Objective To investigate the effects of humanistic care on primiparas' role competency during pregnancy and delivery.Methods Data of 21 cases were collected using semi-structured interviews and phenomenological qualitative method was used to analyze the data.Results The effects of humanistic care on maternal role competency during pregnancy included:to participate in related curriculum,to get ready for delivery actively.The effects of humanistic care on maternal role competency during delivery included:nurses' carefulness gave psychological support,nurses' instruction gave professional support,nurses' encouragement gave spiritual power,nurses' support enhanced belief,successful delivery experience gave.satisfaction.Conclusions Humanistic nursing is helpful to improve delivery experience,to increase maternal satisfaction and confidence,to promote matemal role competency and harmonious relationship between mothers and nurses.