Use of herbal medicines during pregnancy in a group of Bangladeshi women

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy-related illnesses are commonly treated by herbal medicines in our country as well as around the world. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to find out how common herbal use is among Bangladeshi pregnant women, what factors influence it, and how it affects pregnancy outcomes. Methods: Random sampling was done among women who gave birth between July and September 2021 in the maternity ward of an NGO-based clinic and were requested to participate in the face-to-face questionnaire-based survey.Results: 275 women (71.80%) out of 383 used herbs during their pregnancy. Only 27.42% of women who used herbs informed their doctors, and 91.03% of users reported no side effects. Most users thought that herbs were safer than allopathic medications (71.8%). The ground behind the choosing herb was suggestion from family members or self-medication (34.73% and 31.83%, respectively). Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) (73.10%), lemon (Citrus limon L. Burm. F) (71.27%), black seed (Nigella sativa) (66.55%), mustard oil (Brassica Juncea Mane Kancor) (65.45%), and prune (Prunus domestica) (41.45%) were the most widely utilized herbs. The majority of women used herbs on a daily basis. There were statistically significant differences in several socio-demographic characteristics and pregnancy outcomes between herb users and non-users. Conclusions: The usage of herbs throughout pregnancy is quite prevalent amid Bangladeshi womenfolk, according to this study. Herbs appear to be safe when used often during pregnancy. Furthermore, physicians or medical practitioners have to play a vital role in ensuring the safe usage of herbs among pregnant women.

Patient–physician communication on herbal medicine use during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Among 111 studies, 102 studies were cross-sectional in design 27 61–161. Three studies used mixed-method approaches,162–164 and six studies had non-cross-sectional designs (ie, longitudinal and case–control),165–170 but reported cross-sectional data on HM use during pregnancy (online supplemental appendix 6).…”

“…Regarding the geographical distribution of included studies, a majority of them were conducted in Africa 66 69 77 81 82 89 91 95 98 100 101 105 106 115 116 119 121–123 129 132–135 137–140 143 144 146 150 153 156 158–164. Lastly, 21 out of 111 studies presented findings related to pregnant women’s disclosure of HM use to their healthcare providers 27 70 73 83 85 86 91 109 110 115 117 122 125 126 129 133 142 149 155 160 164…”

“…122 Furthermore, the majority of pregnant women perceived the physicians’ response to HM disclosure as indifferent (35.3%), with a higher proportion of women receiving warnings about the harmful effects of HM (34.5%) rather than recommendations on HM use (8.0%) 91 109 134. Lastly, the most commonly reported reasons for pregnant women to withhold information about their HM use were the perception that HM is harmless (53.6%) and the lack of inquiry from healthcare providers (39.4%) 27 83 117 125 126 129 133 149 155 164…”

Factors influencing the use of herbal medications during pregnancy at Public Health Center, Indonesia

“…During the physiological changes in pregnancy, a woman's body experiences some discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, constipation, and sleep disturbances during pregnancy. 1 To overcome this, some pregnant women use Over the Counter (OTC) drugs, look for modern medicine with a doctor's prescription, or use herbs. 2 According to WHO (World Health Organization), in 2021, countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America will use herbal medicine to complement the primary treatment they receive.…”

“…During the physiological changes in pregnancy, a woman’s body experiences some discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, constipation, and sleep disturbances during pregnancy. 1 To overcome this, some pregnant women use Over the Counter (OTC) drugs, look for modern medicine with a doctor’s prescription, or use herbs. 2…”