Prenatal Care Process Research Articles

Prenatal care of Brazilian women: racial inequalities and their implications for care.

The study aimed to characterize women that attended prenatal care in Brazil according to ethnicity/skin color and sociodemographic variables and to verify the association between the indicators of the prenatal care process and the women's ethnicity/skin color. This was a population based, cross-sectional study carried out with data from the National Health Survey of 2013. A bivariate analysis was performed using the multilevel logistic regression model, estimating the odds ratio and the respective 95% confidence intervals to test the association between the indicators of the adequate prenatal care process and the women's ethnicity/skin color. The findings showed that black women have a lower chance of starting prenatal care before 12 weeks of gestation, having 6 or more consultations, performing the HIV test, performing the VDRL exam or receiving advice related to care during gestation and childbirth. Inequalities were identified in the healthcare of Brazilian women during prenatal care, related to ethnicity/skin color and other sociodemographic characteristics. It was concluded that being of black ethnicity and living in a socially disadvantaged area entails disadvantages for women regarding access to a prenatal care considered to be adequate according to the criteria established by the Brazilian Ministry of Health.

Pré-natal da mulher brasileira: desigualdades raciais e suas implicações para o cuidado

Abstract The study aimed to characterize women that attended prenatal care in Brazil according to ethnicity/skin color and sociodemographic variables and to verify the association between the indicators of the prenatal care process and the women’s ethnicity/skin color. This was a population based, cross-sectional study carried out with data from the National Health Survey of 2013. A bivariate analysis was performed using the multilevel logistic regression model, estimating the odds ratio and the respective 95% confidence intervals to test the association between the indicators of the adequate prenatal care process and the women’s ethnicity/skin color. The findings showed that black women have a lower chance of starting prenatal care before 12 weeks of gestation, having 6 or more consultations, performing the HIV test, performing the VDRL exam or receiving advice related to care during gestation and childbirth. Inequalities were identified in the healthcare of Brazilian women during prenatal care, related to ethnicity/skin color and other sociodemographic characteristics. It was concluded that being of black ethnicity and living in a socially disadvantaged area entails disadvantages for women regarding access to a prenatal care considered to be adequate according to the criteria established by the Brazilian Ministry of Health.

Every mother and every fetus matters: A positive pregnancy test=multiple offerings of reproductive risk screening for personal, family, and specific obstetrical-fetal conditions.

To focus on the evidence-based screening test options and timing as part of the overall "pregnant-woman-centered" preconception and prenatal care journey. The requirement and need for a focused "pregnant-woman-centered" prenatal care process with time for informed consent and shared decision making are important for optimal prenatal care. A structured quality improvement (QI) review (Squire 2.0) was undertaken to examine the appropriate reproductive screening process in the periods of preconception and during pregnancy. First, the broader prenatal care structure was evaluated which, second, enabled the directed reproductive risk screening processes to be offered within an informed consent process. Four international preconception and prenatal evidence-based guidance consensus would routinely offer specific gestational age reproductive risk screening elements: totaling 21screening elements (three preconception; nine first trimester; three second trimester; four third trimester; one intrapartum; and one postpartum). The best evidence-based opportunity for comprehensive and collaborative prenatal care with appropriate screening elements requires: a single national access healthcare system; expert evidence-based guideline creation; collaborative maternity care providers based for risk assessment, triage, and management; a pregnant-woman-centered care model of maternity care; clearly identified evidence-based gestational age directed screening elements; international preconception and prenatal guideline consensus.

