Objective. This article presents the findings of the first phase of research carried out in the municipality of Candelaria (Valle del Cauca, Colombia), under an agreement with Psychology undergraduate professional practice program of the Universidad de San Buenaventura, Cali, and the Fundacion el Amparo I.P.S. This study is aimed at identifying the relationships between the forms of pregnancy care recommended by the formal health system and those practiced by pregnant women who attend prenatal care programs which are in line with their cultural beliefs. Method . In this first phase a qualitative study was carried out with five focus groups: two with health staff of the Foundation and three with 36 pregnant women attending the prenatal program. Results. Cultural barriers in some women were found to the adherence to formal prenatal programs, due to beliefs and eating habits and visits to specialists related to their culture. Conclusion . The importance must be stressed of the place of multiculturalism in the development of educational processes within the health system, including processes of assessment, intervention and support of maternal-neonatal care. 1