RESUMEN
PIP: In order to identify the needs and expectations of pregnant women, a questionnaire was applied to 500 out-patients at the National Institute of Perinatology, Mexico, of which 458 are reported. 2/3 of the patients had had prior obstetric experiences and more than 1/2 remembered them as unpleasant. The predominant impression concerning birth was that it is a painful, dangerous event accompanied by suffering. Information concerning pregnancy and birth had most frequently been provided by family members and less often by members of the health team. More than 1/2 of the patients showed some degree of anxiety, especially those who had had prior obstetric experiences and who had not taken the course in gestational education. The majority of the patients were worried about the future birth, especially with respect to pain, how they would be treated and condition of the newborn. 2/3 of the women were inclined to take an active role during delivery, walking and or doing exercies and preferring that anesthetic be used only if necessary. A large majority expressed their desire to be accompained by their husband or companion. Practically all the patients considered it necessary to take a course in gestational education. (author's)^ieng