BACKGROUND: The extent of herbal medicine use in pregnancy has been widely researched throughout the world but little research has been published about the motivations for this use. METHODS: Focus group discussion. Women who participated in a survey at an antenatal clinic were asked to participate in a focus group discussion to elaborate further on some of the results from the survey. Six women participated. RESULTS: The major themes identified were: the "underground" nature of taking herbal remedies, reliance on family and friends for information, perceived safety of herbal remedies whilst acknowledging the lack of trial evidence and a desire for the NHS to be more open minded. CONCLUSION: Herbal medicines are pharmacologically active and pregnant women frequently take these without informing their pregnancy care provider. If doctors want to obtain a full medical picture which includes herb use then non-judgemental responses to such behaviour is required.
BACKGROUND: The extent of herbal medicine use in pregnancy has been widely researched throughout the world but little research has been published about the motivations for this use. METHODS: Focus group discussion. Women who participated in a survey at an antenatal clinic were asked to participate in a focus group discussion to elaborate further on some of the results from the survey. Six women participated. RESULTS: The major themes identified were: the "underground" nature of taking herbal remedies, reliance on family and friends for information, perceived safety of herbal remedies whilst acknowledging the lack of trial evidence and a desire for the NHS to be more open minded. CONCLUSION: Herbal medicines are pharmacologically active and pregnant women frequently take these without informing their pregnancy care provider. If doctors want to obtain a full medical picture which includes herb use then non-judgemental responses to such behaviour is required.
Authors: Emily Bain; Kristen L Pierides; Vicki L Clifton; Nicolette A Hodyl; Michael J Stark; Caroline A Crowther; Philippa Middleton Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2014-10-21
Authors: Abdul Rouf Pallivalappila; Derek Stewart; Ashalatha Shetty; Binita Pande; James S McLay Journal: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med Date: 2013-09-30 Impact factor: 2.629