COMPREHENSIVE WOMEN'S HEALTH CARE: THE IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTIVE CARE AND PRENATAL CARE AT THE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE UNIT

Abstract

Comprehensive women's health care is a pillar of Primary Health Care in Brazil, especially in UBS, which concentrate actions for promotion, prevention, and continuous follow-up. In this context, preventive examinations and prenatal care are fundamental to improving maternal and child health indicators. This study aims to analyze the importance and benefits of preventive practices and prenatal care provided in UBS for the promotion of comprehensive women's health. This is an integrative literature review, conducted between March and November 2025, based on publications from 2020 to 2025 available in the SciELO and Virtual Library of the Ministry of Health databases. Twenty studies were selected that address the effectiveness of preventive actions, the impact of educational activities during prenatal care, and the influence of partner inclusion in gestational care. The results show that the Pap smear and prenatal care contribute significantly to the early detection of gynecological and obstetric diseases, in addition to strengthening the bond between pregnant women and the healthcare team. It was found that the educational actions conducted, especially by nurses, are fundamental for the empowerment of pregnant women and the promotion of self-care. Furthermore, the inclusion of the partner in consultations proved to be an effective strategy for strengthening active fatherhood and family care. It is concluded that strengthening these practices in Primary Care is essential to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, promote comprehensive care, and encourage co-responsibility in the context of reproductive health.