UNDERSTANDING THE DYNAMICS OF OBSTETRIC VIOLENCE: CONTRIBUTIONS TO MATERNAL HEALTH (Atena Editora)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: A safe pregnancy relies on factors encompassing maternal health and fetal well-being, including adequate prenatal care, adherence to lifestyle modifications, timely management of pre-existing medical conditions, and access to skilled obstetric care during labor and delivery. Understanding the epidemiology of pregnancy is essential for informing public health strategies and clinical interventions to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Epidemiological research provides valuable insights into the prevalence, risk factors, and disparities related to pregnancy-related conditions and complications. Obstetric violence, defined as acts or omissions by healthcare personnel violating the fundamental rights of women or newborns during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum care, poses a significant concern in maternal healthcare. Addressing obstetric violence requires a comprehensive approach involving healthcare provider education, policy changes, and advocacy efforts to ensure respectful and dignified maternity care for all women. OBJETIVE: Analyze and describe the main aspects of understanding the dynamics of obstetric violence: contributions to maternal health in the last years. METHODS: This narrative review focuses on the intersecting themes of "Obstetric Violence," "Epidemiology," and "Gynecology." The review comprehensively examines relevant literature sourced from databases including MEDLINE – PubMed (National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health), COCHRANE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Obstetric violence, a global concern affecting women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, varies across socio-cultural contexts. Research highlights its prevalence and diverse manifestations, from physical abuse to verbal disrespect, impacting maternal health outcomes and psychological well-being. Negative healthcare provider attitudes, institutional practices, and socio-economic disparities exacerbate this issue. Addressing obstetric violence requires a comprehensive approach involving provider training, policy reforms, and community empowerment. Additionally, evaluating legal frameworks is crucial to protect women's rights and promote respectful maternity care globally. Implementing evidence-based interventions and fostering collaboration among stakeholders are essential to prevent and address obstetric violence, ensuring all women receive dignified maternal care regardless of background. CONCLUSION: The study highlights obstetric violence as a global concern with diverse manifestations across socio-cultural contexts. It underscores its adverse effects on maternal health outcomes and emphasizes the need for context-specific interventions. Negative provider attitudes, institutional practices, and socio-economic disparities contribute to obstetric violence. Addressing this issue necessitates comprehensive approaches targeting provider attitudes, institutional protocols, and socio-economic inequalities. Evaluating legal frameworks is crucial to protect women's rights and promote respectful maternity care. Evidence-based interventions involving healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities are essential to prevent and address obstetric violence, fostering respectful maternity care and improving maternal health outcomes globally through collaborative efforts.