OBSTETRIC VIOLENCE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PREGNANT WOMEN: EXPERIENCES AND PERCEPTIONS AT A PUBLIC MATERNITY HOSPITAL IN MANAUS

Abstract

Obstetric violence constitutes a serious violation of women’s human rights, manifesting itself through physical, psychological, and institutional abuse during the pregnancy and postpartum period, which is often normalized by the health care services themselves. This study aimed to understand pregnant women’s perceptions of obstetric violence at a public maternity hospital in Manaus. This is a descriptive and exploratory study using a qualitative approach, conducted with eleven pregnant women admitted to the Pre-Delivery, Delivery and Postpartum units, as well as the Mother-Baby Room at a public maternity hospital in Manaus. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Bardin’s Categorical Thematic Content Analysis technique. Based on the research findings, four thematic categories emerged: lack of knowledge about obstetric violence, best practices during labor and birth, experiences of obstetric violence, and the importance of women’s agency. The participants reported experiences of the Kristeller maneuver, amniotomy, and episiotomy performed without consent, repeated vaginal examinations, and verbal abuse, often without recognizing these practices as violence. Finally, obstetric violence remains normalized in childbirth care, and a lack of conceptual understanding makes it difficult for pregnant women themselves to recognize it. This reinforces the need for health education, professional training, and the empowerment of women as preventive strategies.