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Chinese herbal medicines used in pregnancy: a population-based survey in Taiwan
Chao-Hua Chuang1, Wu-Shiun Hsieh, Yueliang Leon Guo
1Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan.
Purpose:
To explore the use (prevalence and related factors) of Chinese herbal medicines used by pregnant women.
Methods:
We used multistage stratified systematic sampling to recruit 2048 postpartum women from the Taiwan national birth register between November and December 2003. Subjects underwent a home interview 6 months after their deliveries. A structured questionnaire was successfully applied to 87% of the sampled population.
Results:
At least one Chinese herbal medicine was used during pregnancy by 24.1% of the interviewed subjects. Pregnant women with threatened abortion appeared to use more Chinese herbal medicines than other pregnant women.
Conclusion:
Chinese herbal medicines are frequently used by pregnant women in Taiwan and are very frequently used by those with a threatened abortion.