NURSING CARE IN THE FACE OF OBSTETRIC VIOLENCE: IMPACTS ON WOMEN’S PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH IN BRAZIL

Abstract

This article aimed to critically examine nursing care and its impact on the physical and psychological effects of obstetric violence on women’s health in Brazil. To this end, an integrative literature review was conducted in the BVS, BDENF, LILACS, and SciELO databases, covering studies published between January 2019 and December 2024. The search terms “Nursing Care,” “Childbirth,” and “Obstetric Violence” were combined using the Boolean operator AND in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. After screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, 26 publications were selected and subjected to thematic content analysis according to Bardin. Findings revealed a high incidence of non-consensual interventions—particularly indiscriminate administration of oxytocin and imposition of the supine position—associated with reports of distress, fear, and feelings of abandonment. Postpartum depression prevalence ranged from 7.2% to 39.4%, and ethnic-racial disparities in the severity of abuse were documented. Conversely, nursing practices such as active listening, allowing a companion, and skin-to-skin contact for at least 30 minutes proved effective in reducing maternal stress and strengthening mother–infant bonding. It is concluded that ongoing training in empathic communication, respect for informed consent, and revision of institutional protocols are essential to mitigate obstetric violence. Furthermore, multicenter studies and training programs incorporating intersectional and antiracist perspectives should be encouraged.