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Components of obstetric violence in health facilities in Quito, Ecuador: A descriptive study on information, accompaniment, and position during childbirth

Abstract:

Objective: To describe three factors of obstetric violence in health centers that attend births in Quito, Ecuador: information; accompaniment; and free position. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study of 388 women was conducted, focusing on the analysis of three factors of obstetric violence. This study forms part of a larger study that explores the experiences of women in childbirth in Quito between July 1, 2016 and July 1, 2017. Results: Of all procedures, the performance of episiotomies and the application of fundal pressure during the second stage of labor (Kristeller) stand out, as more than 35% of the women were not informed about them. In total, 121 (46.9%) women who gave birth vaginally were not given the opportunity to be accompanied by someone of their choice, neither in labor nor during delivery. While in the cases of cesarean deliveries, this increased to 116 (92.1%) women. A total of 119 (37.2%) women did not have the opportunity to choose their birthing position (or they did not know they could choose). During delivery, 138 (53.5%) women indicated the same. Conclusion: Obstetric violence is seen in all three components: information; accompaniment; and free position.