Vivência de parto cesárea com expectativa de parto normal: relato de experiência

Abstract

DIAS, D. M. Experience of a Cesarean Birth with the Expectation of a Normal Delivery: An Experience Report. 2025. 43f. Completion of Course Work – Nursing Course of the School of Social Sciences and Health of the Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás – Goiânia Goiás, 2025.

INTRODUCTION: In Brazil, the increase in cesarean births has raised concerns among healthcare professionals and researchers due to the risks posed to mothers and newborns. Several strategies have been implemented to improve maternal and infant care; however, cesarean rates remain a high-priority issue. Childbirth, a unique and transformative moment, should be carried out with respect and humanization, taking into account women’s wishes and emotions. This study is based on the experience of a nursing student who underwent a cesarean birth despite wishing for a vaginal delivery. OBJECTIVE: To describe the narrative of a nursing student who experienced a cesarean birth while expecting a vaginal delivery. METHODOLOGY: This is a descriptive qualitative study, presented as an experience report. Data were collected by revisiting lived experiences. To retrieve these events, photos, videos, the maternal health record, personal memories, and conversations with close individuals were used. For data organization, a sentence-completion script was applied in chronological order of events and analyzed comparatively with specialized literature. RESULTS: The results revealed a narrative marked by difficulties, growth, and overcoming challenges throughout pregnancy and childbirth. The feelings expressed after experiencing a cesarean section, despite the desire for a vaginal birth, included frustration, helplessness, sadness, fear, loss of autonomy, and loss of agency. The emotional impact related to clinical complications and medical decisions was emphasized, as well as the importance of family and professional support in coping with these challenges. This experience directly contributed to the construction of a transformative motherhood, filled with emotions, fear, strength, and resilience. DISCUSSION: The reported feelings are consistent with those described in the literature, which highlight the disruption of the desire to actively participate in childbirth and the reality of an unexpected—or even imposed—procedure. These feelings underscore the importance and necessity of woman-centered care, grounded in active listening, respect for women’s decisions, consideration of emotional factors, and transparency in the procedures adopted. CONCLUSION: The feelings expressed after experiencing a cesarean birth despite the desire for a vaginal delivery had considerable emotional impacts, reinforcing the importance of healthcare professionals promoting care based on dialogue and qualified listening, contributing to women’s emotional strengthening, autonomy, and empowerment during childbirth.

Keywords: Experience. Desire. Feelings. Mode of delivery. Unwanted cesarean section.