Processo de gestar: percepções das gestantes primíparas assistidas pela Estratégia de Saúde da Família

Abstract

Pregnancy occurs when a sperm fertilizes an ovum and implantation takes place in the endometrium of the uterine cavity. This process causes several changes in different systems and organs of the female body. The transition, especially for primiparous women experiencing motherhood for the first time, is accompanied by doubts, uncertainties, insecurities, fears, and anxiety. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perceptions of primiparous pregnant women assisted by the Family Health Strategy regarding pregnancy. The study population consisted of 25 primiparous pregnant women over 18 years of age, all in their last trimester during the data collection period, assisted by the Family Health Strategy in the urban area of Picos, Piauí. Data collection was conducted between October and November 2025. A semi-structured interview script was used, addressing sociodemographic and economic characterization, clinical perception, and nursing care, along with open-ended questions related to women’s understanding of their first pregnancy, their experiences during this period, and their opinion on the nursing care offered in Primary Health Units. The qualitative analysis followed the thematic content approach proposed by Minayo. The study complied with the ethical guidelines established by Resolutions nº 466/2012 and nº 510/2016 of the Brazilian National Health Council, under approval nº 7.859.853. The results showed that most primiparous pregnant women were between 20 and 29 years old (68%), had completed high school (56%), and had a family income of one to two minimum wages (76%). Furthermore, 68% identified as brown-skinned and 60% lived in a stable union. Regarding the clinical profile, 88% attended six or more prenatal consultations and 90% initiated prenatal care in the first trimester. The findings revealed that pregnancy is experienced uniquely by each woman but permeated by similar feelings such as joy, fear, anxiety, and expectation. Physical and psychological transformations were described as intense experiences that require constant adaptation and emotional support. It was observed that the first pregnancy awakens in women both the desire for maternal fulfillment and concerns regarding responsibilities and risks inherent to motherhood.

Keywords: Women’s Health; Pregnancy; Parity; Primary Health Care.