Maternidade estudantil na EPT: vivências de alunas gestantes do IFMG campus Congonhas

Abstract

This research focused on the phenomenon of “Student Motherhood in Professional and Technological Education,” with the general objective of analyzing the educational and institutional challenges faced by pregnant students enrolled at IFMG – Congonhas Campus. The specific objectives of the study were: (i) to identify the need for potential actions at IFMG Congonhas Campus in response to the demands of pregnant students enrolled in technical and higher education courses; (ii) to document the experiences of students regarding motherhood in personal, academic, and professional spheres; and (iii) to develop and implement an educational product, in the form of a booklet for IFMG, aimed at supporting students who become mothers during their academic journey. This applied, exploratory, and qualitative investigation employed bibliographic, documentary, and case study techniques. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten students who experienced pregnancy while enrolled in courses at the research site, as well as with three staff members from the same institution. The collected narratives were analyzed using Thematic Content Analysis. In general, the findings revealed that the journey of the interviewed student mothers was marked by multiple social and institutional barriers, such as difficulties in balancing motherhood and academic responsibilities, and a lack of information about available institutional support. Based on this scenario and the needs identified by the participants, a booklet was produced to provide support to students who become mothers during their academic path. It was titled “With You at Every Step: A Guide for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Students at IFMG Congonhas Campus” The study highlighted the intrinsic complexity of student motherhood and emphasized that this issue requires not only the implementation of legal and institutional support policies but also a more empathetic perspective and greater awareness from the entire academic community.