Herbal Medicine Use During Pregnancy in Australian Women
Author Information
Author(s): Della A Forster, Angela Denning, Gemma Wills, Melissa Bolger, Elizabeth McCarthy
Primary Institution: La Trobe University and Mercy Hospital for Women
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of herbal medicine use among pregnant women attending a public maternity hospital in Melbourne, Australia?
Conclusion
A significant number of pregnant women use herbal supplements, and it is crucial for healthcare providers to be aware of these practices.
Supporting Evidence
- 36% of women took at least one herbal supplement during pregnancy.
- The most common supplements were raspberry leaf (14%), ginger (12%), and chamomile (11%).
- Women more likely to take herbal supplements were older, tertiary educated, English speaking, non-smokers, and primiparous.
Takeaway
Many pregnant women in Australia take herbal supplements, like ginger and raspberry leaf, often without telling their doctors.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire among pregnant women at a public hospital.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reporting and the exclusion of women who were very ill.
Limitations
The study did not ask women if they reported their herbal supplement use to their maternity care provider.
Participant Demographics
Participants were primarily married, educated, and English-speaking women, with a median age of 32.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.18, 0.98
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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