIMITATIONS: The symptoms of PPD were measured in a single moment, and sensitivity analysis revealed the existence of omitted or non-measured variables potentially modifying these estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Although we did not find a relationship between pregestational nutritional status and depressive symptoms, the results are important because of the problem's magnitude. Future studies should aim at a more comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between the variables.

Mortalidade perinatal, morbidade materna grave e near miss materno: protocolo de um estudo integrado à pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II / Mortalidad perinatal, morbilidad materna severa y near miss materna: protocolo de un estudio integrado con la encuesta Nacer en Brasil II / Perinatal mortality, severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss: protocol of a study integrated with the Birth in Brazil II survey

Resumo: O Brasil apresenta elevada morbimortalidade materna e perinatal. Casos de morbidade materna grave, near miss materno e óbitos perinatais são indicadores importantes de saúde e compartilham dos mesmos determinantes sociais, tendo estreita relação com as condições de vida e qualidade da assistência perinatal. Este artigo pretende apresentar o protocolo de estudo que visa estimar a taxa de mortalidade perinatal e a incidência de morbidade materna grave e near miss materno no país, assim como identificar seus determinantes. Trata-se de estudo transversal integrado à pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II, realizada entre 2021 e 2023. Serão incluídas neste estudo 155 maternidades públicas, mistas e privadas, com mais de 2.750 partos por ano, participantes do Nascer no Brasil II. Nessas maternidades, será realizada coleta retrospectiva de dados de prontuário materno e neonatal de todas as internações ocorridas num período de 30 dias, com aplicação de uma ficha de triagem para identificação de casos de morbidade materna e de óbito perinatal. Dados de prontuário de todos os casos identificados serão coletados após a alta hospitalar, utilizando instrumento padronizado. Casos de morbidade materna grave e near miss materno serão classificados por meio da definição adotada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Será estimada a taxa de mortalidade perinatal e a incidência de morbidade materna grave e near miss materno. Os casos serão comparados a controles obtidos na pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II, pareados por hospital e duração da gestação, visando a identificação de fatores associados aos desfechos negativos. Espera-se que os resultados deste artigo contribuam para o conhecimento sobre a morbidade materna e a mortalidade perinatal no país, bem como para a elaboração de estratégias de melhoria do cuidado.

Resumen: Brasil tiene una alta morbimortalidad materna y perinatal. Los casos de morbilidad materna severa, maternal near miss y muertes perinatales son importantes indicadores de salud y comparten los mismos determinantes sociales, y tienen una estrecha relación con las condiciones de vida y la calidad de la asistencia perinatal. Este artículo pretende presentar el protocolo de estudio que tiene como objetivo estimar la tasa de mortalidad perinatal y la incidencia de morbilidad materna severa y maternal near miss en el país, así como identificar sus determinantes. Se trata de un estudio transversal integrado a la investigación Nacer en Brasil II, realizada entre el 2021 y el 2023. Este estudio incluirá 155 maternidades públicas, mixtas y privadas, con más de 2.750 partos al año, que participan en el Nacer en Brasil II. En estas maternidades, se realizará una recopilación retrospectiva de datos de las historias clínicas maternas y neonatales de todas las hospitalizaciones ocurridas en un período de 30 días, con la aplicación de un formulario de triaje para identificar casos de morbilidad materna y de muerte perinatal. Los datos de las historias clínicas de todos los casos identificados se recopilarán tras el alta hospitalaria, mediante un instrumento estandarizado. Los casos de morbilidad materna severa y maternal near miss se clasificarán por medio de la definición adoptada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se estimará la tasa de mortalidad perinatal y la incidencia de morbilidad materna severa y maternal near miss. Los casos se compararán con los controles obtenidos en el estudio Nacer en Brasil II, emparejados por hospital y duración del embarazo, para identificar factores asociados con desenlaces negativos. Se espera que los resultados de este artículo contribuyan al conocimiento sobre la morbilidad materna y la mortalidad perinatal en el país, así como a la elaboración de estrategias para mejorar el cuidado.

Abstract: Brazil presents high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Cases of severe maternal morbidity, maternal near miss, and perinatal deaths are important health indicators and share the same determinants, being closely related to living conditions and quality of perinatal care. This article aims to present the study protocol to estimate the perinatal mortality rate and the incidence of severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss in the country, identifying its determinants. Cross-sectional study integrated into the research Birth in Brazil II, conducted from 2021 to 2023. This study will include 155 public, mixed and private maternities, accounting for more than 2,750 births per year, participating in the Birth in Brazil II survey. We will collect retrospective data from maternal and neonatal records of all hospitalizations within a 30-day period in these maternities, applying a screening form to identify cases of maternal morbidity and perinatal deaths. Medical record data of all identified cases will be collected after hospital discharge, using a standardized instrument. Cases of severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss will be classified based on the definition adopted by the World Health Organization. The perinatal deaths rate and the incidence of severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss will be estimated. Cases will be compared to controls obtained in the Birth in Brazil II survey, matched by hospital and duration of pregnancy, in order to identify factors associated with negative outcomes. Results are expected to contribute to the knowledge on maternal morbidity and perinatal deaths in Brazil, as well as the development of strategies to improve care.