Prenatal care Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(4):170-175
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011000400004
PURPOSE: to evaluate the frequency of HIV tests performed during prenatal care and rapid tests ordered for pregnant women admitted at the time of delivery. METHOD: this was a cross-sectional study with 711 pregnant women at delivery during the period from January to July 2010. Women admitted for clinical control and those that did not allow their clinical data to be included in the study were excluded. The χ² test or the Fisher's Exact test was used for comparison of the proportion in univariate analysis. All the variables with p<0.25 were included in the logistic regression model, called initial model. The analyses were carried out using the SPSS software, with the level of significance set at 5%. RESULTS: the mean age of the patients was 25.77±6.7 years and the maximum and minimum age was 44 and 12 years, respectively. The average gestational age at the time of attendance was 38.41±6.7 weeks. Of these patients, 96.3% (n=685) had prenatal care and 11.1% (n=79) received prenatal care at our facility. The average number of prenatal care visits was 6.85±2.88, but 28.1% had less than six visits. We identified 10 HIV-positive pregnant women (1.4%) and two patients were known to be HIV positive. The others (n=8) were screened at birth and therefore did not receive ARV prophylaxis during the prenatal period. Three patients were admitted during the expulsion period and also did not receive intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. However, all newborns were evaluated, with lactation being suppressed and artificial milk being used. CONCLUSIONS: despite the measures established by the Ministry of Health, there are still flaws in the approach to these patients. Only with the participation of managers and professionals involved in care it will be possible to correct the direct actions that enable the effective prevention of vertical transmission of HIV.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(4):170-175
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011000400004
PURPOSE: to evaluate the frequency of HIV tests performed during prenatal care and rapid tests ordered for pregnant women admitted at the time of delivery. METHOD: this was a cross-sectional study with 711 pregnant women at delivery during the period from January to July 2010. Women admitted for clinical control and those that did not allow their clinical data to be included in the study were excluded. The χ² test or the Fisher's Exact test was used for comparison of the proportion in univariate analysis. All the variables with p<0.25 were included in the logistic regression model, called initial model. The analyses were carried out using the SPSS software, with the level of significance set at 5%. RESULTS: the mean age of the patients was 25.77±6.7 years and the maximum and minimum age was 44 and 12 years, respectively. The average gestational age at the time of attendance was 38.41±6.7 weeks. Of these patients, 96.3% (n=685) had prenatal care and 11.1% (n=79) received prenatal care at our facility. The average number of prenatal care visits was 6.85±2.88, but 28.1% had less than six visits. We identified 10 HIV-positive pregnant women (1.4%) and two patients were known to be HIV positive. The others (n=8) were screened at birth and therefore did not receive ARV prophylaxis during the prenatal period. Three patients were admitted during the expulsion period and also did not receive intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. However, all newborns were evaluated, with lactation being suppressed and artificial milk being used. CONCLUSIONS: despite the measures established by the Ministry of Health, there are still flaws in the approach to these patients. Only with the participation of managers and professionals involved in care it will be possible to correct the direct actions that enable the effective prevention of vertical transmission of HIV.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(2):93-98
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011000200007
PURPOSE: to estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women. METHODS: a cross-sectional retrospective study based on the records of women screened for toxoplasmosis by the Pregnancy Protection Program in 2008, living in Goiânia (GO). These records were connected to records from the database of the National Information System on Live Births from the State of Goiás. The process occurred in three phases, with 10,316 records being paired for analysis, among the 12,846 initial records. The following variables were evaluated in this process: woman's name, age, date of birth, estimated date of delivery, date of infant birth and household information. