Maternal near-miss and obstetric violence: a possible relation?

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the understanding of women who experienced the maternal near-miss about obstetric care received. It was a research of a qualitative approach, with a methodological reference of the thematic oral history, carried out through interviews with women who lived maternal near-miss. Twelve women from different Brazilian regions were interviewed and who experienced maternal near-miss, mainly due to complications of hypertensive syndromes, hemorrhages and infections. From the emerged collective memories, obstetric violence was identified in the form of: I. physical abuse; II. interventions not consented or accepted based on partial or distorted information; III. non-confidential or private care; IV. non-dignified care and verbal abuse; and V. abandonment, negligence or refusal of care. In conclusion, that obstetric violence can added to the events that will culminate in maternal near-miss and, in this sense, it is potentially life threatening.