PRE-NATAL, BIRTH AND PUERPERIUM IN THE SUS: CHALLENGES FOR HUMANIZED CARE, MEDICAL, NURSING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CARE

Abstract

Care during prenatal, childbirth and the puerperium within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) represents a central axis of women’s health policies, guided by the principles of humanization and comprehensive care. This chapter aims to analyze the challenges involved in implementing humanized care, with emphasis on medical, nursing and psychological follow-up throughout the pregnancy– puerperal cycle. The methodology consists of a narrative literature review based on official documents from the Brazilian Ministry of Health and studies by authors such as Cecílio, Merhy, Ayres and Diniz, who discuss care models, humanization and interdisciplinary practices in SUS. The results highlight normative advances, such as the Rede Cegonha strategy, while also revealing persistent weaknesses related to fragmented care, excessive medicalization of childbirth, service overload and insufficient integration of psychological support. Evidence indicates that coordinated actions among physicians, nurses and psychologists contribute to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes, strengthening bonding, women’s autonomy and respect for their choices. It is concluded that consolidating humanized care during prenatal, childbirth and the puerperium requires investment in professional training, multiprofessional teamwork and service reorganization, ensuring continuous, welcoming and woman-centered care within SUS.