Fisioterapia no parto: uma revisão integrativa sobre a atuação profissional e sua importância no processo parturitivo

Abstract

Introduction: Labor is a complex and individual physiological process that involves intense physical and emotional changes. In this context, physical therapy plays an essential role in promoting comfort, reducing pain, and facilitating childbirth through non-pharmacological methods. Objectives: This study aimed to justify the importance of the physical therapist’s role as part of the multidisciplinary team during labor, as well as to describe the main techniques used throughout this process. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases, including publications from 2010 to 2025 in Portuguese and English. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, ten articles addressing the role of physiotherapy in labor assistance were selected. Results: The findings showed that the presence of the physical therapist is associated with a reduction in pain, labor duration, pharmacological analgesia, and obstetric interventions, as well as contributing to relaxation, anxiety reduction, and the strengthening of women’s protagonism. The most frequently used techniques include Swiss ball exercises, lumbosacral massage, warm baths, kinesiotherapy, breathing and relaxation techniques, TENS, and postural guidance. Conclusion: It is concluded that physiotherapy positively influences both the progression of labor and the mother’s experience, promoting a more humanized, safe, and satisfactory childbirth, reinforcing the need for the effective presence of this professional in Brazilian maternity hospitals