ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the obstetric care developed in teaching hospitals (TH) in the city of Maceió-AL, intended for high-risk pregnancies. Methods: Retrospective cohort study performed between June and November 2018 with 291 women who received assistance with vaginal delivery, cesarean section, or abortion process in teaching hospitals selected as settings for this research. Data collection allowed the characterization of the interviewees as well as the assistance received and its relationship with obstetric violence. The analysis was performed using descriptive and analytical statistics with the aid of the Epi Info software (version 7.2.0.1) and measures that allowed the comparison of means and proportions. Results: All women reported at least one violent situation, contrary to recommendations based on scientific evidence. Conclusion: It becomes necessary to optimize professional training to deconstruct obstetric care based on medicalization and pathologization of pregnancy and strengthen science-based care.