[Utilization of prenatal care services: influence of perceived morbidity and of social networks of support].

Differences in prenatal help seeking patterns were found in a sample of women of a household survey (9,139) that showed a high prenatal care coverage. The personal factors associated with the help seeking behavior were: the nature and individual perception of the symptoms and the existence of social support networks. Symptoms that make woman suspect of risk, produced a high demand of medical consultation (between 75 and 100%). Bothersome symptoms produced a medium utilization associated with its prevalence. Emotional symptoms produced a low demand of medical consultation (between 18 and 27%). Pregnant women who obtained support from their social networks consulted the doctor 3.3 times as much as those who didn't have a social network. The reinforcement of women's interaction with their natural social network is recommended as one of the basic components of prenatal care.