Percepção da gestante no acompanhamento pré-natal durante a pandemia de Covid-19

Abstract

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about changes in all scenarios, no different in health care. Pregnancy, a period in which the woman needs continuous attention through prenatal consultations, has been modified in all contexts with the need for social distancing due to the large number of infected. Pregnancy is a period of physical, psychological and social changes, so Covid-19 may have provoked different perceptions regarding prenatal care and its health issues. Objective: To understand the perception of pregnant women to prenatal care during the pandemic. Methods: This is a descriptive-exploratory study with a qualitative approach carried out with 11 pregnant women who were treated at two Basic Health Units in the city of Colinas, Maranhão. Data collection took place through semi-structured interviews carried out in March, April and May 2022. The collected data were transcribed in full and processed through the IRAMUTEQ software using the Descending Hierarchical Classification and analyzed with the understanding of meanings proposed by Minayo. The research met the ethical aspects according to Resolution 466/12 of the National Health Council. Results and Discussion: The pregnant women had a mean age of 23 years, most of them had completed high school, were in a stable relationship and were in their first pregnancy. Data processing in IRAMUTEQ allowed the grouping of five classes. In a process of interpretive reduction, the presence of two main thematic categories for understanding was verified, namely: Perceptions regarding prenatal care during the Covid-19 pandemic (Classes 1, 4 and 5) and experiences and care in the pregnancy in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic (Classes 2 and 3). Conclusion: It was possible to know the difficulties and experiences of pregnant women in prenatal care during Covid-19, including feelings of fear and insecurity regarding pregnancy and their learning in this context, but knowledge of the relevance of prenatal care was perceived and the need to maintain consultations.