MATERNAL HEALTH IN PARANÁ: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF PREGNANT WOMEN AND OBSTETRIC RISK FACTORS BETWEEN 2018-2023

Abstract

This study investigated the epidemiological profile of pregnant women in the state of Paraná, Brazil, between 2018 and 2023, analyzing sociodemographic and obstetric factors, as well as complications associated with pregnancy. This is a descriptive and quantitative epidemiological study based on secondary data from live birth records and hospital procedures of the Brazilian Unified Health System. Variables such as maternal age, education level, number of prenatal visits, type of delivery, occurrence of complications, and presence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were evaluated. The analysis identified patterns in the distribution of pregnant women, relationships between prenatal care and mode of delivery, as well as trends in maternal procedures over the studied period, allowing a broader understanding of the investigated scenario. It was observed that different sociodemographic profiles influence the frequency of cesarean sections and adherence to prenatal care, highlighting regional inequalities in maternal care. The findings contribute to the understanding of the epidemiological context and reinforce the importance of public policies aimed at preventing obstetric complications and improving maternal health care.