Social media as a source of knowledge for the process of normal delivery

Abstract

Objective: To check the knowledge acquired by pregnant women through social media about the normal delivery process and the influence on the delivery experience. Method: A qualitative study with 12 puerperal women from a philanthropic hospital, in the city of Recife-PE. Individual interviews were conducted between December 2018 and February 2019, and the methodology of content analysis was used. Results: Two categories emerged after analysis: The use of social media as information sources during pregnancy, and Expectation towards vaginal delivery with the acquired knowledge versus the reality of the vaginal delivery experience. Conclusion: In response to the health education deficit, social media gained ground as the main source of information and clarification of pieces of doubt about childbirth. Health professionals, knowing the sources of information used by pregnant women, can contribute with the guidance and indication of safe sources with quality content.