Research and programmes to date have addressed the prevalence of maternal morbidity and mortality in many developing countries. Literature has explored the direct and indirect factors influencing maternal risk, and programmes have attempted to mitigate many of the persistent factors. While addressing health system factors and socioeconomic barriers is imperative, understanding women’s perceptions within the cultural context in which they live is a necessary step for improving interventions aimed at reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. This study seeks to contribute to the existing evidence regarding Ecuadorian women’s prenatal health care seeking perceptions and behaviours. The paper will explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of pregnant women attending the antenatal intercultural clinic regarding the care they receive from both midwives and obstetricians. It will also provide recommendations for improving current strategies being implemented in Ecuador in the domain of prenatal and reproductive health care, with a special focus on indigenous people and intercultural health.
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