Abstract

RATIVA MARTINEZ, NORIDIA  and  RUIZ DE CARDENAS, CARMEN HELENA. If we protect life and health during pregnancy, we build a healthy future for both ourselves and our babies. av.enferm. [online]. 2009, vol.27, n.1, pp.30-37. ISSN 0121-4500.

The purpose of this research was to write on the meaning of care practices held by pregnant teenagers and their unborn child based on their beliefs, practices and values. It is a qualitative ethnographic study base on the ethnonursing method proposed by Madeleine Leininger. The research was developed with the participation of eight pregnant teenagers between 10 and 20 years of age who belong the subsidized or affiliated health regime and who attend low risk prenatal controls in the UPA (Primary Care Unit) Candelaria of Vista Hermosa first level Hospital, district 19, Ciudad Bolívar, Bogotá, from March to June 2007. They, based on their new life experience, shared naturally and spontaneously their knowledge and practices with the researcher. From the research comes the statement "If we protect life and health during pregnancy, we build a healthy future for both ourselves and our babies", from which four cultural do-mains arise: protecting the mother, protecting the baby, good nutrition, preparing for birth. For the pregnant women of this study care practices in the prenatal stage based on their beliefs and values are oriented towards protecting themselves and their unborn child, always thinking on the future, which turns into a guarantee of wellbeing for both. In the same way, it shows us how the majority of care practices are based on cultural knowledge and behavior.

Keywords : Pregnancy; Culture; Qualitative Research; Health Knowledge; Attitudes and Practice.

        · abstract in Spanish | Portuguese     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )