Experiência de parto de mulheres que utilizaram cartilha de métodos não farmacológicos de alívio da dor

Abstract

Labor pain can be experienced either as a positive event or as a traumatic moment, depending on the pregnant person’s perception and the quality of care received from antenatal to intrapartum care. Fear of pain strongly influences the choice of birth mode, frequently serving as a justification for cesarean section, both by women themselves and by health professionals who reinforce certain beliefs and opinions. In this context, it is essential that pregnant people and their support networks receive clear information about the physiological process of childbirth throughout pregnancy, thereby strengthening autonomy and promoting more positive childbirth experiences. Aim: Analyze the impact of using a guidance booklet on non-pharmacological methods of labor pain relief on women’s childbirth experiences. Method: This descriptive-exploratory study employed a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach in two phases, conducted with pregnant women from primary health care units and a maternity hospital. The first phase involved the presentation of a guidance booklet on non-pharmacological methods of pain relief. The second phase comprised data collection on the childbirth experience, using the Brazilian version of the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ-2BR) and narrative accounts from participants of the first phase. Results: Mean scores in the questionnaire subcategories indicated predominantly positive childbirth experiences, with values equal to or above 3. Thematic analysis of the narratives revealed four main categories: (1) Expectations regarding labor and professional support; (2) Perception of autonomy during labor; (3) Use of non-pharmacological methods of pain relief; and (4) Contribution of educational technologies in the childbirth context. Conclusion: The findings highlight that the use of non-pharmacological methods and access to information through educational technologies enhance women’s autonomy and foster more positive childbirth experiences, reinforcing the importance of health education during antenatal care.