Relationship between the type of delivery and the epidemiological profile of prenatal and perinatal assistance in a municipality of Minas Gerais

Abstract Objectives: to describe the profile of prenatal and perinatal health by correlating it with sociodemographic and clinical conditions, verifying the effectiveness of health actions. Methods: quantitative, descriptive and retrospective research using data from the Live Birth Information System (Sinasc) of the municipality of Patos de Minas in the period of 2011 to 2015. Results: between 2011 and 2014 there was a reduction in the rate of vaginal births and a slight increase in 2015, however, the rates of cesarean delivery were higher than recommended by the Ministry of Health. In both types of delivery, most pregnant women attended seven or more prenatal consultations, however, this rate was significantly higher for pregnant women who underwent cesarean section. Maternal age > 35 years was also related to cesarean delivery, however, there was no significant relationship between type of delivery, the gestation time, birth weight and occurrence of maternal death. Conclusions: during the analyzed period there were more cesarean sections in relation to vaginal deliveries, with no significant change in the number of maternal deaths. A significant association was found between the highest number of prenatal consultations and maternal age > 35 years in pregnant women who underwent caesarean section. Verification of these associations can help in reorienting health practices in the region.