Birth plan

attributions and contributions of the nurse professional in primary health care

Abstract

Introduction: the Birth Plan is a document prepared by the pregnant woman and the health professional who performs prenatal care, expressing the wishes and expectations of pregnant women about childbirth. Objective: to analyze the attributions and contributions of the professional nurse in the elaboration of the Birth Plan during prenatal care in health units. Method: The research has a descriptive and exploratory character, with a qualitative approach, and data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews with eight professional nurses from Basic Health Units in a city in Rio Grande do Sul. Data analysis and discussion took place using the Content Analysis method, with four thematic categories being elaborated. Results: as the main results of the research, it is highlighted that, for the most part, professionals are aware of the Birth Plan, however, they do not carry it out. As for the nurses' attributions in the elaboration of the document, the results showed the professional as an incentive in the elaboration of the Birth Plan, as well as their role of informing, guiding and teaching. The lack of communication between the public health teams and the hospital area was highlighted as a complicating factor, still, the importance of the bond between the professional and the pregnant woman was the main facilitating factor. Regarding the performance of the teams, public health and the hospital area, the need for reception, support and receptivity of these teams with the pregnant woman is highlighted, in addition to the important creation of bonds between the teams. The importance of empowering the pregnant woman and the return of the protagonism and autonomy of the pregnant woman in labor is also highlighted. Conclusion: the Birth Plan is an important tool for reducing unnecessary interventions, as well as contributing to a humanized and qualified assistance in the birth process by the professional nurse.

Keywords: Prenatal Care; Nurses; Public Health Services; Patient Care Planning.