Husband responses towards birth preparedness, complications readiness, and associated factors in southern Ethiopia: the case of Kena District.

BACKGROUND: Birth preparedness and complication readiness is a holistic approach that empowers mothers and families with the knowledge, attitude, and resources to alleviate potential challenges during childbirth. Despite its benefits, husbands' participation in maternal care differs significantly between countries and regions. There is a lack of previous studies that look at husbands' responses to birth preparedness and complication readiness in the research area. Thus, the primary goal of this study is to find out how husbands who have wives with infants under 12 months old feel about birth preparation, readiness for problems, and its associated factors. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from May 30 to July 29, 2022. Simple random sampling was employed to select 499 husbands. An interviewer-administered, structured, and pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data entry and analysis were performed using Epi Data version 4.6 and SPSS version 25, respectively. We used multivariable logistic regression to find statistically significant factors. P-values less than 0.05, 95% confidence intervals, and adjusted odds ratios are used to declare statistical significance. The findings were shown in figures, tables, and text. RESULTS: The study found that 55.9% (95% CI: 51.4 to 61.4%) of husbands responded to birth preparedness and complication readiness. This response was significantly associated with being employed (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI: 2.27-5.95), engaging in self-business (AOR = 5.3, 95% CI: 2.34-12.01), having wives who delivered in health facilities (AOR = 7.1, 95% CI: 3.92-12.86), accompanying wives for antenatal care (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.39-3.56), possessing good knowledge of danger signs during labor (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.08-3.74) and the postnatal period (AOR = 7.1, 95% CI: 3.14-16.01). Interestingly, residents living near a health facility (AOR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.39-0.97) were less likely to respond. CONCLUSION: The present study found that nearly 6 out of 10 husbands actively responded in terms of birth preparedness and complication readiness. While husbands in this study showed some involvement in birth preparedness and complications, it is good when compared to studies carried out nationally. To improve this, educating husbands by focusing on the danger signs and their role in childbirth is recommended.

"I became a person again": Social inclusion and participation experiences of Ethiopian women post-obstetric fistula surgical repair.

BACKGROUND: Childbirth-related mortality and morbidity affect many women globally, especially in low-income countries like Ethiopia. Obstetric fistula-a preventable condition mainly caused by prolonged and obstructed labor-can lead to physical, psychological, and social challenges, affecting women's social participation and inclusion. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to understand women's social participation and inclusion experiences post-obstetric fistula surgery. METHODS: This study is part of a larger research project investigating the social inclusion process of women who have had obstetric fistula surgery in Ethiopia. For this study, we conducted a qualitative exploration of women's experiences, guided by a constructivist grounded theory approach. Twenty-one women discharged from fistula treatment facilities following obstetric fistula surgery were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Data was analyzed using Charmaz's inductive analysis approach, which involves an initial line-by-line coding followed by focused coding to identify the most significant codes. Subsequently, sub-themes and themes were developed from the focused codes. RESULT: The data analysis revealed four themes reflecting the women's experiences of social participation and inclusion. These are the experience of recovery and the journey toward social participation, participating in expected and meaningful activities, the continued challenge with a romantic relationship, and formal and informal support. Overall, the women who received fistula surgery reported positive life changes, especially regarding their physical well-being. However, they continued to face social challenges such as financial hardship, reproductive health problems, and issues with marriage and family life, which negatively impacted their social participation and inclusion experiences. CONCLUSION: While more research is needed, the findings of this study suggest that the social aspects of obstetric fistula are crucial for healthcare professionals to consider. Providing appropriate care and support to address unmet social relationship, employment, and childcare needs could enable women to lead fulfilling lives.

