Health literacy and its determinants among pregnant women in Portugal

A considerable proportion of pregnant women demonstrated limited health literacy, particularly among socioeconomically vulnerable and migrant groups. These findings underscore the urgency of adopting antenatal care approaches that are responsive to health literacy needs. Incorporating brief assessments during early prenatal visits, using plain language and visual communication tools, and offering targeted support to high-risk groups may enhance informed decision-making, promote equity, and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.