PROMOTING PREGNANT WOMEN'S HEALTH IN PRENATAL CARE WITHIN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

Abstract

Prenatal care within Primary Health Care (PHC) is essential for promoting the well-being of the pregnant woman and the healthy development of the baby, ensuring a safe pregnancy and a lower-risk delivery. Conducted by a multi-professional team, it should be initiated by the 12th week of gestation and continue in a continuous manner through the postpartum period. Beyond clinical monitoring, prenatal care includes educational actions that strengthen the physical and emotional preparation of the pregnant woman, reducing fear of childbirth and increasing her confidence. The objective of this study aims to conduct an integrative review of recent scientific literature on health promotion strategies for pregnant women within prenatal care delivered in Primary Health Care settings. This was a literature review study. The analysis revealed three main themes: The established efficacy of participatory educational interventions (conversation circles, games) for increasing knowledge, self-efficacy, and adherence; The persistence of structural, sociocultural, and relational barriers as challenges to quality; The indispensable role of PHC and the community-based approach for comprehensive care, including mental health. Gaps identified included a scarcity of cost-effectiveness studies and long-term evaluations. Health promotion in prenatal care requires the implementation of emancipatory educational practices supported by a strengthened PHC capable of overcoming access barriers. Investing in this model is an ethical imperative to ensure equity and reproductive rights, highlighting the need for future research on efficiency and lasting impact.