Background: The syphilis was considered a serious public health problem in Brazil in the year of 2016, and prevention of its vertical transmission is seen as a priority because a lot of cases of syphilis, 49,013, in pregnant women and 24,666 one were reported throughout Brazil. This study aims to know the possible barriers and strategies pointed out by professionals working in the management of syphilis in pregnancy. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, quantitative and exploratory study, conducted with 41 nurses from the Family Health Strategy of a municipality in the southern state of Espírito Santo.

Results: The main results found are the non-attendance of the partner to the service for treatment (75.6%) and the late onset of prenatal care (68.29%). Related to the strategies, we highlight the need to facilitate treatment access to the partner (56.09%), as well as the early onset of prenatal care (48.78%). It was possible to identify the need for professionals in syphilis diagnosis training (41.46%) and STI / AIDS counseling training (41.46%). Among the main challenges faced for the prevention of congenital syphilis are the change of habits and behaviors of the population and the health professional's view of their practices.

Conclusions: recognizing the specific gaps in each barrier is essential to suggest improvements in the work process of Family Health Strategy nurses. Therefore, investments in Permanent Health Education are suggested as a possibility for advances and improvement of professionals to work in Primary Health Care, to improve the population's quality of life.