title: The need to include obstetric nurses in prenatal care visits in the public health system.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Assistência Medica ao Servidor Público Estadual - IAMSPE, São Paulo, SP, BR.
authors.forename: Selma Aparecida Lagrosa
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Garcia
authors.affiliation: Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual "Francisco Morato de Oliveira" - HSPE-FMO, São Paulo, SP, BR.
authors.forename: Sidney Antonio Lagrosa
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Garcia
authors.affiliation: Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual "Francisco Morato de Oliveira" - HSPE-FMO, São Paulo, SP, BR.
authors.forename: Umberto Gazi
authors.initials: UG
authors.lastname: Lippi