Impact of disrespectful maternity care on childbirth complications: a multicentre cross-sectional study in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Globally, disrespectful, and abusive childbirth practices negatively impact women's health, create barriers to accessing health facilities, and contribute to poor birth experiences and adverse outcomes for both mothers and newborns. However, the degree to which disrespectful maternity care is associated with complications during childbirth is poorly understood, particularly in Ethiopia. AIM: To determine the extent to which disrespectful maternity care is associated with maternal and neonatal-related complications in central Ethiopia. METHODS: A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted in the West Shewa Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia. The sample size was determined using the single population proportion formula. Participants (n = 440) were selected with a simple random sampling technique using computer-generated random numbers. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with a pretested questionnaire and were entered into Epidata and subsequently exported to STATA version 17 for the final analysis. Analyses included descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and an odds ratio (OR) of 0.05. Co-founders were controlled by adjusting for maternal sociodemographic characteristics. The primary exposure was disrespectful maternity care; the main outcomes were maternal and neonatal-related complications. RESULTS: Disrespectful maternity care was reported by 344 women (78.2%) [95% CI: 74-82]. Complications were recorded in one-third of mothers (33.4%) and neonates (30%). Disrespectful maternity care was significantly associated with maternal (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.8) and neonatal-related complications (AOR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.54, 5.04). CONCLUSION: The World Health Organization advocates respectful maternal care during facility-based childbirth to improve the quality of care and outcomes. However, the findings of this study indicated high mistreatment and abuse during childbirth in central Ethiopia and a significant association between such mistreatment and the occurrence of both maternal and neonatal complications during childbirth. Therefore, healthcare professionals ought to prioritise respectful maternity care to achieve improved birth outcomes and alleviate mistreatment and abuse within the healthcare sector.

Proceso de adaptación cultural del "Questionnaire for Assesing the Childbirth Experience (QACE)" / Spanish Cultural Adaptation of the Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience (QACE)English

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las experiencias negativas durante el parto se han asociado con desempoderamiento de la mujer, depresión postparto, trastorno por estrés postraumático y bajas tasas de lactancia maternal, entre otros. El Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience (QACE) es una herramienta de 23 ítems útil para identificar mujeres que han tenido una mala experiencia en su proceso de parto y evitar así futuras complicaciones en embarazos posteriores o en la relación de pareja. OBJETIVO: El objetivo general consiste en adaptar el Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience (QACE) a la población española y obtener sus características psicométricas. METODOLOGÍA: El proceso de adaptación cultural ha consistido en la traducción y retro traducción al español, evaluación de la equivalencia conceptual por un comité de jueces, evaluación de la comprensibilidad y una entrevista cognitiva a un grupo de mujeres puérperas. Las características psicométricas se han obtenido mediante el análisis factorial, los test de Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) y Bartlett y el alfa de Cronbach. RESULTADOS: Tras el proceso de adaptación transcultural, el grupo de expertos realizó las modificaciones necesarias para conseguir una mayor compresión del cuestionario en la población española, evitar malentendidos y palabras ofensivas en la lengua de destino. Se necesitaron 138 participantes para obtener el análisis factorial. El KMO (0,838) y el test de Bartlett (p < 0,001) confirmaron la adecuación del análisis factorial y el grafico de sedimentación mostró 6 factores con un poder predictivo del 73,75% del total de la varianza. La consistencia interna se obtuvo mediante un alfa de Cronbach de 0,896. CONCLUSIONES: Los datos obtenidos en este estudio demuestran que la versión española del QACE es una herramienta válida y fiable para medir la experiencia en el nacimiento en la población española

BACKGROUND: Negative experiences during delivery are associated with women disempowerment, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and low breastfeeding rates. The Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience (QACE) is a 23-item screening tool useful for discovering women with a negative experience in their birth process and avoids future complications in following pregnancies or couple's relationships. OBJECTIVE: The general objective is to adapt the Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience (QACE) to the Spanish population and to obtain its psychometric characteristics. METHODOLOGY: The cultural adaptation process consisted of forwarding translation and back translation into Spanish, conceptual equivalence evaluation by a committee of judges, comprehensibility evaluation and cognitive interview to a postpartum group. Psychometric characteristics were obtained throughout the factorial analysis, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett's test of sphericity and Cronbach alpha level. RESULTS: After complete the adaptation process, the committee of judges made several adjustments to achieve a better comprehension in the Spanish population, avoid misunderstandings or offensive words in the target language. 138 participants were needed to calculate factor analysis. The KMO (0.838) and Bartlett test (p < 0.001) confirmed the adequacy of factor analysis and the Scree plot showed 6 factors with the predictive power of 73.75% supported total variance. Internal consistency was assured using a Cronbach α of 0.896. CONCLUSIONS: Data from this study demonstrate that the Spanish version of QACE is a valid and reliable measure of childbirth experience in the Spanish population

