This article was based on a research carried out to characterise the pre-natal care offered to pregnant women at the out patient unit of a university hospital. This qualitative study used Ethnography, more precisely Miniethnography. The methodological approach and data collection were done through Participating Observation. Results showed that pregnant in touch with health professionals are able to filter information and, at the same time, behave as non participating clients, since they do not question the care offered to them even if the care is not good. Although women think that the care offered at this hospital is better than the one offered elsewhere, they admit that it does not respond successfully to their real expectations and needs. Generally speaking, they would like to receive more orientation and more personal assistance. They do not like this care very much mainly because of student's rotativity.
pre-natal care; university hospital; qualitative approach
