Puerperal women's perceptions on vertical and horizontal deliveries

Michele Edianez Gayeski,Odaléa Maria Brüggemann

doi:10.1590/s0104-11692009000200003

Michele Edianez Gayeski, Odaléa Maria Brüggemann

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s0104-11692009000200003

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Abstract

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

Highlights

METHODIn most civilizations, childbirth has been performed with the woman in the vertical position
Positive and negative aspects appointed by women regarding vertical and horizontal positions are a result of their comparison between both positions, since they had already experienced childbirth in both
The positive aspects of the vertical position reflect the need for women to actively participate in the delivery, the perception that this is the most comfortable position and eases fetus expulsion

Summary

Introduction

Childbirth has been performed with the woman in the vertical position. From the 16th century onwards, the lying position was adopted, putting women in an anti-physiological position, which contributed to the use of unnecessary technology(1). After the medicalization of childbirth, the gynecological position during the expulsive period started to be considered the most adequate to perform healthcare procedures and was adopted as a classical position during childbirth. As in other obstetrical interventions, this position was indiscriminately adopted without properly evaluating its effectiveness and safety(2-4). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends, based on scientific evidence, that parturients are not put in the gynecological position during labor and delivery because it is considered harmful and ineffective. Every woman should be free to choose her position(5)

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