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HUMANIZED PRENATAL CARE: INFLUENCES ON MATERNAL-FETAL

OUTCOMES

Maria Antonia Rocha Fiorott1

Lara Martins Eller2

José Siqueira Neto3

Ingrid Brandão Coelho4

Elza Dadalto Scarpati5

Alice Sarlo Pinheiro6

Ivelize Altoé Pipa Silva7

Ricardo Maia Cruz Brazuna8

Alex Cesar Ferreira9

Giovanna Fernandes Ragonha10

Marcelle Maria Moreno Lobo11

Jessica Castro Narduci12

Julia Vita de Sá13

Mariana de Assis Miranda14

1 EMESCAM

2 Vila Velha University

3 Serra dos Órgãos University Center - Unifeso

4 Iguaçu University, Campus V

5 EMESCAM

6 Vila Velha University

7 EMESCAM

8 Serra dos Órgãos University Center - Unifeso

9 Serra dos Órgãos University Center - Unifeso

10 Padre Albino University Center - UNIFIPA/FAMECA

11 Multivix College

12 UniRedentor College - Itaperuna

13 Federal University of Espírito Santo

14 Multivix College

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Jaís Monteiro Cordeiro de Alvarenga15

Abstract: Humanized prenatal care is a concept that aims to ensure that pregnant women receive

respectful and personalized care, promoting an emotionally supportive and welcoming environment

during pregnancy. This approach aims not only to ensure the physical health of the mother and fetus,

but also to improve the psychological and emotional well-being of women during pregnancy, which

can have a positive impact on maternal and fetal outcomes. Studies have shown that a humanized

approach is a determining factor in reducing complications during pregnancy and childbirth, as well

as strengthening the bond between mother and baby. This summary seeks to analyze the inuence

of humanized care during prenatal care on maternal and fetal outcomes, discussing the importance

of welcoming and personalized practices for increasing the quality of care. It also examines how

humanized care can have a positive impact on both the physical and emotional health of pregnant

women, promoting more favorable outcomes for mother and baby. This study used a qualitative

methodology based on a literature review, focusing on humanization practices in prenatal care,

exploring their impact on maternal and fetal health and public policy guidelines in Brazil. Humanized

prenatal care involves practices such as respect for the autonomy of the pregnant woman, active

listening, inclusion of the family in the process and psychological support, as well as comprehensive

care for the woman’s physical health. Research shows that pregnant women who receive this type of

care have lower rates of anxiety and depression, factors that are associated with obstetric complications

and negative outcomes. In addition, humanized care contributes to pregnant women’s adherence to

prenatal appointments and tests, reducing the risks of premature births, low birth weight and neonatal

mortality. Care that respects a woman’s individuality also facilitates the control of conditions such

as hypertension and gestational diabetes, promoting a safer pregnancy. Humanized prenatal care

therefore plays a crucial role in maternal and fetal outcomes, promoting a healthier pregnancy and

reducing the risks associated with labour and birth. In addition to improving the physical health of

15 Iguaçu University, Campus V

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the mother and fetus, humanized care strengthens the emotional health of the pregnant woman and

facilitates the mother-baby bond, factors that are essential for the healthy development of the newborn.

The implementation of humanized practices in health services is therefore a fundamental strategy for

improving the quality of prenatal care and promoting better outcomes for mothers and babies.

Keywords: Prenatal care. Gynecology and Obstetrics; Women’s Health.

INTRODUCTION

Humanized prenatal care represents an essential component in promoting maternal-fetal

health and ensuring a more positive care experience for pregnant women. This model of care, which

prioritizes active listening, welcoming, and respect for the individual needs of each woman, has

been associated with signicant improvements in maternal-fetal outcomes, reducing gestational

complications and improving the mental health of patients. Studies indicate that women who receive

humanized prenatal care have greater adherence to consultations, which facilitates the early detection

of risk factors and allows timely interventions, directly impacting the health of the mother and baby

(Oliveira and Santos, 2021).

In addition to the clinical benets, humanized prenatal care strengthens trust between the

pregnant woman and the health professional, which is essential for coping with the anxieties and

uncertainties common during pregnancy. According to Gomes and Souza (2019), this relationship of

trust improves the experience of pregnant women and favors female empowerment, by encouraging

women to actively participate in the care process and to make informed decisions about their health

and that of the fetus. Thus, the humanization of care contributes to increasing patient satisfaction and

strengthening a comprehensive and person-centered approach to care (Gomes and Souza, 2019).

