Nursing actions in preventing and coping with obstetric violence: systematic review of the literature

Abstract

Obstetric violence is a concerning phenomenon that occurs during childbirth and postpartum care, involving non-recommended practices that negatively impact women. It affects approximately 12.6% of women and is associated with various factors such as marital status, lower income, and the absence of a partner during pregnancy and childbirth. The primary objective of this study is to identify and analyze nursing actions that contribute to the prevention and management of obstetric violence, aiming to promote humane and respectful care for pregnant women during prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum periods. This systematic literature review utilized databases such as the Virtual Health Library (BVS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), and Google Scholar. Articles published between 2018 and 2023 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, available for free, were included, resulting in a final sample of 10 relevant articles. The selected studies reveal that nurses play an essential role in educating pregnant women about their rights, promoting a humane childbirth environment, providing emotional and psychological support, identifying and preventing abusive practices, and engaging in social justice causes. Nursing's role in preventing obstetric violence is multifaceted and crucial for ensuring quality, humane, and respectful care for pregnant women. Promoting a humane childbirth environment, health education, emotional support, identifying and preventing abusive practices, and engaging in social justice causes are critical aspects.