HISTORICAL, CONCEPTUAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL ASPECTS OF PRENATAL CARE

Abstract

Objective: This article aims to broaden the knowledge about prenatal care through the description of historical, conceptual and organizational aspects of prenatal care, in order to integrate the information collected in previous studies. Methodology: This is a theoretical review of the literature based on information available from the Ministry of Health websites, books and agencies focusing on maternal and child health, in addition to articles from the databases SciELO and BIREME. Results: In the first half of the twentieth century, there was a consolidation of knowledge and obstetric and neonatal practice, culminating in the significant reduction of maternal and infant mortality, especially in developed countries. Currently, priority public policies and standardization of practices for health professionals have been implemented, in order to meet the concept of humanization through greater bonding and integrated actions at different levels of care. Conclusion: The concept of prenatal is broader in the current days, ranging from pre-conceptional care to the systematic monitoring of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Official documents have suggested, regulated and provided recommendations on prenatal health. DESCRIPTORS: Prenatal care. History. Concept. Organization. Maternal health. Child health.