Percepção e sentimentos vivenciados por mulheres durante o período gravídico puerperal

Abstract

Introduction: A woman's body undergoes significant changes during the pregnancy and postpartum periods. These abrupt modifications are physical, physiological, and emotional, primarily caused by hormonal changes that produce emotional instability. These changes are directly related to shifts in social roles, identity, ruptures in bonds, interpersonal adjustments, and routine alterations. Objective: To describe the perceptions and feelings experienced by women during the pregnancy and postpartum periods. Methodological aspects: This is an exploratory and descriptive study with a qualitative approach. It was conducted using five videos published on the internet, accessed on the YouTube platform, featuring women's comments on situations and feelings experienced during the pregnancy and postpartum periods. After listening to the videos, the narratives were fully transcribed, and the content was identified, organized, and analyzed according to the themes addressed. Results: The anatomical and physiological changes experienced by women during the pregnancy and postpartum periods are marked by fear. Women reported doubts and uncertainties about bodily transformation, the need for healthy lifestyle habits that contribute to bodily changes and improved self-esteem, and difficulties related to the breastfeeding process. Few feelings of affection and emotion were reported, such as acceptance, dissatisfaction, fear, joy, happiness, sadness, and anxiety. Final considerations: The greatest concern during the pregnancy and postpartum periods is related to physical and emotional transformations and the body's return to pre-pregnancy conditions. These modifications contribute to altering the feelings experienced by women. This period is marked by ambiguous feelings that significantly impact the individual experience of motherhood. The importance of conducting more studies like this one is highlighted, as it provides a humanized perspective on women and their experiences during the pregnancy and postpartum periods, as well as giving a voice to women and their stories.