Caracterização do medo do parto e percepção sobre a fisioterapia pélvica em gestantes

Abstract

Fear of childbirth is a multifactorial phenomenon that may involve insecurity, anxiety, fear of pain, and fear of complications; pelvic physical therapy is an important care strategy that contributes to greater maternal safety. The objective of this study was to characterize the levels of fear of childbirth and perceptions regarding pelvic physical therapy among pregnant women treated at a high-complexity maternity hospital in São Luís, Maranhão. This is a field study with a quantitative approach, a cross sectional design, and a descriptive-exploratory nature, conducted with 15 pregnant women treated at the High-Complexity Maternity Hospital of Maranhão in São Luís, MA. Data collection was performed using a sociodemographic and obstetric questionnaire, in addition to the application of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire A (short form), used to assess fear of childbirth at the level of expectation. The sample had a mean age of 27.47 ± 5.97 years, with a predominance of pregnant women who had completed high school, had no previous children, and had not given birth before. Regarding pelvic physical therapy, 80% of the participants reported being familiar with it, 53.3% had already undergone treatment, 93.3% believed that this care could help during childbirth, 80% considered that it could reduce fear or insecurity, and 86.7% believed that it could assist with physical preparation and pain management. The total score on the shortened W-DEQ-A had a mean of 30.1±14.5 points, a median of 29, and a range between 0 and 53 points. Regarding the classification of fear of childbirth, 20% of the pregnant women reported mild fear, 60% moderate fear, and 20% severe fear. The results demonstrated that fear of childbirth was present among the pregnant women, with a predominance of the moderate level, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing this aspect even during prenatal care. Pelvic physical therapy was perceived positively by most participants, especially as a resource to support physical preparation, pain management, reduction of insecurity, and increased confidence for childbirth. The findings reinforce the relevance of this care in multidisciplinary care for pregnant women, contributing to a more informed, welcoming, and humanized experience.