Obstetricians' coping and adaptation capacity in the face of perinatal fetal death, Hospital Barrio Obrero, Asunción, Paraguay

Abstract

Introduction: Perinatal loss (20 weeks of gestation to the first month of life of the newborn) causes feelings of grief in families, but also affects obstetricians. Objective: To determine the coping and adaptation capacity of obstetricians at the Barrio Obrero Hospital in Paraguay during 2024 in the face of perinatal fetal death. Methodology: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study, sample: 11 obstetricians assigned to the reception of the service, who responded after giving informed consent, non-probabilistic targeted sampling. Results: All of the obstetricians were female and Catholic, most were between 36 and 40 years old, married, and had more than 10 years of experience. Most scores were above 30 in Factors 1, 3, 4, and 5, with a total score of 183, reflecting a high capacity for coping and adaptation. The feelings generated by the birth of a stillborn fetus were: feelings toward the mother, the fetus, and indifference; all agreed that a care protocol is lacking. Conclusion: The midwives at the Barrio Obrero Hospital in Paraguay, 2024 have a high capacity for coping and adaptation. Recommendation: Develop a protocol for action aimed at protecting the emotional state of midwives.