This study aimed to assess the perception and preference of pregnant and postpartum women for vaginal and cesarean section. Cross-sectional survey of exploratory, quantitative and qualitative approach, which occurred in four Basic Health Units (BHUs) of a small city's of Taquari Valley. The sample consisted of 81 pregnant women, which means 20.88% of annual births, and 28.72% of pregnant women registered in System Information Program for Humanization of Prenatal and Birth of the Ministry of Health (SISPRENATAL); of these, 75% (n=61) would prefer the vaginal and 25% (n=20), abdominal delivery. These data indicates that the preference reported by pregnant women is not influencing the type of delivery, because the rate of cesarean delivery in the municipality in question is 89%. Three postpartum women who underwent abdominal delivery and for these vaginal birth is more risky during labor were interviewed. It is clear that one is necessary to perform more humanized care in prenatal and delivery care, along with medical recommendations, so that it can reduce the cesarean delivery and induce abdominal delivery and the belief that this offers less risk in parturition.
parturition; cesarean section; trends; perinatal care