Hospitalizations due to Congenital Syphilis in Neonates: Associated Factors from the Prenatal Care Process

Objective: To identify the factors associated with hospitalizations due to congenital syphilis in neonates, based on the characteristics of prenatal care. Materials and method: A quantitative case-control study, conducted by applying a questionnaire to 65 puerperal women with their babies hospitalized from July to November 2017. The data were analyzed using logistic regression, according to the plan proposed in the hierarchical approach. Results: 20% of the hospitalizations were due to syphilis (cases) and 80% to other causes (control). The vulnerability risk (p = 0.036), previous history of sexually transmitted infection (p = 0,006), use of oral contraceptives (p = 0.011) and parity (p = 0.043) variables were statistically significant. The absence of the partner during the consultation (p = 0.028), failure to perform a rapid test for syphilis (p = 0.035) and educational activity for the partner (p = 0.033) were also associated with the occurrence of the outcome, in addition to the variables of the newborn: low birth weight (p = 0.025), not being on exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.036) and not having had skin-to-skin contact (p = 0.043). Conclusions: Congenital syphilis has several risk factors for its occurrence. It was possible to observe that the assistance inequalities existing in care during the prenatal consultations directly reflect on the occurrence of this condition.

The prenatal triad: The importance of provider-patient communication with expectant fathers throughout the prenatal care process

Previous research has primarily focused on the relationship between providers and expectant mothers as a key element of quality prenatal care. Significantly less attention has been directed toward expectant fathers and the importance of their communication with prenatal care providers and involvement in the prenatal care process. Much of this limited existing literature emphasizes the health benefits including fathers would bring for mom and baby, but rarely is the potential benefit to fathers’ health included in the conversation. This discussion aims to highlight the value of this line of research for both communication and medical researchers and consider potential avenues for studying and promoting father engagement in prenatal care.

Diagnostic Value of Rapid Biophysical Profile in Comparison to Biophysical Profile in Pregnant Women with Insulin-dependent Diabetes

Objective: Having a rapid and low cost diagnostic approach in assessment of fetal wellbeing is an important goal for prenatal care process. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of rapid biophysical profile (rBPP) in comparison to biophysical profile (BPP). Materials and methods: In this study 142 pregnant women with insulin-dependent diabetes referred to Besat Hospital (Sanandaj, Iran) were evaluated in terms of fetal health. Age, gestational age and non-stress test (NST) data of patients were collected. The fetuses were evaluated using the standard BPP and selected rBPP methods. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted. The data were analyzed in Stata 14 software, using appropriate statistical analyses. Results: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of maternal age and gestational age of the studied subjects were 30.6 ± 6.3 and 35.6 ± 1.5 weeks, respectively. The frequency of normal cases were 126 (88.7%) in the BPP method and 121 (85.2%) in the rBPP method. The results showed that sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of rBPP in this study were 56.2%, 90.5%, 42.8% and 94.2%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 73.3%. Pearson Test showed a significant correlation between scores obtained through BPP and rBPP methods (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Considering the high profile of the sensitivity and PPV of the RBPP method compared to BPP, rBPP method has a better capacity to discriminate non-distressed fetuses from distress-exposed fetuses. It can also be used as a quick and easy method in crowded centers with limited evaluation tests, where not much skill is needed.

Prenatal care assessment according to the Prenatal and Birth Humanization Program

Abstract Objectives: to analyze prenatal care process in primary health care units and compare the prenatal adequacy in the third trimester with maternal and perinatal outcomes. Methods: a cross-sectional study of 2,404 pregnant women assisted in 2011in twelve primary health care units in the South region of São Paulo city. The data was collected through medical records. The assessment was based on the indicators process of the Programa de Humanização do Pré-natal e Nascimento (PHPN) (Prenatal and Birth Humanization Program). The prenatal adequacy in the third trimester was analyzed according to three criteria (early-onset, minimum of six consultations and puerperal consultation); and the compared maternal and perinatal outcomes were: type of childbirth, gestational age, birth weight and breastfeeding. The analysis was descriptive for the PHPN indicators and comparative for the prenatal adequacy by the chi-square test. Results: early prenatal (82.9%), minimum of six consultations (73.0%) and puerperal consultation (77.9%). In the overall of the PHPN indicators, there was an expressive decrease in the medical records (10.2%). Prenatal care was adequate for 63.6% with a significant difference in relation to gestational age (p=0.037) and birth weight (p=0.001). Conclusions: There were deficiencies in prenatal care. The difference between the groups in the perinatal outcomes reinforcing the need for prenatal care according to national indicators.

