OBJECTIVE: To describe the obstetric practices and maternal and neonatal outcomes of two normal birth centers in the Municipality of Sao Paulo, comparing the intra and extra hospital units. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study, with secondary data obtained from 192 records of the institutions involved. The study variables were the practices selected for normal birth: the use of oxytocin, the type of breaking the amniotic membranes, the performance of episiotomy or perineotomy and, the time of maternal and neonatal stay. It was developed a computerized tool for data collection, based on the study's variables. The data were processed by multivariate statistical analysis. RESULTS: In the intra-hospital birth center, the most frequently used interventions were related to: the use of oxytocin, artificial rupture of amniotic membranes and maternal and neonatal length of staying larger than 48 hours, postpartum. In the extra-hospital birth center had a higher frequency of parturients with: no tearing of perineum after delivery, membrane rupture spontaneously and maternal and neonatal length of staying less than 48 hours, postpartum. The maternal and neonatal outcomes showed no complications related to utilized practices. CONCLUSION: The birth practices differ little, when comparing the two types of Normal Birth Centers; both followed the recommendations of the World Health Organization and implemented the interventions only in specific cases.
Birthing centers; Obstetrical nursing; Maternal-child nursing; Humanizing delivery
