NURSING CARE IN HIGH-RISK PRENATAL CARE: PREECLAMPSIA AND GESTATIONAL DIABETES

Abstract

Prenatal care is essential to maternal and child health, particularly in high-risk pregnancies associated with preeclampsia, eclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to analyze the role of nursing in high-risk prenatal care and its contribution to the prevention of complications. This qualitative integrative literature review was developed through searches of scientific sources and critical appraisal of selected studies. A total of one hundred twelve records were identified, and thirteen studies were included in the final sample, according to the selection process described in the study. The findings highlight the importance of early recognition of clinical changes, monitoring of vital signs and blood glucose, educational interventions, and multidisciplinary follow-up. Recent complementary evidence underscores standardized practices for preeclampsia management and the need to address inequalities in access to and quality of prenatal care. It is concluded that continuous, individualized, and humanized nursing care supports timely risk identification and improvements in maternal and child care.