Miedo al parto: revisión bibliográfica de los instrumentos de medida / Fear of childbirth: literature review of measuring instruments

Objetivo: Analizar los instrumentos de evaluación del miedo al parto y sus características de validez. Metodología: Revisión bibliográfica en CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus y Cuiden de los estudios publicados entre 1982 y 2018, mediante combinaciones booleanas de palabras clave, que exploraran el miedo al parto mediante instrumentos validados o instrumentos con propiedades psicométricas de validez. Resultados: Se seleccionó un total de 12 artículos originales que presentan instrumentos de medición del miedo. Dos escalas evaluaban el miedo al parto antes del embarazo, mientras que las 10 restantes evaluaban el miedo durante el embarazo y/o el parto y tras el mismo. Todas las escalas muestran una buena fiabilidad con valores alfa de Cronbach >0,70. Conclusiones: La presente revisión ha permitido identificar 12 instrumentos que se han desarrollado con el fin de medir el miedo al parto. Presentan buenas propiedades psicométricas y han demostrado ser válidos en diferentes muestras culturales

Objective: Analyze the evaluation instruments of fear of childbirth and its validity characteristics. Methods: Bibliographic review in CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus and Cuiden of the studies published between 1982 and 2018, using Boolean combinations of keywords, which explore fear of childbirth through validated instruments or instruments with valid psychometric properties. Results: A total of 12 original articles were selected that present fear measuring instruments. Two scales assess the fear of childbirth before pregnancy while the other ten evaluate fear during pregnancy and/or delivery and after it. All scales show good reliability with Cronbach alpha values >0.70. Conclusions: The results of this review contribute to identify the instruments that have been developed in order to measure the fear of childbirth

Experiencias de mujeres sobrevivientes a morbilidad materna extrema en México, un estudio cualitativo desde el modelo de las tres demoras / Experiences of survivors of maternal near miss in Mexico: a qualitative study based on the three delays model / Experiências de mulheres sobreviventes à morbidade materna extrema em México: um estudo qualitativo partindo do modelo das três demoras

Resumen: El objetivo fue analizar las experiencias de sobrevivientes de morbilidad materna extrema, para desde el enfoque de las tres demoras, identificar los determinantes que obstaculizan este proceso en el estado de San Luis Potosí, México. Durante 2016-2017, se realizó un estudio cualitativo con 27 mujeres que vivieron un evento de este tipo entre 2014 y 2016 en hospitales públicos. Las informantes fueron seleccionadas mediante muestreo teórico y entrevistadas en sus domicilios. El análisis de datos se realizó desde la propuesta de teoría fundamentada de Strauss & Corbin, las categorías asociadas con la primera demora fueron: (1) oportunidades pérdidas para la identificación de morbilidad materna extrema, (2) temor de comunicar el malestar frente a la descalificación, (3) entre el miedo y la fe en que algo superior resolverá, (4) desarrollo de la percepción del riesgo obstétrico. Con la segunda demora: (1) falta de ordenamiento urbano para el traslado, (2) ausencia de regulación de costos del traslado, (3) falta de claridad sobre los itinerarios y rutas críticas para acceder a la atención, (4) coordinación institucional para el traslado oportuno; y finalmente con la tercera: (1) rechazo institucional, (2) deficiencias de infraestructura, personal y equipo, y (3) entre la experiencia y la falta de ella del personal de salud. Las experiencias compartidas evidencian retos en materia de política pública y trabajo intersectorial para mejorar los resultados en materia de morbilidad materna extrema.

Abstract: The objectives were to analyze the experiences of survivors of maternal near miss based on the three delays model and to identify the obstacles to this process in the state of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. In 2016-2017, a qualitative study was performed with 27 women who had experienced maternal near miss in public hospitals between 2014 and 2016. The informants were selected with theoretical sampling and interviewed at their homes. Data analysis was based on the theoretical framework proposed by Strauss & Corbin. The categories associated with the first delay were: (1) missed opportunities for identification of maternal near miss; (2) failure of the women to voice their symptoms out of fear of reprimand; (3) dilemma between fear and the faith that a higher power will solve the problem; and (4) development of the perception of obstetric risk. The second delay involved: (1) lack of urban transportation infrastructure to access healthcare services; (2) lack of regulation of transportation costs; (3) lack of clarity on itineraries and critical routes to access care; and (4) lack institutional coordination for timely transportation. The third delay involved: (1) institutional refusal of care; (2) deficient infrastructure, personnel, and equipment; and (3) lack of expertise and experience in the healthcare personnel. The shared experiences reveal challenges for public policies and inter-sector work to improve the results in maternal near miss.

