Women's attitude towards the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) in pregnancy

BACKGROUND: the popularity of non-prescription, over-the counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, minerals, homoeopathic remedies and herbal supplements (CAM) has grown significantly in recent years. However, we have limited knowledge relating to why pregnant women use CAM and how this may relate to the provision of maternity care. Using an interview approach this study explored the nature of over-the-counter and complementary medicines use in a sample of pregnant women.

METHODS: this interview study formed part of a larger self-administered questionnaire survey on the extent of CAM use in pregnancy at large NHS Trust in England. The questionnaire provided the opportunity for women to complete a contact information reply slip if they were happy for follow-up interview. Audio recorded, face to face interviews were undertaken with a sample of 10 women.

RESULTS: the reasons the women who were interviewed gave for using CAM broadly fell into two areas centred essentially on the contrasting advantages of CAM and disadvantages of conventional medicine. Doctors or midwives were rarely informed about the use of CAM medicines during pregnancy.

CONCLUSION: The women saw CAM as outside of biomedicine and part of a holistic approach to health and well-being over which they are able to maintain their personal control. Non-disclosure of CAM use was common, a feature of which, appears to be some health-care professionals' lack of realisation of the importance, to women, of a holistic approach to their health, key to which is a desire to retain control over decisions associated with their well-being.