Mothers of children with hydrocephalus: aspects about prenatal care

Abstract

Hydrocephalus is a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of hydrocephalus gives families more time to prepare to cope with their children’s conditions. This study aimed to describe aspects about the pre-natal care received in relation to time of pregnancy among mothers of children with hydrocephalus. The study was con-ducted with 54 mothers of children with congenital hydrocephalus in the Clinic of Neurosurgery at University Hospital in northeast Brazil. Fifty-one mothers received prenatal care (94.4%); 44 (81.5%) had not taken the folic acid. Four (7.8%) mothers visited during the first month of pregnancy, forty (78.4%) had their first visit after the fourth month of pregnancy. Despite their adherence to prenatal care, most of the mothers had their first visit after the fourth month of pregnancy. Strategies that encourage prenatal care as early as possible in the pregnancy should be implemented.