Abstract
Background
Complementary and alternative methods (CAMs) are frequently used during pregnancy and delivery. We were interested to find out how frequently CAMs were used and if they were used for specific indications.
Methods
We assessed the use of various CAMs and the background of use. Here we differentiated between the treatment of psychological problems, physical problems and the treatment of foetal problems.
Results
The response rate was 49.2 % (229/465). Attendance of a delivery preparation class was significantly associated with a higher CAM use in general. Herbal teas and dietary interventions were most frequently used during pregnancy and predominantly for the treatment of physical problems (e.g. nausea, back pain). Earlier deliveries were associated with a significantly decreased demand for complementary methods during delivery but not during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Although we found some correlations between some methods and certain treatment indications, most methods were used like panaceas. We believe that the fact that earlier deliveries were associated with a significantly decreased demand for CAM should lead to the question of whether women should receive more reassuring information on delivery and be offered methods like massage or relaxation techniques, which provide proven efficacy without potential side effects that may be associated with CAM methods.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Vas J, Aranda JM, Nishishinya B, Mendez C, Martin MA, Pons J, Liu JP, Wang CY, Perea-Milla E (2009) Correction of nonvertex presentation with moxibustion: a systematic review and metaanalysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 201(3):241–259
Hall HG, Griffiths DL, McKenna LG (2011) The use of complementary and alternative medicine by pregnant women: a literature review. Midwifery 27(6):817–824
Kalder M, Knoblauch K, Hrgovic I, Münstedt K (2011) Use of complementary and alternative medicine during pregnancy and delivery. Arch Gynecol Obstet 283(3):475–482
Münstedt K, Brenken A, Kalder M (2009) Clinical indications and perceived effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine in departments of obstetrics in Germany: a questionnaire study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 146(1):50–54
Münstedt K, Schroter C, Brüggmann D, Tinneberg HR, von Georgi R (2009) Use of complementary and alternative medicine in departments of obstetrics in Germany. Forsch Komplementmed 16(2):111–116
Lee YL, Wu Y, Tsang HW, Leung AY, Cheung WM (2011) A systematic review on the anxiolytic effects of aromatherapy in people with anxiety symptoms. J Altern Complement Med 17(2):101–108
Tiran D (2012) Ginger to reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy: evidence of effectiveness is not the same as proof of safety. Complement Ther Clin Pract 18(1):22–25
Tiran D (2008) Homeopathy in pregnancy: issues for midwives. Pract Midwife 11(5):14-6, 18–20
Acknowledgments
We thank all the women who answered our questionnaire.
Conflict of interest
We declare that we have no conflict of interest.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Münstedt, K., Dütemeyer, V. & Hübner, J. Patients’ considerations behind the use of methods from complementary and alternative medicine in the field of obstetrics in Germany. Arch Gynecol Obstet 288, 527–530 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-013-2814-z
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-013-2814-z