HUMANIZED OBSTETRIC CARE AS A STRATEGY TO REDUCE UNNECESSARY INTERVENTIONS AND IMPROVE MATERNAL AND NEONATAL OUTCOMES

Abstract

Humanized obstetric care has emerged as an essential strategy to improve the quality of care for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, contributing to the reduction of unnecessary interventions and better maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study aims to analyze the importance of humanization in obstetric care and its impacts on clinical practice. This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative approach, based on scientific databases and publications by authors such as Michel Odent, Robbie Davis-Floyd, as well as recommendations from the World Health Organization. The results indicate that humanized practices, including respect for women's autonomy, the judicious use of interventions, and the encouragement of physiological childbirth, are associated with a reduction in unnecessary cesarean sections, fewer complications, and higher maternal satisfaction. Furthermore, improvements in neonatal indicators were observed, such as reduced prematurity rates and fewer invasive procedures in newborns. It is concluded that the adoption of humanized care models is fundamental to promoting safe, ethical, and woman-centered care, highlighting the need for continuous professional training and the implementation of public policies that strengthen this approach.