SCENARIO OF PREGNANT WOMEN IN HOMELESS SITUATIONS AND DRUG USERS: A LOOK AT STIGMAS AND VULNERABILITIES

Abstract

Pregnancy is a period that generates various physical, chemical, and emotional changes in the mother's life and within the environment it places her in. In women experiencing homelessness, compounded by a scenario of drug abuse, invisibility, and lack of information, this phase becomes even more delicate for these pregnant women, who also deal with prejudice. The objective of this study was to analyze and discuss the context of stigmas and vulnerabilities in which pregnant women experiencing homelessness and drug use are inserted into our society. The methodology used was a literature review of selected articles obtained through keyword searches in different databases. The results discussed the historical and social contexts of people experiencing homelessness, the barriers and stigmas affecting their access to healthcare, their vulnerabilities, and the maternal-fetal repercussions caused by the use of illicit substances during pregnancy. In conclusion, the importance of adopting measures to improve these women's relationship with public health and alleviate the consequences they and their children are subjected to in their current circumstances was emphasized, aiming to humanize their pregnancy experiences while addressing their specific needs.