Complementary Medicine Interventions for Maternal Fatigue: A Systematic Review

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to identify and categorize complementary medicine interventions used in the management of maternal fatigue. Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched electronic databases (e.g., ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, as well as Persian databases such as SID and Magiran) to identify studies on complementary medicine interventions for maternal fatigue published from 2000 to 2024. The systematic search yielded 300 records, with 15 studies meeting the eligibility criteria for synthesis. The JBI critical appraisal tool was use to evaluate the methodological quality. Due to high heterogeneity, a meta-analysis was not feasible; instead, a narrative synthesis was conducted. Results: Of the 15 included studies, 10 were clinical trials and 5 utilized quasi-experimental designs. In total of 1,581 women were enrolled across pregnancy and the postpartum period. interventions were categorized into biologically based practices and manual body-based methods. The JBI assessment indicated a moderate risk of bias in most studies. Conclusion: Complementary medicine methods may improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue in mothers. However, these methods should be applied cautiously, as some approaches may overlook underlying maternal conditions contributing to fatigue. To confirm efficacy and safety, larger-scale studies targeting specific populations are needed. Additionally, future research should investigate the integration of complementary medicine into standard care and assess the long-term effects. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD420244224.