Complementary and alternative medicine use during early pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Integrative Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use is prevalent in pregnant populations globally.
• Understanding patterns and predictors of CAM use is crucial for maternal healthcare.
• Limited data exists on CAM prevalence and influencing factors in early pregnancy within specific regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use in early pregnancy.
• To identify independent predictors associated with CAM utilization during pregnancy.
• To explore pregnant women's perceptions regarding the safety and efficacy of CAM.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey was administered to 500 pregnant women attending mid-trimester scans in Grampian, Scotland.
• Data collected included CAM modalities used, vitamins/minerals, predictors of use, and user experiences.
• Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were employed to analyze the data.

Main Results:

• A 66% response rate was achieved, with 63% of participants reporting CAM use (excluding vitamins/minerals).
• Oral herbal products were the most common CAM modality (37%), with 28 different types reported.
• Key predictors for CAM use included influence from family/friends (OR 4.1), non-white British ethnicity (OR 3.4), and prior use (OR 2.4).

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of pregnant women utilize CAM, often without certainty about its safety or effectiveness.
• The influence of social networks (family, friends) over healthcare professionals in CAM decisions warrants further investigation.
• Findings highlight the need for improved communication and guidance regarding CAM use in pregnancy.