THE ROLE OF THE NURSE IN PRENATAL CARE IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy is a period characterized by the development of a new being resulting from the union of the sperm and the ovum, requiring comprehensive maternal-fetal healthcare. Prenatal care is organized through a set of actions that involve prevention, health promotion, diagnosis, and therapeutic care. In this context, nurses play an essential role, using their technical training to implement health promotion strategies, prevent complications, and ensure humanized care. Objectives: To analyze the role of nurses in prenatal care provided in Primary Health Care. Methods: This is an integrative literature review. The search was conducted in the LILACS, PubMed, BDENF, and Medline databases, using the descriptors “Primary Health Care,” “Prenatal Care,” and “Nursing Care,” combined with the Boolean operator AND. Original articles in Portuguese, published between 2020 and 2025, and that answered the guiding question were included. Duplicated studies, those in languages other than Portuguese, incomplete studies, and non-scientific materials such as editorials, gray literature, and monographs were excluded. After data analysis, the sample consisted of 14 articles that met the inclusion criteria established for the study. Results and Discussion: Nurses play a fundamental role in prenatal care within Primary Health Care by performing comprehensive assessments of pregnant women, early identification of risk factors, and providing educational guidance, in addition to strengthening the bond with users. Qualified listening and welcoming practices favor adherence to follow-up and contribute to the promotion of maternal and fetal health. However, challenges such as delays in the release of test results, shortage of professionals, and limited understanding among some pregnant women about the importance of prenatal care may compromise the quality of care. Conclusion: It is concluded that nurses play a fundamental role in improving the quality of prenatal care in Primary Health Care, contributing to comprehensive, humanized, and evidence-based care. Despite advances, challenges related to adherence of pregnant women and the organization of health services still persist, highlighting the need to strengthen educational actions, invest in professional qualification, and expand the support of multidisciplinary teams.