Quality of antenatal care and parturition in Brazil: comparison between the 2013 and 2019 National Health Survey

Abstract The aim is to estimate the prevalence and compare quality indicators of prenatal and childbirth care for Brazilian women. A cross-sectional study with secondary, public, and representative data of the Brazilian population. Women aged 18-49 who responded to the National Health Survey were considered. The prevalence of indicators was estimated with 95% confidence intervals, considering differences between 2013 and 2019. In both periods, high prenatal coverage (> 95%) was observed, predominantly through the Unified Health System (SUS) (> 70%). There was an increase in the prevalence of information about the reference service for childbirth (75.1% to 83.2%) and the performance of the syphilis test (66.4% to 79.8%), although the prevalence is still below ideal. Most women gave birth through the SUS (70%), and the main professional involved in childbirth was the doctor (87%). The presence of companions during childbirth tripled in the evaluated years, but cesarean rates remain high. There have been advances in prenatal and childbirth care in Brazil in the two evaluated periods. However, challenges remain, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of syphilis, the inclusion of nurses in care, and the reduction of cesarean rates.