PRIMARY CARE SENSITIVE ADMISSIONS IN PREGNANT WOMEN: ASSOCIATED FACTORS BASED ON THE PRENATAL CARE PROCESS

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze admissions for primary care sensitive conditions among pregnant women, and the associated factors, based on the process of prenatal care, in a city of the center-west of the Brazilian State of Paraná (Brazil). Method: this is an inquiry into hospital morbidity undertaken with a sample of 86 pregnant women admitted to hospitals serving the Unified Health System. Results: the percentage of admissions was 70.97% (n=59), with emphasis placed on admissions specifically during the period of pregnancy (51.17%), among which, admissions due to infections in the genitourinary tract were the most frequent. The following were associated with the risk of admission due to a sensitive condition: incomplete records in the woman’s ‘pregnancy card’ (cartão da gestante), delayed initiation of prenatal care (after the second trimester), insufficient number of consultations and insufficient care during the consultation. Conclusion: the results suggest that a minimumlevel of care for these pregnant women would reduce the risk of unnecessary admission, evidencing that the quality of care provided during the prenatal period in this region is inadequate.

Adaptation of the process of prenatal care in accordance with criteria established by the Humanization of Prenatal and Birth Program and the World Health Organization

The scope of this article is to assess the adequacy of the process of prenatal care provided to users of the Unified Health System in the city of Vitória, in accordance with criteria established by the Humanization of Prenatal and Birth Program (PHPN) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The information on the prenatal care records of 360 pregnant women interned in public hospitals in the city at the time of delivery were assessed. The information was collected, processed and submitted to descriptive statistical analysis for calculations of absolute and relative frequencies and confidence intervals. None of the pregnant women were given entirely appropriate prenatal care in accordance with WHO criteria, and only 5% of pregnant women received prenatal care in line with PHPN. 44.7% of the women did not begin prenatal care until the 4th month. With respect to conducting technical procedures in the appointments, the main emphasis was on checking maternal weight (95.0%) and blood pressure (95.6%). The results indicate the need for a review of the number of prenatal appointments in the municipality and the adoption of strategies to meet the minimum criteria that need to be performed during prenatal care in public health services.

Adequação do processo da assistência pré-natal segundo os critérios do Programa de Humanização do Pré-natal e Nascimento e Rede Cegonha

To evaluate the adequacy of the process of prenatal care according to the parameters of the Program for the Humanization of Prenatal Care (PHPN) and of the procedures provided by the Stork Network of Unified Health System (SUS) in the microregion of Espirito Santo state, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012-2013 by interviewing and analyzing the records of 742 women during the postpartum period and of their newborns in 7 hospitals in the region chosen for the research. The information was collected, processed and analyzed by the χ² and Fisher's exact test to determine the difference in proportion between the criteria adopted by the PHPN and the Stork Network and the place of residence, family income and type of coverage of prenatal service. The level of significance was set at 5%. The parameters showing the lowest adequacy rate were quick tests and repeated exams, with frequencies around 10 and 30%, respectively, in addition to educational activities (57.9%) and tetanus immunization (58.7%). In contrast, risk management (92.6%) and the fasting plasma glucose test (91.3%) showed the best results. Adequacy was 7.4% for the PHPN, 0.4% for the Stork Network, with respect to the parameters of normal risk pregnancies, and 0 for high risk pregnancies. There was a significant difference between puerperae according to housing location regarding the execution of serology for syphilis (VDRL), anti-HIV and repeated fasting glucose tests, and monthly income influenced the execution of blood type/Rh factor tests, VDRL, hematocrit and anti-HIV test. Prenatal care in the SUS proved to be inadequate regarding the procedures required by the PHPN and Stork Network in the micro-region of a state in southeastern Brazil, especially for women of lower income, PACS users and residents of rural areas.

