[Nursing care for obstetric patients: a search for significance]

The present study considers the appearance, the essence and the significance of nurses who assist women in their pregnant puerperal cycle. Research subjects were nurses who were interviewed when working in the obstetric area. In addition, data based on participant observations of their professional daily activities, were obtained. In the investigation, the phenomenological approach was utilized as a theoretical-philosophical reference. Based on the analysis and interpretations of verbal reports and participant observations invariants emerged. Some alternatives were identified, allowing a review of the nursing practice. This strategy will help to reduce conflictant feelings by providing a increasing level of professional satisfaction.