[A review of the usefulness of maternal education].

Maternal Education can be considered one of Primary Health Care Midwives' most specific and exclusive activities. From its beginning, its objective concerned reducing pain and improving one's preparation for childbirth. However due to the changes in women's lifestyles and in obstetrics practices, especially with the introduction of epidural anesthesia, midwives have been obliged to revise this objective and the achievements obtained with this task. An analysis of women's needs and of which information is the most effective will enable midwives to update and distribute their resources and finally optimize the results of their services.