Impact of prenatal care on obstetric outcomes: A narrative review of the literature

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1594802427086

• Palavras-chave: pregnant women, prenatal, neonatal.

• Keywords: pregnant women, prenatal, neonatal.

• Abstract:

  Objective: To analyze the impact of prenatal care on obstetric outcomes. Literature Review: Prenatal care, through preventive actions, seeks to ensure the healthy development of pregnancy and enable the birth of a healthy baby, while preserving the health of the baby and the mother. Adequate prenatal care requires at least six consultations during pregnancy (Ministry of Health, 2006b). If the pregnancy is not classified as high-risk, at least one consultation is recommended in the first trimester of pregnancy, two in the second and three in the third. Pregnant women must be seen until they reach labor or reach the risk period for post-maturity, around the 42nd week. According to the Ministry of Health (2006b), prenatal care is concluded only on the 42nd day after delivery, when the postpartum consultation is held. These determinations may vary, depending on the risks presented by the pregnant woman, and in all cases adherence to prenatal care is essential (Buchabqui, Abeche & Brietzke, 2001). Final considerations: It is important to systematically evaluate prenatal care for pregnant women. This can be done by creating a space to listen to these pregnant women and also to the professionals involved in the care. This information is very important for improving prenatal care, understanding the motivations of pregnant women who do not adhere to it, and providing quality prenatal care in medical and psychological terms to all pregnant women.