Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women regarding the prevention of risks and accidents involving their newborns. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study using a previously developed and validated instrument. The sample was non-probabilistic and intentional, defined based on a sample size calculation. The sociodemographic profile of the participants was analyzed using absolute and relative frequencies, followed by an assessment of the survey answers, which were considered satisfactory when they reached 70%. Subsequently, statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test to assess association between the variables. RESULTS: The study included 130 pregnant women, of whom 60.0% demonstrated low knowledge about risk of choking and 63.8% about risk of suffocation. Women in the third trimester, without a partner and who did not consume alcohol demonstrated greater knowledge of how to identify these risks. Of the pregnant women interviewed, 73.1% demonstrated adequate attitudes toward risk of suffocation, particularly among young women with a moderate income and having prenatal care with nurses. Regarding other factors, 94.6% demonstrated favorable attitudes. However, 67.7% of the pregnant women were not prepared for performing the Heimlich maneuver, indicating a lack of preparation for emergencies. CONCLUSION: Although the pregnant women demonstrated adequate about risks, their limited knowledge about choking and suffocation, combined with a lack of preparation for emergencies, highlights the need for educational interventions to improve safety and management of critical situations.