Manejo alimentar durante o trabalho de parto: construção de um protocolo assistencial

Abstract

Introduction: Historically, oral intake during labor was limited due to the risk of aspiration of stomach contents. However, recent studies advise against this practice, emphasizing the safety of moderate consumption of food and drinks, especially in normal births without risk factors. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the impact of these practices on labor outcomes. In this context, the development of protocols emerges as an important tool to improve comprehensive health care for women in labor. Objective: To describe the stages of building a care protocol for food management during labor for the Ana Bezerra University Hospital (HUAB). Methodology: This is a methodological study with a descriptive approach in which the elaboration of a protocol was suggested. The elaboration of the care protocol comprised 4 stages: 1) definition of the topic, 2) literature review, 3) Collection of data on the food preferences of pregnant women and 4) textual elaboration of the protocol. Results and Discussion: Based on the information obtained through the literature review and data collection on the food preferences of 50 parturient women, the "HUAB Food Management Protocol during Labor" was developed. The document was prepared according to the institutional model of the university hospital that will be established with the aim of filling gaps in nutritional assistance to women in labor, contributing to the quality and safety of maternal and child care. The research findings for the construction of a care protocol suggest that the availability of a less restrictive diet, consisting of solid foods, carbohydrate solutions or isotonic liquids, does not pose a risk to the pregnant woman or the baby, and can also promote greater maternal comfort.Conclusion: The document prepared has great relevance in promoting the standardization of clinical practices of professionals in the multidisciplinary team, continuity and safety in patient care.