NURSING CARE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN IN A CONTEXT OF SOCIAL VULNERABILITY: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT

Abstract

Prenatal care is essential for maternal and child health, preventing complications and reducing morbidity and mortality. In Brazil, Primary Health Care, guided by the PNAB, constitutes the main space for low-risk follow-up, with nursing playing a central role in comprehensive and humanized care. However, socioeconomic and cultural factors hinder access to and the quality of prenatal care, especially among pregnant women in situations of social vulnerability. This experience report, developed during the Supervised Curricular Internship in a Primary Health Unit in the countryside of Paraíba between July and September 2025, analyzed nursing practices in the follow-up of vulnerable pregnant women, based on critical reflection and references on women’s health and social vulnerability. The experience highlighted the Primary Health Unit as a strategic entry point but revealed challenges such as late initiation of prenatal care, missed appointments, transportation difficulties, low education levels, and a predominance of adolescent pregnant women. Beyond material barriers, emotional impacts were observed, such as fear, anxiety, and insecurity. In this context, nursing stood out for its welcoming approach, qualified listening, accessible language, and emotional support, favoring adherence and continuity of care. It is concluded that nursing care goes beyond technical practice, requiring empathy and ethical commitment, as well as the strengthening of public policies that expand access and reduce social inequalities.