Experiences of Pregnant Women and Professionals in the Gestational Follow-up Program-Prenatal Care

Abstract: The SUS pregnancy follow-up program is a crucial component of the humanization proposal. The aim of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to understand the experience lived by pregnant women and health professionals within this context, based on the Person-Centered Approach. Participants included 11 pregnant women and 12 professionals from different specialties. Six dialogical encounters were held with groups of professionals and pregnant women separately. The results revealed: (a) professionals’ difficulty with the embracement of emotional expressions from pregnant women, (b) good relationships between professionals act as a protective shield against daily challenges, (c) the mismatch between SUS guidelines and practical experiences affects both professionals and pregnant women, and (d) pregnant women do not feel psychologically supported during pregnancy. The presence of psychologists as members of SUS health teams is essential for matrix support, the promotion of embracement and empathetic listening to pregnant women, thereby consolidating humanization.