OBSTETRIC VIOLENCE IN MATERNAL HEALTH: THE ROLE OF THE NURSE IN PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION.

Abstract

Obstetric violence is a severe violation of human rights and a public health problem that compromises the physical, emotional, and psychological integrity of women throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. This study aims to identify the main manifestations of obstetric violence and highlight the importance of the nurse’s role in prevention and intervention, ensuring a humanized and safe childbirth. This is a qualitative bibliographic research based on articles published between 2019 and 2024 in the SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, and BVS databases. The findings revealed that obstetric violence occurs through unnecessary interventions, lack of consent, negligence, and disrespect for women's autonomy, resulting in psychological trauma, postpartum depression, and impaired mother–child bonding. The results emphasize the nurse as an essential facilitator in the implementation of humanized actions through welcoming practices, health education, and respect for reproductive rights. To transform institutional culture and reduce abusive practices, continuing education and the strengthening of public policies are crucial. It is concluded that nurses, due to their direct contact with pregnant women, are key professionals in eliminating obstetric violence and ensuring care grounded in ethics, empathy, and human dignity.