Prenatal care received and desired by women using psychoactive substances

Abstract

Objective: To describe the prenatal care received and desired by women who use psychoactive substances. Methods: This is a study with a qualitative approach, exploratory and descriptive; conducted at the Women’s Health Unit of a Teaching Hospital located in the South of Brazil. The participants were pregnant or postpartum women using PAS, hospitalized in the unit and over 18 years of age. Data collection took place from January to June 2023 through semi-structured interviews, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Most women reported feeling welcomed by health professionals, receiving support and guidance on the harms of substance use during the pregnancy-puerperal period, treated without judgment, and referred to specialized services. A fact that, in addition to meeting the desired care, also favors the relationship between professionals and users, as well as the reduction or abstinence of PAS. Conversely, when prenatal care moves away from this form of management, women may not disclose their use of PAS for fear of being judged. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for training health professionals who provide prenatal care to identify and address substance use during pregnancy.