This study seeks to identify the factors associated with maternal intention to breastfeed (MIB) in pregnant women. A systematic review of articles in the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (PubMed/Medline) and the Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (Lilacs) databases was conducted. Two independent reviewers performed the search, using the "Medical Subject Headings" and "Key words in Science and Health" vocabulary, referring to: breastfeeding, intention, and pregnant women. Research articles in English, Portuguese and Spanish that analyzed MIB as an outcome were selected. The studies were classified by methodological quality, using a scale that considered internal and external validity criteria, with a maximum score of 30 points. Nine articles were selected, with a methodological quality varying from 12 to 21 points. The studies assessed 68 variables; 35 of which were associated with MIB. The characteristics associated with MIB found in two or more studies were: primiparity, higher level of schooling and older maternal age, prior experience with breastfeeding, not smoking, and living with a partner. Knowledge of the characteristics associated with MIB represents a fundamental step in the planning of actions that seek to increase the duration of breastfeeding.