PRAETZEL, Juliana Rodrigues et al. Maternal perception of dental, speech and hearing care during pregnancy. RGO, Rev. gaúch. odontol. (Online) []. 2010, 58, 2, pp. 155-160. ISSN 1981-8637.

OBJETIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate how pregnant women seen at the Prenatal Obstetric Clinic of the University Hospital in Santa Maria perceive dental, speech and hearing care. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to 75 pregnant women with questions related to mother and baby health. The analysis was of a descriptive nature. RESULTS: Only 58.7% of the pregnant women saw a dentist on a regular basis during pregnancy, although all interviewees believed that oral care during this period was important. The majority of the pregnant women were uncertain about how long to breastfeed and when to wean. Most of them (96%) stated that oral hygiene of the newborn was necessary, but there were many doubts on how to do it. A significant number (77%) of pregnant women thought kissing the baby's mouth or tasting his or her milk or other foods was harmful. More than half (62%) of the women controlled their sugar intake during pregnancy and 92% of them had never heard of the ear test. CONCLUSION: The results showed that pregnant women have some knowledge of the issues discussed; however, some points need clarification, especially health issues. There should be a focus on teeth, speech and hearing so as to provide a holistic care for the mother-child dyad.

: pre-natal care; pregnant women; oral health.