ABSTRACT
Objetivo: Nuestro país, por su riqueza cultural, presenta diversas concepciones en torno al embarazo, parto y puerperio. Las costumbres y los procesos de embarazo, parto y puerperio, de la mujer Awajun (Aguaruna) o Wampis (Huambisa), en el contexto cultural de las comunidades indígenas, son revisadas en el presente estudio. Materiales y métodos: Estudio etnográfico descriptivo, cualitativo, realizado durante octubre de 2002 a abril de 2003, aplicándose 24 entrevistas a profundidad (a parteras, promotores de salud y usuarias), en las comunidades de Puerto Galilea y Chapiza, además de tres grupos focales. Dichas entrevistas se analizaron en función de cinco aspectos, relacionados con señales, peligros, dietas y cuidados durante el embarazo, parto y puerperio. Resultados: Los pobladores reconocen algunas señales depeligro en el embarazo, como el sangrado vaginal y pérdida de líquido amniótico. Los cuidados durante el embarazo se relacionan con las actividades diarias y la ingesta de alimentos (dietas). Existen algunos elementos que dificultan el parto y nacimiento, como el sentimiento de vergüenza para llamar al promotor. Logrado el parto, debe mantenerse los cuidados para la recuperación de la madre, y un decuado desarrollo del recién nacido. Conclusiones: Las concepcionesy percepciones del embarazo, parto y puerperio en comunidades nativas, norman el comportamiento de suspobladores, repercutiendo esto en la salud materna e infantil. Es necesario comprender esta cultura y capacitar agentes de medicina tradicional, implementando estrategias en promoción de la salud y atención de la gestante, fortaleciendo las capacidades institucionales e incrementando la cobertura.
Objective: Our country, due to its cultural richness, has many different conceptions with respect to pregnancy, delivery, and puerperium. Customs and occurrences during pregnancy, delivery and puerperium in Awajun (aguaruna) or Wampis (Huambisa) native women are reviewed in this study. Materials and methods: Ethnographic, descriptive, and qualitative study performed from October 2002 to April 2003. 24 in-depth interviews were carried out in midwives, healthcare promoters, and clients in Puerto Galilea and Chapiza communities, three focal groups were also assessed. The aforementioned interviews were analyzed taking into account five aspects related with signals, dangers, diet, and care to be taken during pregnancy, delivery, and puerperium. Results: People recognize some danger signals during pregnancy, such as vaginal bleeding and amniotic fluid loss. Care to be taken during pregnancy is related to daily activities and diets to be followed. There are some elements that pose difficulties for pregnancy and delivery, such as being ashamed to call a healthcare promoter. Once delivery occurs, care must be taken so that the mother recovers and the newborn has adequate development. Conclusions: Conceptions and perceptions with respect to pregnancy, delivery, and puerperium in native communities regulate peoples behavior, and this influences both mother and child health. It is necessary to understand this culture and to train health promoters with appropriate knowledge of traditional medicine, implementing health promotion and pregnant women health care strategies, strengthening institutional capacities and increasing health care coverage.