Unexpected diagnosis of fetal malformations: therapeutic itineraries

Ultrasonography was a technological breakthrough for obstetrics, allowing visualization of fetal structures. However, the lack of a systematic approach to obstetric ultrasound examinations causes in Brazil, pregnant women do the exam on their own, which can sometimes lead to unexpected diagnosis of fetal malformation. In order to describe the reaction of women when surprised by the diagnosis of fetal malformation and therapeutic itineraries that follow, we conducted a study with nine pregnant women after ultrasound confirmation of fetal malformation. Through semi-structured interviews and content analysis of the narratives, the following categories were identified: motivation to perform ultrasonography; care at the referral; and coping strategies from the confirmation of fetal malformation. The interviews revealed failure to comply with the correct sequence of the prenatal care process. Definition of suitable moment for ultrasound test and guidance at each stage of pregnancy now represent a challenge for the improvement of perinatal care.

Regional Disparities in Prenatal Care Services in Rural China

The study compared the prenatal care programs in the Central-East, Northwest, and Southwest regions of China. Data were collected on 14 indicators of the quality of the prenatal care process, as well as the percentage of women with high-risk pregnancies who were screened. The average number of prenatal examinations for those women who received prenatal care was 5.01, and 62.6% of pregnant women had their first examination within 12 weeks of their pregnancy. About 35% of these pregnant women had at least 1 high-risk screening, and 20.8% had 3 high-risk screenings. Among the 3 regions, the Central-East region had the best overall quality prenatal services, and the Northwest area had the poorest quality. The quality of prenatal health care in poor, rural China is in need of improvement.

Adequação do processo de assistência pré-natal entre as usuárias do Sistema Único de Saúde em Juiz de Fora-MG

OBJETIVOS: avaliar a adequação do processo da assistência pré-natal oferecida às usuárias do SUS em Juiz de Fora/MG e comparar o atendimento nos principais serviços municipais. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal desenvolvido com auditoria em 370 Cartões da Gestante selecionados por amostragem sistemática entre as pacientes a termo que utilizaram o SUS no atendimento ao parto, no primeiro semestre de 2002 e com pré-natal freqüentado em Juiz de Fora. Foi utilizado o teste do c² para comparar os serviços de procedência das pacientes (nível de significância: 5%). A avaliação obedeceu a uma seqüência em três níveis complementares, sendo examinados: a utilização da assistência pré-natal (índice de Kessner: início e freqüência dos atendimentos) no nível 1; a utilização do pré-natal e dos exames laboratoriais básicos, segundo o Programa de Humanização no Pré-natal e Nascimento (tipagem ABO/Rh, hemoglobina/hematócrito, VDRL, glicemia e exame de urina tipo 1), no nível 2; e a utilização de exames laboratoriais básicos e de procedimentos clínico-obstétricos obrigatórios numa consulta pré-natal (aferições de pressão arterial, peso, edema, altura uterina, idade gestacional, batimentos cardiofetais e apresentação fetal), no nível 3. RESULTADOS: a adequação do processo foi de apenas 26,7% (nível 1), 1,9% (nível 2) e 1,1% (nível 3). Foram também observados cobertura pré-natal de 99,04%, média de 6,4 consultas/gestante, além da média de 17,4 semanas de idade gestacional na primeira consulta. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os diversos serviços municipais analisados. CONCLUSÕES: o pré-natal das usuárias do SUS na cidade deve ser revisto qualitativamente, recomendando-se avaliações periódicas como instrumentos imprescindíveis de aperfeiçoamento. Aos gestores e profissionais de saúde cabem ações que aumentem a adesão às normas/rotinas do programa - principalmente a solicitação/registro dos exames complementares básicos - e propiciem melhor utilização do pré-natal pelas pacientes.

Partner support and pregnancy wantedness.

