Social representations of pregnant women about high-risk pregnancy: repercussions for prenatal care

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the Social Representations of pregnant women about high-risk pregnancy and its repercussions for prenatal care. Method: Qualitative study, based on the procedural aspect of the Theory of Social Representations, carried out with 62 high-risk prenatal pregnant women at a High Complexity Maternity, in Belém, PA, Brazil. Data from semi-structured interviews were processed by the software Interface de R pour les Analyzes Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires. Results: Four categories emerged, in which three dimensions of the Theory composing the genesis of Social Representations are considered: the affective dimension, the biological dimension and the sociocultural dimension. Conclusion: Affects, negative feelings, and adaptations were revealed, with high-risk pregnancy being represented as an unusual and uncomfortable event, influenced by common sense and science, communication means, and dialogues with health professionals, with family support being considered of paramount importance. and prenatal care a propitious moment for establishing bonds with the health professional, seen as essential for their adherence to the care offered.