This is a cross-sectional study, which evaluated race/color influences on unfavorable obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Logistic regression models were constructed to calculate the odds ratio and to examine maternal and neonatal risk. Black pregnant women prevailed with statistical significance among those with low schooling, previous hypertension, three or more living children and with occupation. Black pregnant women presented no greater risk in unfavorable outcomes. Race/color does not behave as a genetic or biological marker, but as a social construct, which can influence health conditions as a social determinant. KEYWORDS