Epidemiological Profile of Pregnant Women and Neonates Born by Cesarean Section at a University Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To outline the epidemiological profile of postpartum women and neonates born via cesarean section in a university hospital. Methods: Observational and retrospective study using data obtained from medical records of 342 women who underwent cesarean section in a university hospital in northeastern Brazil. The medical records included were from January 2019 to December 2020. Descriptive statistics were performed for data analysis. Results: Most of the sample consisted of mixed-race women (61.10%), with a median age of 27 years, an average body mass index of 30.38, and multiparous (57.30%). In addition, 57.30% of the women had completed high school and 33.60% were in a stable union. Most cesarean sections (45.90%) were performed before the onset of labor. Regarding the newborn profile, 88.90% had an optimal first-minute Apgar score, 82.00% experienced skin-to-skin contact, and 39.20% were breastfed within the first hour. Finally, 64.80% had an adequate birth weight. Conclusion: The findings indicate that, although neonates of women who underwent cesarean section presented good neonatal indicators, such as adequate birth weight and satisfactory Apgar scores, important weaknesses in care persist, evidenced by low adherence to early breastfeeding and the non-universal implementation of skin-to-skin contact. These results reinforce the need for care strategies aimed at humanizing childbirth and promoting neonatal practices aligned with World Health Organization guidelines. These findings also highlight the need for strategies to reduce unnecessary cesarean sections, promote vaginal delivery, and strengthen interventions such as immediate skin-to-skin contact and encouragement of early breastfeeding, even in high-risk scenarios.