The need to include obstetric nurses in prenatal care visits in the public health system.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate, with a qualitative approach, the role of Obstetric Nurses at the primary level of care given to women's health as a vital component of the multidisciplinary team, which today is fundamental for providing care, prevention as well as health education and promotion, especially in programs whose activities are geared towards primary care of pregnant, parturient, and puerpera women.

METHODS: Brazilian laws and the determinations of Nursing Councils in reference to the activities of the obstetric nurse were researched, including the nurse's responsibilities and limits. The bibliographic search was conducted in health-related journals, lay publications, and the Internet.

RESULTS: The conflicts between professional physicians and nurses were discussed.

CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the activities of the nurse, conducting low-risk prenatal clinical visits in the basic healthcare network, has legal and ethical support and provides true benefit to the clients.