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were detected with the Q-Preven Toxo IgG and IgMin tests in dried blood samples collected on filter paper. The χ2 test and χ2 test for trend were used for data analysis, and the odds ratio (OR) was used to estimate the chance of association between exposure and outcome. RESULTS: the prevalence of infection was 67.7%, with 0.7% of the samples presenting anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG reagents. Out of these, only three did not undergo confirmatory testing in venous blood. The median interval between the screening and the new collection of venous blood was of 12.5 days, and from screening to confirmatory test and avidity it was of 20 days. The variables associated with exposure were: age 20-30 years, OR=1.6 and >31 years, OR=1.8; brown skin color, OR=1.4, and black skin color, OR=1.6; and education of 8-11 years, OR=0.7, and >12 years of education, OR=0.6. CONCLUSION: a high prevalence of infection was estimated among the studied pregnant women. The associated factors that were found found should be considered during prenatal care, along with educational activities for the prevention of infection and assessment of serological status of seronegative pregnant women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(2):93-98
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011000200007
PURPOSE: to estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women. METHODS: a cross-sectional retrospective study based on the records of women screened for toxoplasmosis by the Pregnancy Protection Program in 2008, living in Goiânia (GO). These records were connected to records from the database of the National Information System on Live Births from the State of Goiás. The process occurred in three phases, with 10,316 records being paired for analysis, among the 12,846 initial records. The following variables were evaluated in this process: woman's name, age, date of birth, estimated date of delivery, date of infant birth and household information. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were detected with the Q-Preven Toxo IgG and IgMin tests in dried blood samples collected on filter paper. The χ2 test and χ2 test for trend were used for data analysis, and the odds ratio (OR) was used to estimate the chance of association between exposure and outcome. RESULTS: the prevalence of infection was 67.7%, with 0.7% of the samples presenting anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG reagents. Out of these, only three did not undergo confirmatory testing in venous blood. The median interval between the screening and the new collection of venous blood was of 12.5 days, and from screening to confirmatory test and avidity it was of 20 days. The variables associated with exposure were: age 20-30 years, OR=1.6 and >31 years, OR=1.8; brown skin color, OR=1.4, and black skin color, OR=1.6; and education of 8-11 years, OR=0.7, and >12 years of education, OR=0.6. CONCLUSION: a high prevalence of infection was estimated among the studied pregnant women. The associated factors that were found found should be considered during prenatal care, along with educational activities for the prevention of infection and assessment of serological status of seronegative pregnant women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(2):81-86
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011000200005
PURPOSE: to determine the prevalence of adverse gestational and neonatal outcomes in women with a positive screening and negative diagnosis for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 2000 to 2009 on 409 women with positive screening for GDM. The maternal variables studied were: age, body mass index, history of cesarean section, macrosomia or diabetes mellitus in a previous pregnancy and a personal or family history of diabetes mellitus and chronic arterial hypertension. The neonatal variables studied were: polyhydramnios, gestational age at birth, prematurity, cesarean delivery, large for gestational age (LGA) newborn, macrosomia, Apgar score, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, hypoglycemia and hyperbilirubinemia. Uni- and multivariate descriptive analyses were first performed regarding risk factors and neonatal outcome and the prevalences and respective 95% confidence intervals were determined. RESULTS: the route of delivery was cesarian section in 255 cases (62.3%), preterm birth occurred in 14.2% of cases and 19.3% of the newborns were LGA. The risk factors correlated with LGA newborns were overweight or obesity, maternal age and a history of macrosomia in a previous pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: a high rate of LGA newborns was observed in the population with positive risk factors or altered fasting glycemia on the occasion of the first prenatal visit, even when the glycemia curve was normal, with cesarean rates above those habitually observed in populations considered to be of low risk. Pregnant women with these characteristics represent a differential group.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(2):81-86
