Pré-natal odontológico: primeiras análises sobre sua realização em uma unidade de saúde de Santa Maria/RS

Abstract

Pregnancy is a physiological process that causes numerous sensations and changes in the women’s body. Ideally, prenatal care should be performed by a multidisciplinary team, in order to promote comprehensive health care. In this context, it is observed that oral health teams have gained space in prenatal care and they are considered as one of primordial parts in ensuring comprehensive care, since the pregnant woman’s oral health condition is associated with her general helth and, consequently, in the healthy development of te the fetus. That way, the aim of this study was to analyze the perceptions of pregnant women about dental follow-up during pregnancy for her health and baby’s health. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study, developed in Santa Maria, municipality of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The sample consisted of pregnant women of any trimester of pregnancy, who were in prenatal care in the Family Health Strategy during the collection period. For data collection, a self-administered questionnaire with information regarding the profile of pregnant women and, still, 14 objective questions with questions regarding oral health conditions and perceptions of pregnant women about dental prenatal care in Primary Care. 20 pregnant women participated in this study. The results reflect a possible lack of guidance, information and encouragement regarding oral care, situations that may be occurring due to low oral health coverage. Most pregnant women said they have a history of dental caries and have noticed oral changes during this period. They also said thet had heard about dental prenatal care and everyone believes that dental follow-up during pregnancy is important. Is was concluded that the perception of the pregnant women participating in this study was positive regarding dental follow-up during pregnancy, recognizing, for the most part, its importance. Most women also considered, her oral health as satisfactory, even if habits and customs regarding oral care have been observed that are not so beneficial and need to be worked on and improved. Thus, health promotion and education actions should be enhanced in order to improve dental prenatal care.