Resumo: O objetivo foi analisar as experiências de sobreviventes de morbidade materna extrema para, a partir da abordagem das três demoras, identificar os determinantes que obstaculizam esse processo no estado de San Luis Potosí, México. No período 2016-2017 foi efetuado um estudo qualitativo com 27 mulheres que experimentaram um evento deste tipo, entre 2014 e 2016, em hospitais públicos. As informantes foram selecionadas por meio de uma amostragem teórica e foram entrevistadas em seus domicílios. A análise de dados foi feita através da proposta da teoria fundamentada de Strauss & Corbin, as categorias associadas com a primeira demora foram: (1) oportunidades perdidas para a identificação de morbidade materna extrema, (2) temor em comunicar o mal estar frente à desqualificação, (3) entre o medo e a fé aguardando em que algo superior achará a solução, (4) desenvolvimento da percepção do risco obstétrico. Com a segunda demora: (1) falta de infraestrutura urbana para a transferência, (2) ausência de regulação de custos de transferência, (3) falta de transparência acerca dos itinerários e rumos críticos para acessar ao atendimento, (4) coordenação institucional para a transferência oportuna; e finalmente com a terceira: (1) rejeição institucional, (2) deficiências da infraestrutura, equipe e equipamento, e (3) entre a esperteza e a falta de experiência da equipe de saúde. As experiências compartilhadas evidenciam desafios ao respeito de política pública e trabalho intersetorial para melhorar os resultados em matéria de morbidade materna extrema.

Memórias coletivas de mulheres que vivenciaram o near miss materno: necessidades de saúde e direitos humanos / Collective memories of women who have experienced maternal near miss: health needs and human rights / Memorias colectivas de mujeres que experimentaron el near miss materno: necesidades de salud y derechos humanos

Resumo: Mulheres que vivenciaram o near miss materno podem, por meio de suas memórias coletivas, ajudar na compreensão dos eventos obstétricos graves, como a morte materna. A experiência das pessoas é autêntica e representativa do todo com a construção de uma identidade comum. É a identidade que dá qualidade à memória de um grupo. Assim, cada memória é um fenômeno social. Analisou-se a experiência de 12 mulheres que quase morreram em função do estado gravídico-puerperal. O método da história oral temática foi utilizado, na perspectiva das necessidades de saúde e direitos humanos. Seis memórias coletivas compuseram os discursos: necessidades de saúde não atendidas; deficiências assistenciais; privação do contato com o filho; violação de direitos; ausência de reivindicação dos direitos; e compensações dos direitos e necessidades não atendidos. Compreender as necessidades de saúde dessas mulheres é reconhecê-las como sujeitos de direitos; é individualizar a assistência, respeitando sua autonomia, garantindo o acesso às tecnologias e estabelecendo vínculo (a)efetivo com o profissional de saúde.

Abstract: The collective memories of women that have experienced maternal near miss can help elucidate serious obstetric events, like maternal death. Their experience is authentic and representative, with the construction of a common identity. This identity lends quality to a group's memory, and such memory is thus a social phenomenon. The study analyzed the experience of twelve women who nearly died during the gestational and postpartum cycle. The thematic oral history method was used, from the perspective of health needs and human rights. Six collective memories comprised the discourses: unmet health needs; healthcare deficiencies; denial of contact with the newborn child; violation of rights; absence of demand for rights; and compensation for unmet rights and needs. To understand these women's health needs is to acknowledge the women as bearers of rights and to individualize care, respecting their autonomy, guaranteeing access to technologies, and establishing an effective bond with health professionals.