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011000200005
PURPOSE: to determine the prevalence of adverse gestational and neonatal outcomes in women with a positive screening and negative diagnosis for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 2000 to 2009 on 409 women with positive screening for GDM. The maternal variables studied were: age, body mass index, history of cesarean section, macrosomia or diabetes mellitus in a previous pregnancy and a personal or family history of diabetes mellitus and chronic arterial hypertension. The neonatal variables studied were: polyhydramnios, gestational age at birth, prematurity, cesarean delivery, large for gestational age (LGA) newborn, macrosomia, Apgar score, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, hypoglycemia and hyperbilirubinemia. Uni- and multivariate descriptive analyses were first performed regarding risk factors and neonatal outcome and the prevalences and respective 95% confidence intervals were determined. RESULTS: the route of delivery was cesarian section in 255 cases (62.3%), preterm birth occurred in 14.2% of cases and 19.3% of the newborns were LGA. The risk factors correlated with LGA newborns were overweight or obesity, maternal age and a history of macrosomia in a previous pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: a high rate of LGA newborns was observed in the population with positive risk factors or altered fasting glycemia on the occasion of the first prenatal visit, even when the glycemia curve was normal, with cesarean rates above those habitually observed in populations considered to be of low risk. Pregnant women with these characteristics represent a differential group.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(11):563-569
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010001100008
PURPOSE: to evaluate the evolution of adequacy of the care process among pregnant users of the Brazilian Single Health System (SUS, acronym in Portuguese) and to consolidate a methodology for monitoring the prenatal care. METHODS: this is a multiple time series study with auditing of prenatal cards of pregnant women who were attended for prenatal care in a city of the Brazilian Southeast (Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais) in the initial semesters of 2002 and 2004 (370 and 1,200 cards, respectively) and gave birth using SUS services in term pregnancies (p < 0.05). A three complementary level sequence was respected: utilization of prenatal care (beginning and number of visits) at level 1; utilization of prenatal care and obligatory clinical-obstetric procedures during prenatal visits (assessment of blood pressure (BP), weight, uterine fundal height (FH), gestational age (GA), fetal heart rate (FHR) and fetal presentation) at level 2; and utilization of prenatal care, obligatory clinical-obstetric procedures and basic laboratory tests, according to the Humanization Program of Prenatal Care and Birth (PHPN, acronym in Portuguese) (ABO/Rh, hemoglobin/hematocrit (Hb/Htc), VDRL, glycemia and urinalisys) at level 3. RESULTS: it was confirmed the high prenatal care coverage (99%), the increased mean number of visits per pregnant woman (6.4 versus 7.2%) and the decreased gestational age at the time of the first visit (17.4 versus 15.7 weeks). The proper registration of procedures and exams (exceptions: fetal presentation and blood typing) has significantly increased: BP (77.8 versus 83.9%); weight (75.4 versus 83.5%); FH (72.7 versus 81.3%); GA (58.1 versus 71.5%); FHR (79.5 versus 86.7%); Hb/Htc (14.9 versus 29%), VDRL (11.1 versus 20.7%), glycemia (16.5 versus 29%) and urinalisys (13.8 versus 29.8%). As a result, there was significant (p < 0.001) improvement of the adequacy between 2002 and 2004: 27.6 versus 44.8% (level 1); 7.8 versus 15.4% (level 2); 1.1 versus 4.5% (level 3). This trend was also noted in care provided by the majority of the municipal services/teams. CONCLUSIONS: the persistence of low adequacy, despite good coverage and PHPN implementation, confirmed the need to increase health managers, professionals and users' compliance with the rules and routines of care, including the institutionalization of a monitoring program of prenatal care.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(11):563-569
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010001100008
