Autocuidado de la preeclampsia en gestantes que asisten al control prenatal en un Hospital de Guayaquil. Año 2024-2025.

Abstract

During pregnancy, women with preeclampsia occasionally engage in unhealthy behaviors that can compromise maternal and fetal well-being, given the lack of knowledge about certain behaviors inherent to medication adherence and dietary habits. Objective. “To determine self-care regarding preeclampsia among pregnant women attending prenatal checkups in a hospital in Guayaquil, 2024.” Methodology: The study was conducted with a quantitative, descriptive approach. Technique: Survey. Instrument: Adaptation of the Self-Care Capacity Assessment Scale. Sample: 100 pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia. Results: Regarding preeclampsia self-care, 63% of women practiced adequate preeclampsia selfcare, while 37% experienced some difficulty maintaining healthy behaviors. Furthermore, regarding therapeutic adherence self-care, 23% reported not seeking help with physical limitations, and 2% never performed regular checkups. Regarding dietary self-care, 4% did not change their diet despite the diagnosis, while 3% continued to regularly consume ultra-processed foods. Regarding maternal well-being, 9% rarely exercised, and 2% omitted regular blood pressure monitoring. Conclusion: Although one group successfully incorporated self-care guidelines for preeclampsia, behaviors persisted that hindered comprehensive management and protection of the mother-child relationship.