OBSTETRIC AND NEONATAL PROFILE OF HOME CHILDBIRTH DELIVERIES ASSISTED BY OBSTETRIC NURSES

Abstract

Objective: To describe the obstetric and neonatal profile of natural births assisted by obstetric nurses at home. Materials and Methods: Documentary study of quantitative-descriptive and retrospective approach, carried out using the medical records filed by the only two private obstetric nursing teams of Maceió, state of Alagoas, Brazil. Data collection took place between April and May 2017 and, based on an estimated average of 140, 72 available medical records that met all ethical research requirements in relation to the waiver of the informed consent form were used. Results: 72 records were analyzed, with a predominance of the age group of 20- to 29-year-olds (58.3%), married (58.7%) and having higher education level (83.4%). Multicenter (87.5%), water births (62.5%), on four legs (40.3%), no perineal laceration (77.8%) and spontaneous placenta delivery (94.4%). Clear amniotic fluid (95.8%), APGAR and satisfactory heart test for life maintenance (100%). Conclusion: Although obstetrical nursing teams work in the hospital and home settings, people preferred home births and it was shown that giving birth at home is as safe as giving birth institutionally, especially if it takes into account women’s opinion.