PURPOSE: to evaluate the evolution of adequacy of the care process among pregnant users of the Brazilian Single Health System (SUS, acronym in Portuguese) and to consolidate a methodology for monitoring the prenatal care. METHODS: this is a multiple time series study with auditing of prenatal cards of pregnant women who were attended for prenatal care in a city of the Brazilian Southeast (Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais) in the initial semesters of 2002 and 2004 (370 and 1,200 cards, respectively) and gave birth using SUS services in term pregnancies (p < 0.05). A three complementary level sequence was respected: utilization of prenatal care (beginning and number of visits) at level 1; utilization of prenatal care and obligatory clinical-obstetric procedures during prenatal visits (assessment of blood pressure (BP), weight, uterine fundal height (FH), gestational age (GA), fetal heart rate (FHR) and fetal presentation) at level 2; and utilization of prenatal care, obligatory clinical-obstetric procedures and basic laboratory tests, according to the Humanization Program of Prenatal Care and Birth (PHPN, acronym in Portuguese) (ABO/Rh, hemoglobin/hematocrit (Hb/Htc), VDRL, glycemia and urinalisys) at level 3. RESULTS: it was confirmed the high prenatal care coverage (99%), the increased mean number of visits per pregnant woman (6.4 versus 7.2%) and the decreased gestational age at the time of the first visit (17.4 versus 15.7 weeks). The proper registration of procedures and exams (exceptions: fetal presentation and blood typing) has significantly increased: BP (77.8 versus 83.9%); weight (75.4 versus 83.5%); FH (72.7 versus 81.3%); GA (58.1 versus 71.5%); FHR (79.5 versus 86.7%); Hb/Htc (14.9 versus 29%), VDRL (11.1 versus 20.7%), glycemia (16.5 versus 29%) and urinalisys (13.8 versus 29.8%). As a result, there was significant (p < 0.001) improvement of the adequacy between 2002 and 2004: 27.6 versus 44.8% (level 1); 7.8 versus 15.4% (level 2); 1.1 versus 4.5% (level 3). This trend was also noted in care provided by the majority of the municipal services/teams. CONCLUSIONS: the persistence of low adequacy, despite good coverage and PHPN implementation, confirmed the need to increase health managers, professionals and users' compliance with the rules and routines of care, including the institutionalization of a monitoring program of prenatal care.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(8):398-404
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000800007
PURPOSE: to evaluate the characteristics regarding care of Bolivian pregnant women and their outcomes in Hospital Municipal Vereador José Storopolli. METHODS: a cross-sectional retrospective case-control study comparing two groups of pregnant women from 2003 to 2007. The Study Group included 312 Bolivian pregnant women and the Control Group, 314 Brazilian women. The groups were compared with respect to demographic variables, the presence of maternal complications and perinatal outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed by χ2 test and, when necessary, by applying Yates' correction. RESULTS: compared to Brazilian mothers, a smaller number of Bolivian women received prenatal care (16.4 versus 5.1%, p<0.001) and among those that did, the percentage of those who had less than five visits was higher (50 versus 19.3%, p<0.001). Compared to the Brazilian group, the Bolivian group had fewer unwed mothers (12.1 versus 25.4%, p<0.001) and a lower number of nulliparous women (34.1 versus 43.6%, p=0.017). Congenital syphilis had a higher incidence in the Bolivian group (2.9 versus 0.5%, p<0.05), as well as a higher number of newborns classified as large for gestational age (14.6 versus 5.8%, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: the failure to attend prenatal care or its completion with an inadequate number of consultations, and the higher number of cases of congenital syphilis observed among the Bolivian women show the great vulnerability of this ethnic minority group to health problems. Consequently, it is necessary a strategic planning of the sectors responsible for coordinating assistance in our country, in order to reduce this disparity, either through socio-economic improvements or by the implementation of health care tailored to the needs of this group.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(8):398-404
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000800007
PURPOSE: to evaluate the characteristics regarding care of Bolivian pregnant women and their outcomes in Hospital Municipal Vereador José Storopolli. METHODS: a cross-sectional retrospective case-control study comparing two groups of pregnant women from 2003 to 2007. The Study Group included 312 Bolivian pregnant women and the Control Group, 314 Brazilian women. The groups were compared with respect to demographic variables, the presence of maternal complications and perinatal outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed by χ2 test and, when necessary, by applying Yates' correction. RESULTS: compared to Brazilian mothers, a smaller number of Bolivian women received prenatal care (16.4 versus 5.1%, p<0.001) and among those that did, the percentage of those who had less than five visits was higher (50 versus 19.3%, p<0.001). Compared to the Brazilian group, the Bolivian group had fewer unwed mothers (12.1 versus 25.4%, p<0.001) and a lower number of nulliparous women (34.1 versus 