Resumen: Las mujeres que experimentaron un near miss materno pueden, mediante sus memorias colectivas, ayudar a la comprensión de eventos obstétricos graves como la muerte materna. La experiencia de las personas es auténtica y representativa del todo con la construcción de una identidad común. Es la identidad la que da calidad a la memoria de un grupo. Así, cada memoria es un fenómeno social. Se analizó la experiencia de 12 mujeres que casi murieron en función del estado de embarazo-puerperio. Se utilizó el método de la historia oral temática, desde la perspectiva de las necesidades de salud y derechos humanos. Seis memorias colectivas compusieron los discursos: necesidades de salud no atendidas; deficiencias asistenciales; privación del contacto con el hijo; violación de derechos; ausencia de reivindicación de los derechos; y compensaciones de los derechos y necesidades no atendidas. Comprender las necesidades de salud de esas mujeres es reconocerlas como sujetos de derechos; es individualizar la asistencia, respetando su autonomía, garantizando el acceso a las tecnologías y estableciendo vínculo (a)efectivo con el profesional de salud.

Transtorno do estresse pós-traumático no puerpério em uma maternidade de alto risco fetal no Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Trastorno de estrés postraumático en el puerperio de una maternidad de alto riesgo fetal en el municipio de Río de Janeiro, Brasil / Postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder in a fetal high-risk maternity hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é estimar a magnitude de transtorno do estresse pós-traumático (TEPT) no puerpério em uma maternidade de referência para agravos perinatais e identificar subgrupos vulneráveis. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado uma maternidade de alto risco fetal no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, com 456 mulheres que realizaram o parto na instituição. O Trauma History Questionnaire e o Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist foram utilizados para captar experiências traumáticas e sintomas de TEPT, respectivamente. A prevalência geral de TEPT foi de 9,4%. O TEPT mostrou-se mais prevalente entre mulheres com três ou mais partos, que tiveram recém-nascido com Apgar no 1º minuto menor ou igual a sete, com histórico de agravo mental antes ou durante a gravidez, com depressão pós-parto, que sofreram violência física ou psicológica perpetrada por parceiro íntimo na gravidez, que tiveram experiência sexual não desejada e que foram expostas a cinco ou mais traumas. Rápido diagnóstico e tratamento são fundamentais para melhorar a qualidade de vida da mulher e a saúde do recém-nascido.

Resumen El propósito de este artículo es estimar la magnitud del trastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT) en el período post-parto, en una maternidad de referencia para los problemas perinatales e identificar subgrupos vulnerables. Se trata de un estudio transversal, realizado en una maternidad de alto riesgo fetal de Río de Janeiro, Brasil, a con 456 mujeres que habían realizado parto en la institución. Trauma History Questionnaire y Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist se utilizaron para capturar experiencias traumáticas y síntomas de TEPT, respectivamente. La prevalencia global de TEPT fue del 9,4%. El TEPT fue más frecuente entre las mujeres con tres o más partos, que tuvieron niños con Apgar en el minuto 1 inferior o igual a siete, con un historial de lesión mental antes o durante el embarazo, con depresión posparto, que sufrieron violencia física o psicológica perpetrada por su pareja durante el embarazo, que tuvieron experiencia sexual no deseada durante la infancia y que fueron expuestas a cinco o más traumas. Diagnóstico precoz y el tratamiento son fundamental para mejora en la calidad de las mujeres de la vida y la salud del recién nacido.

Abstract The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a maternity hospital for fetal high-risk pregnancies and to identify vulnerable subgroups. This was a cross-sectional study at a fetal high-risk maternity hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with a sample of 456 women who had given birth at this hospital. The Trauma History Questionnaire and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist were used to screen for lifetime traumatic events and PTSD symptoms, respectively. Overall prevalence of PTSD was 9.4%. Higher PTSD prevalence was associated with three or more births, a newborn with a 1-minute Apgar score of seven or less, history of mental disorder prior to or during the index pregnancy, postpartum depression, physical or psychological intimate partner violence during the pregnancy, a history of unwanted sexual experience, and lifetime exposure to five or more traumas. Rapid diagnosis and treatment of PTSD are essential to improve the mother’s quality of life and the infant’s health.