Women who experience unwanted pregnancy are at a greater risk of complicated pregnancy outcomes, and their children are more likely to experience physical or psychological problems in infancy, than those women with wanted pregnancies. The objective of this research was to explain the impact of a partner on women's decisions to want or not want their pregnancies. A primary study subsample of 349 clinical interviews of pregnant women comprised the quantitative portion of the analysis, with a secondary study subsample of 20 in-depth qualitative interviews of pregnant women complementing the statistical findings. Both samples included adult women (at least age 20 yr) of different ethnic groups who received Medicaid for their pregnancies and were in their first or early second trimester of pregnancy. Chi-square, t tests, and logistic regression were used for statistical analyses. A partner's stability, status, feelings toward pregnancy, and level of dependability and support all had a significant influence on women's experiences of unwanted pregnancy. Variables including use of contraception (OR = 3.3), women's ethnicity (OR = 1.9), partner's feelings about pregnancy (OR = 2.0), amount of social support (OR = 1.2), and mother's instrumental support (OR = 0.85) all affected women's perceptions of wanting the pregnancy. These results were used to create a model of unwanted pregnancy, beginning before conception and ending with either termination of pregnancy or initiation of prenatal care. The support and concern of a partner during pregnancy can have positive consequences for a mother's desire to carry out the pregnancy. To increase their commitment to the pregnancy and childbirth, partners should be included more in the prenatal care process.

The effects of insurance coverage on the quality of prenatal care.

To compare the quality of prenatal care provided to patients with traditional fee-for-service, health maintenance organization, and Medicaid insurance using an evidence-based, community-derived prenatal care guideline. Retrospective cohort study. Seven private and hospital-based prenatal care sites in a suburban county in southeast Michigan. A stratified random sample of 267 patients (93 with Medicaid, 92 with health maintenance organization, and 82 with fee-for-service insurance) receiving prenatal care from community physicians (obstetricians-gynecologists and family practitioners) between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 1992. Adherence to explicit prenatal care criteria as measured by an evidence-based prenatal care guideline developed by a community panel. "Quality scores" were compared across groups in 4 areas: performance of prenatal screening procedures or tests, visit-based screening, substance use screening, and clinician management of abnormal clinical findings. Patients with Medicaid insurance presented for prenatal care significantly later in pregnancy (14.5 vs 10.5 weeks, P < .01). No significant differences were seen between groups in quality scores for screening tests, clinician management of abnormal clinical findings, visit-based screening, or substance use screening. The overall similarity in quality scores did obscure some significant differences in adherence to individual criteria, particularly in the area of screening tests. Significantly more patients with Medicaid were screened for genital infection (P < .001) and fewer for gestational diabetes (P < .001) or anemia (P < .001) than patients in the other 2 groups. Although patients with Medicaid presented for prenatal care later in pregnancy and received a different "package" of screening tests than the other 2 groups, there was no overall measurable difference in the quality of prenatal care provided to patients with Medicaid, health maintenance organization, and fee-for-service insurance. Clinicians may have altered screening protocols based on preexisting perceptions of patient risk. Although summary quality measures are a promising tool for comparative research, they provide an incomplete picture of the quality of the prenatal care process and must be interpreted with caution.

ETHNIC DIFFERENCES IN PATIENT-PROVIDER INTERACTIONS IN PRENATAL CARE

Prenatal care has been shown to be effective in improving the outcome of pregnancy among adolescents. However, little is known about the interactive process between the prenatal care provider and the adolescent, as well as how the process may be influenced by ethnicity. This study examined 191 patient-provider interactions among 110 pregnant adolescents (32 Anglo, 42 Mexican-American, 36 Mexican), ages 14-17 years, at their second and/or third trimester prenatal visit. Patient-provider encounters were audiotaped, and coded by a modified Roter Interaction Analysis including content and duration. Factor analysis was used to obtain summary measures, and non-parametric analyses were used for comparisons. It was found that the average total time of provider contact was 8.7 min. with the provider speaking 3.9 min. and the patient 1.4 min., with the only significant ethnic difference being in patient speaking time. Of these interactions, 43% addressed medical issues only, 32% included health education, and social issues were included in 25%. There were no ethnic differences in content. Analysis of the interaction process showed that Mexican adolescents received less provider conversation (P<.0001) and gave less patient conversation (P<.01) than Anglo or Mexican-Americans. Anglo adolescents had more interactive conversation than either Mexican-Americans or Mexicans (P<.0001). These findings support the hypothesis that the process of prenatal care is affected by the patient's ethnicity.