EVOLUTION OF PRENATAL CARE IN THE UNIVERSAL HEALTH SYSTEM (SUS) IN THE SÃO FRANCISCO VALLEY, BRAZIL

Abstract

Prenatal care is essential for promoting maternal-fetal health and preventing complications during pregnancy. This study aims to analyze the evolution of prenatal care in primary care units of the Unified Health System (SUS) in the São Francisco Valley, using the indicator of the proportion of pregnant women who attended at least six consultations, initiating by the 12th week of gestation. This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study based on data extracted from the Health Information System for Primary Care (SISAB) from 2022 to 2024. A comparison between the cities of Juazeiro (Bahia) and Petrolina (Pernambuco) revealed distinct coverage patterns. Juazeiro showed an average increase of 22% in the number of pregnant women receiving care, rising from 180 in 2022 to 220 in 2024, and reached the national target (45%) only in 2024. Petrolina, on the other hand, recorded a 17% decline in consultations in 2024, although it achieved its municipal target (43%) for most of the analyzed period. The study concludes that, despite progress, challenges remain in the access, continuity and integrality of care, highlighting the need for strengthened public policies and interdisciplinary practices to ensure more effective prenatal care in the São Francisco Valley.