PROMOÇÃO DA AUTONOMIA FEMININA DURANTE O PROCESSO PARTURITIVO: INTENCIONALIDADE DAS AÇÕES DE PROFISSIONAIS DA SAÚDE.

Objective: to understand the intentionality of the actions of health professionals to promote female autonomy during assistance to labor and delivery. Method: qualitative research based on Alfred Schütz's social phenomenology, carried out with 17 professionals, in a university hospital in southern Brazil. The comprehensive analysis was based on the theoretical-methodological framework. Results: the intentionality of professional action was to ensure the best for the woman, the newborn, the professional and the health service during the process of labor and delivery; and to expect changes in professional performance towards a new paradigm. Conclusion: health professionals act towards achieving an outcome favorable to all involved and recognize the need for institutional and professional changes to qualify obstetric care, in order to promote women's autonomy in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]