Parental beliefs in maternal practices of pregnant women in Northwest Brazil

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is a period of many physiological adaptations, as well as the structuring of beliefs that form the basis of maternal care, given that there are specificities that depend on the culture and family context, impacting the relationship that caregivers establish with the child and the environment in which the family nucleus is inserted. Aims: The present study aimed to evaluate the beliefs that support maternal care, as well as the importance given to each attitude and/or thought related to daily practices in the care of children that can influence child development. Method: The sample was formed by 100 pregnant women, residents in the city of Parnaíba-PI, who answered, virtually, the questionnaire of maternal beliefs and practices about child care. Results: Data analysis showed that participating mothers share parental beliefs about childcare practices, even with different sociodemographic characteristics. In addition, the results obtained showed that the “Stimulation” dimension was valued first, followed by the “Presentation”, “Bonding” and “Discipline” dimensions. Conclusion: The results found in the present research provide an understanding of the conceptions of the world that families have, and can support professional actions aimed at both children and parents.