In addition, the humanized approach to prenatal care is also aligned with public health

guidelines, which aim to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates. The Brazilian Ministry of

Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) have emphasized the importance of humanized

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prenatal care practices to improve the quality of care and reduce inequalities in access to care during

pregnancy (Ministry of Health, 2021; WHO, 2018). These guidelines encourage welcoming and care

actions that consider the cultural and socioeconomic specicities of each woman, expanding the reach

of effective and inclusive care (Ministry of Health, 2021).

In short, humanized prenatal care emerges as a fundamental strategy to improve maternal-

fetal outcomes, providing quality, empathetic and individualized care. By valuing the pregnant woman

as the protagonist of her care, this model strengthens the woman’s autonomy and ensures adequate

emotional support, aspects that are positively reected in both the physical and emotional health of

the mother and baby (Silva et al., 2020).

This study seeks to analyze the inuence of humanized care during prenatal care on maternal-

fetal outcomes, discussing the importance of welcoming and personalized practices to increase the

quality of care. It also examines how humanized care can positively impact both the physical and

emotional health of pregnant women, promoting more favorable outcomes for mother and baby.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the elaboration of this study, a qualitative methodology based on a literature review was

used, focusing on humanization practices in prenatal care, exploring its impact on maternal-fetal

health and public policy guidelines in Brazil.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Publication Period: Articles published between **2018 and 2022**.

- Thematic Focus: Studies on humanization and prenatal care practices, with emphasis on

bonding, professional training, and family involvement.

- Geographic Origin: National and international publications, focusing on public health

guidelines and local experiences in Brazil.

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Exclusion Criteria:

- Articles that do not address humanized prenatal care or that focus exclusively on obstetric

care without emphasis on humanization.

- Studies that do not present an analysis of the public health context or do not describe

impacts on maternal-fetal health.

- Publications without peer review.

Search Strategy and Boolean Operators:

- AND: to combine relevant themes (e.g., “humanization” AND “prenatal”).

- OR: to consider different perspectives or approaches (e.g., “professional training” OR

“humanized care”).

- NOT: to exclude irrelevant topics (e.g., “obstetric care” NOT: “humanization”).

Guiding Question:

What are the practices and challenges of humanization in prenatal care and how do they

impact maternal-fetal health, particularly in vulnerable contexts?

THEORETICAL FOUNDATION

The development of humanized prenatal care involves a series of practices and approaches

that seek to transform care into a more welcoming and effective process, focused on the specic

needs of each pregnant woman. One of the main strategies for the humanization of prenatal care

is the implementation of consultations that value active listening and dialogue between the health

professional and the pregnant woman. This type of interaction strengthens the relationship of trust

and contributes to the reduction of stress and anxiety levels in women, factors that can negatively

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impact pregnancy. In addition, clear and effective communication allows pregnant women to better

understand their health process and make informed decisions about their care and that of the fetus

(Amaral et al., 2020).

Another fundamental aspect of humanized care is the personalization of care, taking into

account the social, cultural, and psychological context of each pregnant woman. Thus, humanized care

requires health professionals to adapt their practices and orientations to better meet the diversity of

situations experienced by women during pregnancy. In regions with high rates of social vulnerability,

for example, humanization can mean psychological support and more intensive follow-up, in order

to ensure that socioeconomic barriers do not negatively interfere with the outcome of pregnancy. For

pregnant women in situations of greater vulnerability, humanized care can be a decisive factor in

adherence to prenatal care and adequate care for maternal-fetal health (Santos et al., 2021).

The training and qualication of health professionals for humanized practices is another

central point to ensure the quality of prenatal care. According to recent studies, such as that of Nogueira

and Costa (2019), it is essential that doctors, nurses, and other professionals are trained to understand

the emotional and social specicities of pregnant women, in addition to the technical aspects of

care. These training programs include the development of skills in active listening, empathy, and

communication, with the aim of reducing the mechanistic view of care and promoting a more holistic

approach. The continuous training of professionals also contributes to the reduction of unnecessary

interventionist practices, in line with the humanization guidelines recommended by the World Health

Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health (Nogueira and Costa, 2019).

