[Representations of the midwife in the perspective of the pregnant woman].

This study aimed to identify the social representations of the nurse specialist in maternal health and obstetrical care under the gaze of the pregnant woman using a qualitative study of 50 pregnant women in three municipalities of the Northwest Portugal, which carry out their antenatal care in the health center of their residence area. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews between February and July 2007 and analyzed based on content analysis. The results showed that the nurse midwife is faced as a friend, guide and support in helping to experience the whole process inherent in the birth. This research can be a contribution for the improvement of the quality of care provided during pregnancy.