[Factors that interfere in the parturient women's behavior: focus on ethnonursing]

This study aimed to understand the behavior of pregnant women in labor and delivery. Seven parturient women who had their children through normal delivery in a public maternity in Fortaleza, Ceará. Data collection was carried out in June to August, 2003. The research method used for the collection and analysis of data was the etnonursing. The data studied showed us through the categories: experiencing pregnancy and assistance in the maternity. We concluded that there are several factors that justify the woman's behavior during the experience of labor and delivery and that the health professionals' assistance should be always aimed at the humanistic care linking cultural and scientific knowledge.