Perceptions and feelings of pregnant women regarding prenatal care were examined. The extent to which the emotional needs of women were taken into consideration in prenatal care was also investigated. Thirty-six pregnant women, with ages between 20 and 35, of different educational levels, were interviewed about pregnancy and prenatal care. Content analysis showed the importance of prenatal care, particularly obstetric ultrasound, for reducing mothers' worries about their own health and babies' health, as well as for mother-infant attachment. The importance of health professionals, family members and friends' support is also highlighted. Several worries were mentioned, related to medical assistance, and emotional needs, which were not assisted. The need for assistance and the importance of humanization in prenatal care are discussed.
pregnancy; prenatal care; motherhood; feelings