Herbal and alternative medicine use during pregnancy: a cross-sectional survey

Background: The use of herbal and alternative medical therapies has been increasing rapidly across the United States over the past 10 years. Women of reproductive age often are users of herbs. The use of herbal and alternative medical therapies among pregnant women is important but poorly studied to date. Objective: To determine the frequency of use of herbal and alternative medicine by women during pregnancy. Methods: Two hundred fifty pregnant women attending antepartum visits were prospectively enrolled in a cross-sectional survey about use of herbal and alternative medical therapies. Results: Two hundred forty-two women completed surveys (97%). Of the respondents, 9.1% reported use of herbal supplements during the current pregnancy, 7.5% using these agents at least weekly. The most commonly used herbs during pregnancy were garlic, aloe, chamomile, peppermint, ginger, echinacea, pumpkin seeds, and ginseng. Herb use during pregnancy was strongly associated with prior use of herbal supplements (25.6% versus 1.2%, P <0.001). There were trends toward greater use among white women (11.4% versus 6.1% in other racial groups) and in women with at least college-level education (10.1% versus 7.6% for high school or less). No association was found between herb use during pregnancy and age or income level. Alternative medical therapies were used by 13.3% of pregnant women. The therapies included aromatherapy, meditation/relaxation, chiropractic, yoga, acupressure, therapeutic touch, homeopathy, acupuncture, and reflexotherapy. Conclusion: Herbal and alternative medicine use is common among pregnant women. Pregnant women should be asked about their use of these therapies. Further research is needed to clarify the safety and effectiveness of these therapies during pregnancy.