Prenatal care as a strategy to prevent vertical transmission of syphilis in pregnant women

Introduction: Gestational syphilis remains a major public health issue due to the high rates of vertical transmission and the severe maternal and neonatal complications associated with the disease, despite the availability of effective diagnostic methods and treatment. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze prenatal care as a strategy for preventing the vertical transmission of syphilis, emphasizing its importance for early diagnosis, timely treatment of pregnant women and their sexual partners, and the reduction of congenital syphilis cases. Methodology: This is an exploratory-descriptive bibliographic study with a mixed-methods approach, developed through a literature review of publications from 2021 to 2026. The literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Virtual Health Library (VHL), and LILACS databases, employing Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS) related to syphilis, vertical transmission, prenatal care, and pregnant women, combined with the Boolean operators AND and OR. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the selected studies were critically analyzed and organized into thematic axes. Results and Discussion: The results demonstrated that early initiation and continuity of prenatal care, combined with serological screening at the recommended stages of pregnancy, appropriate treatment with benzathine penicillin, and follow-up of the sexual partner, significantly reduce vertical transmission and the complications of congenital syphilis. Conclusion: However, challenges remain regarding the quality of healthcare services, access to health services, adherence to treatment, and partner participation, which compromise the effectiveness of preventive strategies. It is concluded that strengthening prenatal care, together with improving the qualification of healthcare professionals and expanding timely access to diagnosis and treatment, constitutes an essential strategy for reducing the incidence of congenital syphilis and improving maternal and child health indicators.