Abelardo Santos Hospital expands strategies for preventing prematurity in unprecedented event
Prematurity meeting highlights the impact of guidance for pregnant women and reinforces the importance of qualified assistance for promoting the health of newborns
The Dr. Abelardo Santos Regional Hospital (HRAS), in Icoaraci, a district of Belém, held the 1st Prematurity Meeting of the unit from November 24 to 26. This initiative is part of the national Purple November campaign, which raises awareness among the population and reinforces essential care to reduce cases of premature births and minimize risks to newborns across Brazil.
As one of the main public maternity hospitals of the Government of Pará, HRAS performs over 5,000 births per year. Only between January and October 2025, the obstetric complex recorded 3,967 births. Of this total, 12.30%, equivalent to 488 newborns, entered the world before 37 weeks of gestation, a condition that increases vulnerability to health complications.
When born before the ideal time, premature babies are sent to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), coordinated by nurse Thamires Souza, with the involvement of the technical supervisor, Professor Dr. Salma Saraty. “Strengthening this care through training is one of HRAS's main strategies. Therefore, we bring in the assistance professionals, present our reality, and share techniques that contribute to the development of these newborns,” explained Thamires.
During the meeting, professionals discussed the challenges of prematurity, the necessary attention based on pillars such as humanization, quality, and safety, as well as the role of the multiprofessional team in this process. The program included two in-person mini-courses, and at the end, participants visited a photographic exhibition about the care dedicated to premature infants.
Prevention
According to the Ministry of Health, one in every 10 births in Brazil occurs before the recommended gestational period, a rate that places the country among the top 10 with the highest number of premature births in the world. In 2022, there were 303,447 premature births, while data from 2023 shows a slight reduction, with 303,144 cases. In 2025, 245,247 occurrences have already been reported.
Prevention depends primarily on quality prenatal care provided by Primary Health Care (APS), supported by the Family Health Strategy (ESF) teams and specialized care when there is a high-risk pregnancy. In cases where premature birth occurs, it is essential to ensure specific care and rigorous monitoring to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality.
These and other guidelines are passed on to users seeking Abelardo Santos Hospital during pregnancy. The unit, a reference in gynecology and obstetrics, maintains a 24-hour emergency service focused on this profile. The actions also integrate the patient-centered care strategies of the Social Institute More Health (ISMS), responsible for the hospital's management.
“We know that a well-trained team, acting according to safety protocols and the techniques presented during the 1st Prematurity Meeting of HRAS, makes all the difference. But it is essential to remember that a well-informed pregnant woman, along with her companion, contributes to preventing a birth before the appropriate time,” highlighted the coordinator of the Obstetric Center, Thalita Beltrão.
Profile
The maternity operates 24 hours a day, with five rooms for Labor, Pre-Labor, and Post-Labor (PPP), two surgical rooms, and 50 hospitalization beds with a specialized team in obstetric and gynecological care. The unit adopts humanized practices using non-pharmacological methods for pain relief, such as massages, warm water baths, and aromatherapy. It also has physiotherapists in the delivery room for greater comfort and well-being for the woman.
HRAS is a reference in care for women and children, providing services in four areas: emergency care, surgery, clinical hospitalization, and Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Reception is also guaranteed in the Intermediate Care Units (UCIn). The pediatrics department has 10 ICU beds, 25 pediatric clinic beds, and a pediatric emergency room with 24-hour service.