In addition, humanization in prenatal care includes valuing the role of the family and the

support network of the pregnant woman. Souza et al. (2020) highlight that the involvement of family

members, partners, and other close people in the pregnancy process brings signicant emotional

benets to the pregnant woman and contributes to a more welcoming and safe environment. This

support can be essential for pregnant women who are facing emotional or socioeconomic difculties,

as it offers a support network that helps to strengthen their self-condence and resilience during

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pregnancy. The involvement of the support network also facilitates adherence to prenatal care and

strengthens the bond between mother and baby (Souza et al., 2020).

Therefore, humanization in prenatal care requires the adoption of practices that prioritize

emotional well-being, welcoming, and personalization of care for the needs of pregnant women.

Each of these approaches contributes to the development of comprehensive care that values women

as protagonists of their health process. The implementation of public health policies that encourage

humanization in prenatal care, such as training programs and investments in infrastructure, is also

essential to ensure that all women have access to quality care, regardless of their social or economic

condition (Oliveira et al., 2022).

CONCLUSION

It is therefore concluded that humanized prenatal care highlights the relevance of practices

that promote comprehensive and welcoming care for pregnant women, especially considering the

positive impacts that this care can have on maternal-fetal outcomes. The study showed that humanized

prenatal care goes beyond the simple performance of exams and periodic consultations, also covering

emotional support, valuing active listening and respect for the particularities of each pregnant woman.

By incorporating these elements, humanized care favors a more positive and safe experience, reducing

anxiety and promoting an environment of mutual trust between the woman and the health team.

The importance of training health professionals to develop communication and empathy

skills was also essential for the effectiveness of humanized care. Well-trained professionals are

able to approach each case individually, which contributes to adherence to prenatal care and to the

improvement of maternal and neonatal health. In addition, the inclusion of family members and the

construction of a support network strengthen the pregnant woman’s self-condence and improve the

affective bond between mother and baby, proving to be an important component in the context of

humanized care.

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The development of public policies that encourage and facilitate the implementation of

humanized prenatal care is a fundamental measure to ensure that this type of care is accessible to all

women, regardless of their socioeconomic condition. Investments in training, adequate infrastructure,

and education programs for pregnant women and their families can help transform prenatal care

into a moment of woman-centered care, contributing to healthier and more satisfactory outcomes for

mothers and babies.

Thus, humanized prenatal care is an indispensable practice for the advancement of maternal

and child health, promoting not only the physical well-being, but also the emotional strengthening

of pregnant women. Encouraging and expanding these practices can contribute to a fairer and more

accessible care model, in line with the principles of equity and respect for human rights, ensuring that

all women have access to quality and respectful prenatal care.

REFERENCES

Silva, L. M., Martins, P. C., & Ribeiro, T. A. (2020). The importance of humanized prenatal care for

maternal-fetal health. Brazilian Journal of Women’s Health, 18(1), 45-52.

Oliveira, R. S., & Santos, J. L. (2021). Prenatal care and humanization: Inuences on the follow-up of

pregnant women. Cadernos de Saúde Pública, 37(4), e00012321.

Gomes, A. C., & Souza, V. T. (2019). The construction of bonds in prenatal care: The perspective of

humanization. Revista Saúde em Debate, 43(122), 234-245.

Ministry of Health. (2021). Guidelines for humanized prenatal care in Brazil. Ministry of Health.

World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive

pregnancy experience.

Amaral, M. B., Lima, C. F., & Silva, R. A. (2020). Active listening and humanization in prenatal care:

Impacts on maternal health. Brazilian Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 32(2), 145-153.

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Santos, E. M., Almeida, F. C., & Lopes, T. R. (2021). The humanization of prenatal care in vulnerable

contexts. Brazilian Journal of Maternal and Child Health, 21(3), 456-462.

Nogueira, A. R., & Costa, M. H. (2019). Professional training and humanization in prenatal care: A

case study. Journal of Public Health, 53(1), e2021005.

Souza, L. M., Pereira, T. A., & Andrade, J. A. (2020). Family involvement in prenatal care: Inuences

on the mental health of pregnant women. Journal of Psychology & Health, 15(1), 87-94.

Oliveira, J. A., Santos, G. B., & Melo, D. C. (2022). Public policies and humanization in prenatal care

in Brazil. Revista de Saúde Pública, 56, e100287.