SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF PREGNANT WOMEN AND PRENATAL MONITORING OF PREMATURE BABIES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2020, has changed access to health care, affecting prenatal care, which is essential for maternal and neonatal health. Health restrictions and fear of contamination have reduced the frequency of consultations, increasing stress among pregnant women. Objective: To analyze the influence of sociodemographic characteristics of pregnant women on prenatal care for premature babies, between 2019 and 2023, in a neonatal referral hospital. Method: Quantitative cross-sectional study with data from 2,158 premature newborns (≤37 weeks of gestation) born in Anápolis-GO. Maternal obstetric history, delivery characteristics, and newborn data were analyzed. Results: Most pregnant women (77.4%) lived in Anápolis, with a predominance of prenatal care provided by the public network. There was a decrease in the use of the SUS, from 94.1% in 2019 to 83% in 2023, while the proportion of pregnant women with six or more consultations increased from 46.8% to 52.9%. Conclusion: Despite the difficulties imposed by the pandemic, the public health system was crucial for prenatal care. The reduction in the use of the SUS highlights the need for health policies that ensure continuous access to essential services, especially in public health emergencies.

KEYWORDS: Prenatal care; Social Factors; COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2; Pregnancy.