Objective

To analyze association between presence of a companion during prenatal consultations and childbirth and quality of care received by puerperal women using the Brazilian National Health System (SUS).

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study with puerperal women who underwent prenatal care and delivery on the SUS in Santa Catarina State, Brazil, in 2019, and who were interviewed within 48 hours postpartum. Prevalence ratios were estimated using Poisson regression.

Results

3,580 puerperal women were interviewed. In prenatal care, presence of a companion was positively associated with receiving guidance from health professionals (PR=1.27 - 95%CI 1.08;1.50) and building a birth plan (PR=1.51 - 95%CI 1.15;1.97). At delivery, presence of a companion was associated with greater receipt of analgesics (PR=2.89 - 95%CI 1.40;5.97), non-pharmacological pain relief management (PR=1.96 - 95%CI 1.44;2.65), choice of position for delivery (PR=1.63 - 95%CI 1.24;2.16) and less likelihood of being strapped down (PR=0.47 - 95%CI 0.35;0.63).

Conclusion

Presence of a companion during prenatal care and delivery was associated with better quality of care.

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