The aim of this paper was to explore some gaps in maternity care of women during labor and delivery. Based on the findings of an ethnographic research about the women's experiences in childbirth process the autor analyses care delivered to women in this phase. The gaps in the present situation that is characterezed by lack of authonomy in decision making and lack of ability to control birth process, are attributed to the shock beteveen professional and popular knowledge.
Childbirth; Cultural care; Maternity care