The Quality Indicators of High-Risk Prenatal Care in a Public Maternity Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To describe the quality indicators for high-risk prenatal care, as well as to outline the social-economic profile and to identify the risk factors among the interviewed women. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted with high-risk pregnant women in a reference maternity hospital in south western Maranhão State, between January and June 2015. Out of the universe of 300 women who are serviced monthly, and considering a 95% confidence interval, the sample comprised 140 subjects. The data were collected using a structured form. Results: Prenatal consultations started at the 14th week of pregnancy in 95.7% of participants; 63.6% of themattended6 or more appointments; 16.4% showed personal and sociodemographic features for high-risk pregnancy; 12.1% had history of complications; 24.3% had preexisting medical condition; 47.2% had obstetric disease in the current pregnancy. Conclusion: It was evidenced that pregnant women began pre natal care in a timely manner, attended six or more consultations according to the recommendation of the Ministry of Health. On the other hand, they did not have Access to health education actions related to pregnancy, which indicate saneed to review the actions that are taken towards these women in this scenario. DESCRIPTORS Prenatal.Prenatal Care.High-Risk Pregnancy.