Family orientation strategy to promote vertical birth in pregnant women at the Jama Health Center

Abstract

Vertical birth, an ancient practice used in various cultures before the medicalization of obstetric care, has regained relevance in contemporary medicine due to its multiple benefits for maternal and neonatal health. In this method, the woman assumes a position that utilizes gravity to facilitate fetal expulsion. The general objective of this study was to design and implement a family orientation strategy to promote vertical birth as a viable and beneficial option for primigravid women receiving care at the Jama Health Center in Manabí province. The study followed a mixed-methods research approach, including a literature review to identify barriers and facilitators of vertical birth, as well as effective strategies for its promotion in similar contexts. Subsequently, in-depth surveys and focus groups were conducted with pregnant women attending the Jama Health Center, alongside interviews with healthcare professionals involved in childbirth care. The study population consisted of 145 pregnant women visiting the center, from which a random sample of 12 primigravid women was selected. The results revealed limited knowledge about vertical birth among the surveyed women, influencing their partial acceptance of this alternative. The lack of accessible information and the influence of sociocultural factors represented significant barriers. In contrast, healthcare personnel recognized its benefits, such as reducing medical interventions and improving maternal recovery.

Keywords: vertical birth, pregnant women, primigravid, maternal, neonatal.