Use of complementary and alternative medicine in pregnancy and labour pain: a cross-sectional study from turkey

Abstract

Background This study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by and attitudes towards CAM of Turkish women during pregnancy and birth. Methods This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study that included 260 women who gave birth in a university hospital. The Personal Information Form and Complementary, Alternative and Conventional Medicine Attitudes Scale (CACMAS) were used as data collection tools. Results A total of 71.5% of the pregnant women received CAM. Phytotherapy, spiritual meditation and therapeutic touch techniques were the most frequently used techniques. A total of 42.7% women used herbal products. The mean score of the women on the CACMAS scale was 108.37 ± 7.71; this result indicates that pregnant women had a positive attitude. There were significant differences in attitudes according to marital status, education level and place of residence. It was determined that there was a significant difference in the CACMAS scores of the women according to the symptoms experienced during pregnancy, CAM use during pregnancy and the concerns about triggering preterm birth by using CAM methods (p < 0.05). Conclusion Although the women commonly used CAM methods during pregnancy, the rate of using these methods during birth considerably decreased. Despite such widespread use, pregnant women have concerns about CAM methods. Therefore, health professionals must actively provide counselling on CAM methods for the protection of maternal and infant health.

Attitudes pregnant women in Türkiye towards holistic complementary and alternative medicine and influencing factors: a web-based cross-sectional study

“…In a study conducted in the United Kingdom, it was found that 57.1% of women used at least one T&CT during pregnancy [ 18 ], and this rate was 91.5% in Palestine [ 34 ], 56.7% in Iraq [ 32 ], 85.2% in Malaysia [ 35 ], 50.7% in Kenya [ 36 ], and 56.92% in Iran [ 21 ]. In the relevant literature, it is seen that the use of T&CT has differed from country to country [ 37 – 39 ]. It is thought that these differences in results are due to sample dynamics and sociodemographic differences.…”

“…In our study, the significant predictors affecting T&CT use in the participants were being a person with a high school or higher degree, having an income greater than expenses, having a nuclear family, being on maternity leave, not performing physical exercises, being a smoker, perceiving one’s general health to be very good, getting advice from a nurse in the case of having a complaint, having knowledge about T&CT, and having access to a T&CT practitioner. Studies have shown that women’s educational statuses are among the statistically significant predictors of T&CT use [ 23 , 25 , 37 , 43 , 48 , 50 ]. It is considered that when pregnant women have higher education levels and income levels and when they are employed, their awareness will grow, and hence, the they will learn about and have more positive attitudes toward T&CT.…”

The Benefits and Barriers of Providing Non-Pharmacological Pain Relief to Women in Labour during COVID-19: A Qualitative Study of Midwives in South Africa

“…Thus, from a clinical standpoint, it is advantageous and safe to use non-pharmacological palliative treatments for labouring women. According to global estimates, 73% of women utilise no less than one non-pharmacological pain management approach during labour [5]. Nonpharmacological methods for alleviating labour pain encompass a range of techniques.…”

“…Nonpharmacological methods for alleviating labour pain encompass a range of techniques. These include deep breathing exercises [5][6][7][8][9], the utilisation of a birthing ball for exercise [10][11][12], engaging in prayer or meditation [8], applying heat therapy [7,13], and back and sacral massages [5][6][7]13]. Others, however, include music therapy [7,14], positions or posture change [5,6], acupuncture [13,15,16], and aromatherapy (use of essential oils) [17].…”

“…These include deep breathing exercises [5][6][7][8][9], the utilisation of a birthing ball for exercise [10][11][12], engaging in prayer or meditation [8], applying heat therapy [7,13], and back and sacral massages [5][6][7]13]. Others, however, include music therapy [7,14], positions or posture change [5,6], acupuncture [13,15,16], and aromatherapy (use of essential oils) [17]. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) [18], sterile water injection [19], and psychological support [5,6,20] are also used to relieve labour pains.…”