Epidemiological profile of mothers and preterm newborns

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological profile of mothers and preterm newborns in the northern region of Ceará, Brazil. Method: This is a descriptive-exploratory documentary study, with a quantitative approach, performed in a high risk obstetrics and neonatology referral hospital, with records from 2012. Results: The average age of women with preterm labor was 24 years-old, however with higher percentage being: adolescents, higher education, in a stable relationship and stay-at-home mothers. According to obstetrical information, there was a greater number of primigravida, which came to more than three prenatal visits and singleton gestations, by vaginal birth within 26 gestational weeks. Preterm labor was considered idiopathic in the majority of cases. It was observed that the newborns were predominantly male, without the presence of defects and less than 1000g at birth. Conclusion: The high incidence of extreme prematurity in northern Ceará requires further studies on the subject, knowing the profile of those involved allows for the planning of actions to lessen the rate of PTL.