Perception regarding the delivery routes of women in reproductive age: A literature review

Abstract

Objective: To explore the perception of women of reproductive age regarding delivery routes reported in the available evidence. Method: A systematized review of articles in PubMed, SciELO, SCOPUS, Web of Science, LILACS, Cochrane Library, Biblioteca Virtual de Salud databases, was carried out. The search was conducted between August and November 2020. MeSH descriptors“Perception”,“Delivery Obstetric”,“Cesarean Section”and“Woman”, along with DECS descriptors“Percepciones”,“Parto Obstétrico”,“Cesárea” and “Mujeres”, were used. Also, free terms “Perceptions”,“Vaginal Delivery”,“Obstetric Deliveries”,“Abdominal Deliveries”,“Caesarean Section” and“Women’s Groups”. In the totality of databases limits of search “Last 5 years”and“Free Full Text”, were used. Results: Regarding the perception of the delivery routes, the preference of the vaginal route over caesarean section was verified. In addition, factors that influence the process such as fear, previous experience, influence of third parties, religion, culture, socioeconomic level and demographic area were evidenced. Conclusions: The reviewed evidence suggests that women prefer the vaginal delivery route over caesarean section with fear being the most influential factor at the time of their choice, and secondly, the factors associated with previous experiences, socioeconomic level and beliefs.