PREECLAMPSIA IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE: EARLY IDENTIFICATION, RISK STRATIFICATION AND PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES

Abstract

Preeclampsia is an important cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity, and its early identification is a key strategy for reducing complications and enabling preventive interventions during antenatal care. This study aimed to analyze scientific evidence regarding early identification, risk stratification, and prevention of preeclampsia, emphasizing their applicability in Primary Health Care. An integrative literature review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, the Virtual Health Library/LILACS, and SciELO, considering publications from 2016 to September 2026. Twenty studies addressing clinical risk factors, blood pressure measurement, proteinuria, combined screening models, uterine artery Doppler, angiogenic biomarkers, and preventive strategies were selected. The findings showed that assessment of maternal and obstetric history represents the first step in risk stratification, whereas models combining maternal characteristics, mean arterial pressure, uterine artery Doppler, and placental growth factor have greater predictive performance for early and preterm preeclampsia. Low-dose aspirin and calcium supplementation were also relevant preventive measures in selected populations. Primary Health Care therefore has a strategic role in early antenatal enrollment, risk classification, timely preventive measures, continuous clinical surveillance, and appropriate referral to specialized care when necessary.