ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the safety culture of women in childbirth and related institutional factors based on the perceptions of nursing and medical professionals. Methods: a mixed, sequential explanatory study, conducted with nursing technicians, nurses and physicians of the obstetric center of a public maternity hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Data collection took place from May to July 2018. The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture questionnaire and descriptive statistical treatment were applied. Then, 12 semistructured interviews and thematic content analysis were applied and, finally, this data set was integrated. Results: most of the dimensions of the safety culture are weakened, especially in the areas of institutional organization, and the team lacks knowledge about the actions of the Patient Safety Center in the institution, the uniformity of care is deficient and the number of personnel for care is limited. The safety management process and work organization need adaptations. Conclusion: the safety culture of women requires improvements in team training, skilled care, work organization, and commitment of local management to qualified and safe care in hospital births.