43.6%, p=0.017). Congenital syphilis had a higher incidence in the Bolivian group (2.9 versus 0.5%, p<0.05), as well as a higher number of newborns classified as large for gestational age (14.6 versus 5.8%, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: the failure to attend prenatal care or its completion with an inadequate number of consultations, and the higher number of cases of congenital syphilis observed among the Bolivian women show the great vulnerability of this ethnic minority group to health problems. Consequently, it is necessary a strategic planning of the sectors responsible for coordinating assistance in our country, in order to reduce this disparity, either through socio-economic improvements or by the implementation of health care tailored to the needs of this group.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(4):184-190
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000400006
PURPOSE: to analyze the clinical and epidemiological profile, the outcome of pregnancy and the vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected pregnant women receiving prenatal care at the University Hospital of Santa Maria (HUSM). METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 139 HIV-infected pregnant women attended at the High-Risk Prenatal Care Outpatient Clinic of HUSM, during the period from August 2002 to August 2007, with at least two prenatal visits in this service. Data were collected by an interview and by filling out a research protocol during a prenatal visit. The protocol was attached to the medical records of the patient and kept until the outcome of gestation. Descriptive analysis of quantitative variables was performed using the SPSS software, version 15.0. RESULTS: The mean age of the 139 pregnant women studied was 25.6 years (±5.8), 79 (56.8%) were white, 81 (58.5%) were married or lived in a stable union, and 90 (65.0%) had less than eight years of schooling. Fifty-one percent of the pregnant women already had two or more children, with a number of children higher than the mean for the state. The infection was diagnosed during the present or a previous pregnancy in more than 70.0% cases. Sexual exposure occurred in 97.0%, and in 59.6% of cases the partner was known to be infected. During the study period, among the cases properly monitored, only one newborn (0.7%) was infected with HIV. CONCLUSIONS: Young women in a socioeconomic situation of vulnerability, with low schooling and multiparous represent the majority of HIV-positive pregnant women attended at the service. Evaluations performed during the prenatal period were relevant for the diagnosis of infection in most cases. An early diagnosis associated with proper clinical, obstetrical and psychological monitoring and with nursing care is important to provide appropriate treatment compliance and a reduction of the rates of vertical transmission.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(4):184-190
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000400006
PURPOSE: to analyze the clinical and epidemiological profile, the outcome of pregnancy and the vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected pregnant women receiving prenatal care at the University Hospital of Santa Maria (HUSM). METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 139 HIV-infected pregnant women attended at the High-Risk Prenatal Care Outpatient Clinic of HUSM, during the period from August 2002 to August 2007, with at least two prenatal visits in this service. Data were collected by an interview and by filling out a research protocol during a prenatal visit. The protocol was attached to the medical records of the patient and kept until the outcome of gestation. Descriptive analysis of quantitative variables was performed using the SPSS software, version 15.0. RESULTS: The mean age of the 139 pregnant women studied was 25.6 years (±5.8), 79 (56.8%) were white, 81 (58.5%) were married or lived in a stable union, and 90 (65.0%) had less than eight years of schooling. Fifty-one percent of the pregnant women already had two or more children, with a number of children higher than the mean for the state. The infection was diagnosed during the present or a previous pregnancy in more than 70.0% cases. Sexual exposure occurred in 97.0%, and in 59.6% of cases the partner was known to be infected. During the study period, among the cases properly monitored, only one newborn (0.7%) was infected with HIV. CONCLUSIONS: Young women in a socioeconomic situation of vulnerability, with low schooling and multiparous represent the majority of HIV-positive pregnant women attended at the service. Evaluations performed during the prenatal period were relevant for the diagnosis of infection in most cases. An early diagnosis associated with proper clinical, obstetrical and psychological monitoring and with nursing care is important to provide appropriate treatment compliance and a reduction of the rates of vertical transmission.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2009;31(9):440-446