Experiencias en torno al dolor en el parto hospitalario: una aproximación antropológica / Experiences around labor pain in hospital childbirth: an anthropological approach

Este artículo recoge las experiencias de las mujeres en relación con el dolor del parto en un contexto hospitalario. OBJETIVO: Explorar las experiencias de las mujeres en torno al dolor del parto, así como aquellos elementos que inciden en la forma de vivenciarlo. METODOLOGÍA: Se trata de una investigación cualitativa con enfoque etnográfico realizada en un hospital universitario de alta complejidad de Barcelona. Se realizó el seguimiento a 13 mujeres a las que se entrevistó durante la gestación y el puerperio. En 5 casos la investigadora estuvo presente durante el parto. Además, se realizaron observaciones en 3 cursos de educación prenatal y en la sala de partos. RESULTADOS: La experiencia del dolor en el parto estuvo mediada por diversos elementos que configuraron la forma en que se vivió el proceso. Se identificaron aquellos aspectos que hicieron que la vivencia en torno al dolor se hiciera intolerable: incertidumbre frente a la duración del proceso y la disponibilidad de la anestesia, sensación de estar en una situación que no se controla, sometimiento a intervenciones dolorosas continuas (especialmente los tactos), falta de comprensión de las propias vivencias y decisiones, y necesidad de un acompañamiento continuo y emocional por parte del personal sanitario. CONCLUSIONES: El sufrimiento constituye un fenómeno mucho más amplio que el dolor, ya que este último es tan sólo uno de los posibles elementos involucrados. Por tanto, una mejora de la atención en el parto debería no sólo considerar el manejo del dolor, sino también el del sufrimiento, concebido en un sentido amplio y holístico

This article draws on the experiences of women in relation to labor pain in a hospital setting. OBJECTIVE: To explore and highlight the experiences of women around labor pain, as well as those factors that influence how they ex-perience it. METHODOLOGY: Qualitative research with an ethnographic approach conducted in a university hospital of high complexity of Barcelona. Thir-teen women were interviewed during pregnancy and postpartum. In 5 of those cases we were present during the delivery. In addition, we con-ducted observation of prenatal education courses (3 courses) and of hospital maternity settings (delivery rooms). RESULTS: The experience of pain in childbirth was mediated by various elements that shaped the way women lived the process. We identified those aspects that made the experience around pain became intolera-ble, and they did not have much to do with the contractions themselves, but with other kind of situations and interactions that cause and en-hance suffering: uncertainty about the duration of the process and the availability of anesthesia, continuous submission to painful procedures (especially vaginal examinations), feeling of being in a situation they cannot control, lack of understanding of their experiences, and lack of continuous and emotional support by health staff. CONCLUSIONS: Suffering is a much broader phenomenon than pain, pain being just one of the possible elements involved. Therefore, im-proved childbirth care should not only consider pain management, but also the management of suffering, conceived in a broader and holistic sense

Miedo al parto / Fear of labour

Objetivo: analizar la situación actual en relación con los miedos ante el parto en mujeres gestantes de la Comunidad Valenciana. Material y método: estudio descriptivo transversal realizado en centros de Atención Primaria de los Departamentos de Salud número 4, 5 y 14 de la Comunidad Valenciana (período de diciembre de 2007 a septiembre de 2008) en 208 gestantes nacidas en España (nulíparas y primíparas secundigestas, a partir de la 28 semana de gestación) que no asistan a los cursos de educación maternal grupal. Como instrumentos para la recogida de datos se utilizó la encuesta “Miedo al parto”. También se han estudiado variables sociodemográficas y obstétricas. Se empleó la ji cuadrado de Pearson para el análisis bivariante. Resultados: se estudiaron 208 gestantes. Un 69,7% reflejó “tengo miedo de que el niño sea lesionado o muera en el parto” y un 56,2% “temo que el niño nazca malformado”. El 95% opinó que la presencia de un familiar aliviaría su ansiedad”. Un 53% presentaba miedo excesivo al parto. No se obtuvieron diferencias atendiendo a la edad o la paridad. Conclusiones: el mayor temor de la mujer embarazada concierne a su futuro hijo, quedando los miedos relacionados con las propias gestantes relegadas a un segundo plano. Los avances, tanto a nivel técnico como en la mejora de la asistencia sanitaria, no han modificado el miedo al parto. En caso de mujeres con miedo excesivo al parto la matrona es crucial tanto en la detección como en el apoyo de la embarazada para disminuir el riesgo de una experiencia negativa ante el mismo (AU)

