[Warning signs and symptoms on obstetric care. About their knowledge in women]

maternal mortality is caused by delays in recognizing complications at the medical facility. Maternal mortality increased during 2009 in Guanajuato, reflecting deficiencies in the care process. The objective was to determine the knowledge about signs and symptoms that pregnant and non-pregnant patients considered as obstetric emergency data during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.

a descriptive and comparative study in 150 pregnant and 150 non pregnant women aged 18 to 40 years was performed. A structured questionnaire was applied. The statistical analysis was performed in NCSS 2007 program.

alarm sign and symptoms during pregnancy were identified by 72.2 % of the non-pregnant; at birth 54.4 % and 46.2 % in puerperium. The 92.9 % of pregnant women identified alarm sign and symptoms during pregnancy, during childbirth only 62.7 % and in postpartum 25 %. There was an association between previous pregnancy and knowing alarm signs and symptoms and the number of inquiries received.

knowing the warning signs is related to previous obstetrical deliveries and by the educational work of the family physician during prenatal care.