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032009000900004
PURPOSE: to verify the occurrence ratio of pica in pregnant women and its impact on the mother and newborn health. METHODS: prospective study with 227 adult pregnant women and their newborns treated at the Maternity School of Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, between 2005 and 2006. Pica has been considered as the ingestion of inedible substances or atypical food combinations. The data was collected was done by medical chart review and interview. RESULTS: Pica was referred to by 14.4% of the women, 42.1% of whom practiced it daily. The onset occurred in the second gestational trimester in 46.7% of the cases, and, in the third trimester, in 30% of them. Among the alleged reasons, 65% of the women were unable to give them, 15% declared relief of nausea and heartburn and 10% reported reduced stress and anxiety. The practice in the previous gestation/puerperium was referred to by 15% of the women. Pica was not associated with the maternal anthropometric condition, the skin color, the marital status, the maternal schooling and the presence of parasitosis. There was no difference between the average of the total family income and the number of gestations for the women who did or did not have pica. Pica was associated with gestational anemia (p<0.009) and gestational intercurrences (OR=3.5; CI95%=1.6-7.9). As for the baby, pica did not interfere in the health parameters at birth: weight, gestational age and intercurrences. CONCLUSIONS: pica must be investigated at prenatal assistance and recognized as a risk factor for the mother's health.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2009;31(9):440-446
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032009000900004
PURPOSE: to verify the occurrence ratio of pica in pregnant women and its impact on the mother and newborn health. METHODS: prospective study with 227 adult pregnant women and their newborns treated at the Maternity School of Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, between 2005 and 2006. Pica has been considered as the ingestion of inedible substances or atypical food combinations. The data was collected was done by medical chart review and interview. RESULTS: Pica was referred to by 14.4% of the women, 42.1% of whom practiced it daily. The onset occurred in the second gestational trimester in 46.7% of the cases, and, in the third trimester, in 30% of them. Among the alleged reasons, 65% of the women were unable to give them, 15% declared relief of nausea and heartburn and 10% reported reduced stress and anxiety. The practice in the previous gestation/puerperium was referred to by 15% of the women. Pica was not associated with the maternal anthropometric condition, the skin color, the marital status, the maternal schooling and the presence of parasitosis. There was no difference between the average of the total family income and the number of gestations for the women who did or did not have pica. Pica was associated with gestational anemia (p<0.009) and gestational intercurrences (OR=3.5; CI95%=1.6-7.9). As for the baby, pica did not interfere in the health parameters at birth: weight, gestational age and intercurrences. CONCLUSIONS: pica must be investigated at prenatal assistance and recognized as a risk factor for the mother's health.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2009;31(7):367-374
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032009000700008
A good quality prenatal assistance is essential to warrant perinatal and maternal health. Nowadays, due to the evolution of diagnostic methods and the change in illness prevalence, such as the increase in diabetes and sexually transmitted diseases, several propedeutic procedures are available. This introduces further difficulty for clinicians to select the most adequate procedures and when to apply them during gestation, assuring the best results for both mother and infant. The present review aimed at evaluating the main prenatal routine tests on the basis of the best scientific evidence presently available.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2009;31(7):367-374
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032009000700008
A good quality prenatal assistance is essential to warrant perinatal and maternal health. Nowadays, due to the evolution of diagnostic methods and the change in illness prevalence, such as the increase in diabetes and sexually transmitted diseases, several propedeutic procedures are available. This introduces further difficulty for clinicians to select the most adequate procedures and when to apply them during gestation, assuring the best results for both mother and infant. The present review aimed at evaluating the main prenatal routine tests on the basis of the best scientific evidence presently available.
