TCM use in pregnant women and nursing mothers: A study from Turkey

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to specify the frequency of traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) usage and the most commonly used methods by the pregnant.

Materials and methods: The cross-sectional and definitive study included 212 pregnant and 152 nursing women who applied to obstetric, pediatrics, and family practice polyclinics.

Findings: Of the pregnant women, 38.7% applied to the TCM method during pregnancy, and of the nursing women, 63.2% during nursing. The most commonly used herbal products were mint, thyme and linden by the pregnant women while anise and mint were most commonly used by nursing.Women commonly used TCM methods to increase breast milk and for upper respiratory tract infection's symptoms.

Conclusions: Every health personnel who provides pregnancy care should be aware of the latest data published on the usage of TCM in the literature and educate patients about the usage of TCM which may have negative outcomes.

Keywords: Nursing mother; Pregnant; TCM; Traditional and complementary medicine.