Objective: to analyse the current situation of labour fear in pregnant women in the Community of Valencia. Material and method: cross-sectional, descriptive study performed in Primary Care Centres of Health Departments number 4, 5 and 14 of the Community of Valencia (december 2007-september 2008) in 208 pregnant women born in Spain (nulliparous females and primiparous females in their second pregnancy, after week 28 of gestation) who did not attend the group-based Maternal Education courses. Data collection was performed using the “Fear of Labour” survey. Sociodemographic and obstetric variables were also studied. Pearson’s chi2 test was used for the bivariate analysis. Results: 208 pregnant women were studied. 69,7% reported “being afraid that the child might get hurt or die during labour” and 56,2% “fear that the child will be born with a malformation”. 95% believed that the presence of a family member would alleviate their anxiety. 53% presented excessive fear of labour. No differences by sex or parity were observed. Conclusions: the greatest fear of pregnant women revolves around her future child, fears related with the pregnant women themselves becoming secondary. Advances made at a technical level and improvements in health care delivery have not created any changes in the fear of labour. In the case of women with an excessive fear of labour, the midwife isessential both in the detection and in the support provided to the pregnant women in order to reduce the risk of a negative experience of labour (AU)

Percepção materna com o nascimento prematuro e vivência da gravidez com pré-eclampsia / Maternal perception of premature birth and the experience of pre-eclampsia pregnancy

OBJETIVO: Analisar a vivência materna diante de gravidez com pré-eclampsia e com recém-nascido prematuro hospitalizado em unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal. MÉTODOS: Estudo qualitativo com a utilização da técnica do grupo focal, realizado com 28 mulheres em maternidade referência para gestações de risco no Rio Grande do Norte, em 2004. As mães incluídas tiveram gravidez com pré-eclampsia e parto pré-termo e conseqüente internação do recém-nascido em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal. Os dados foram analisados por meio da técnica análise de conteúdo temática categorial, abordando três núcleos temáticos: informações sobre a pré-eclampsia no pré-natal; vivências com o recém-nascido pré-termo; e a percepção das usuárias sobre o atendimento dos profissionais. RESULTADOS: Os relatos maternos evidenciaram o desconhecimento das participantes sobre a pré-eclampsia e sua associação com a prematuridade. Foram detectadas dificuldades inerentes à definição do papel materno nos cuidados com o filho, acentuadas pelas falhas na relação entre os profissionais de saúde e os usuários. CONCLUSÕES: Parte das dificuldades vividas pelas mães no contexto da pré-eclampsia e da prematuridade foram agravadas pela ausência de informação ou inadequação para o entendimento das usuárias. Os resultados mostram que dificuldades vividas por mães no contexto da pré-eclampsia e da prematuridade são agravadas pela ausência de informação ou inadequação para o seu entendimento.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze maternal experiences of preeclampsia pregnancy with premature birth at a neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS: A qualitative study using the focus group technique was conducted with 28 women in a facility specialized in high-risk pregnancies in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, in 2004. Mothers included had had preeclampsia during pregnancy and a preterm delivery with consequent hospitalization of their baby at a neonatal intensive care unit. The data were analyzed using thematic content analysis of three thematic nuclei subjects: information about preeclampsia during prenatal care; experiences with the preterm newborn, and their perception of neonatal intensive care unit professionals' attitudes. RESULTS: Maternal reports showed subjects' lack of knowledge with regard to preeclampsia and its association with prematurity. Difficulties inherent to the maternal role of caring for the child in the neonatal intensive care unit were identified, accentuated by communication flaws between health professionals and users. CONCLUSIONS: Some difficulties experienced by the mothers, in the context of preeclampsia and prematurity, were aggravated by lack or inadequacy of information provided to the users.

Two childbirth remedies

The two homoeopathic medicines most frequently used for problems in childbirth are Caulophyllum and Cimicifuga. Caulophyllum may be used prophylactically. The indications for both are discussed, with case histories. Dosage regimes are suggested