USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES BY PREGNANT WOMEN FOR THEIR EMPOWERMENT IN THE PARTURIUM-PUERPERAL PROCESS

Abstract

Objective: To understand the meaning of information and communication technologiy use by pregnant women for their empowerment in the parturition-puerperal process. Method: This is qualitative research, with a Grounded Theory theoretical-methodological framework in the Straussian version. Data collection took place in two maternity wards in homes in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, with theoretical sampling of 15 in-depth interviews with postpartum women, from July to November 2019. Data analysis was carried out concomitantly with collection, through open, axial and selective coding/ integration, using the paradigmatic model. Results: The central phenomenon entitled “Expressing the meaning of information and communication technologiy use for the empowerment of women in the birth process and breastfeeding” was constructed with four related categories: “Noticing gaps in prenatal care”; “Needing to confirm information from information and communication technologies with healthcare professionals”; “Empowering themselves for work, childbirth, and breastfeeding”; and “Highlighting women as leading actors”. Conclusion: Information and communication technologiy use as complementary preparation for the parturition and puerperal process is significantly positive and essential for pregnant women. The search for these technologies encourages autonomy and empowerment, and is necessary, mainly, to fill gaps left by insufficient prenatal appointment time. Despite being part of everyday life, healthcare professionals continue to be irreplaceable in monitoring and welcoming these pregnant women. However, they need to adapt to reduce the possible negative impacts of these technologies and to make advances in the care process.