From prenatal care to childbirth: a cross-sectional study on the influence of the companion on good obstetric practices in the Unified Health System in Santa Catarina, Brazil, 2019

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the association between the presence of companion during prenatal consultations and childbirth with the quality of care received by puerperal women using the Unified Health System (SUS). Methods: Cross-sectional study with puerperal women who underwent prenatal care and delivery by SUS in Santa Catarina, Brazil, in 2019, interviewed up to 48 hours postpartum. Prevalence ratios were estimated using Poisson regression. Results: 3.580 women were interviewed. In prenatal care, the presence of companion was positively associated with receiving guidance from (PR=1.27 – 95%CI 1.08;1.50) and building birth plan (PR=1.51 – 95%CI 1.15;1.97). At delivery, it was associated with greater receipt of analgesia (PR=2.89 – 95%CI 1.40;5.97), non-pharmacological maneuver for pain relief (PR=1.96 – 95%CI 1.44;2.65), choice of position for delivery (PR=1.63 – 95%CI 1.24;2.16) and less likely to be tied (PR=0.47 – 95%CI 0.35;0.63). Conclusion: The presence of a companion in prenatal care and delivery was associated with better quality of care.