Trajectory of Venezuelan migrant women during prenatal care and childbirth in a city in northern Brazil: a quantitative and qualitative study.

Brazil is the third country that most receives Venezuelan migrants, with approximately 626,000 people. This migratory flow has increased demand on the Brazilian Unified National Health System, especially for care related to pregnancy and childbirth. The aim of the present study was to investigate access to healthcare on the part of Venezuelan migrant women and their perceptions of the care received in Brazil during their prenatal and childbirth care journey. A quantitative-qualitative study was conducted between 2021 and 2023 involving Venezuelan women who reside in the city of Manaus, Amazonas State. In the quantitative component, participant-driven sampling was used (n = 118), with calculation of absolute frequencies and prevalence rates with 95% confidence intervals. The qualitative component involved intentional sampling (n = 39) and Thematic Analysis. In the quantitative results, most participants received prenatal care (95%) mainly at public healthcare services beginning in the first trimester (83%) and with an adequate number of appointments (77%). The majority of births (58%) were natural and 95% of the women had an accompanier. Maternal and neonatal complications were reported in 14% and 21% of cases, respectively. The qualitative component identified difficulties in obtaining exams through the healthcare system and in forming a bond with the maternity ward during prenatal care, travelling from maternity to maternity, and cultural differences that influenced the perceptions of the care received. Language was also a factor that impacted the quality of care. In conclusion, care during pregnancy and childbirth was ensured in the Brazilian universal healthcare system, although challenges persist that require improvement based on the experiences of the migrant women.