Not-prescribed Use of Herbal Products and Supplements Among Pregnant Women

Not-prescribed use (NPU) of herbal products and supplements during pregnancy is a potent risk for both mother and fetus and a big challenge for anesthesiologists. However, little is known about this topic in Guilan Province, Iran. 

This study aimed to determine how pregnant women take supplements and herbal medications. 

This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022. Eligible pregnant women enrolled in the survey, and a checklist containing items about maternal demographic data and the maternal pattern of herbs and supplements used during pregnancy was filled out through a face-to-face interview. Multivariate logistic regression, the Chi-square, and the Mann-Whitney U statistical tests were used to analyze the data.

The data from 682 women were analyzed. A total of 488 women (71.6%) were less or equal to 30 years old; 498(73%) lived in urban areas; 508(74.5%) were homemakers; 444(65.1%) had under-diploma or diploma education, 292(42.8%) were gravid one or 251(36.8%) gravid two. In addition, 25.1% reported using at least one herbal remedy during pregnancy, and 90% took supplements; 0.7% had NPU of supplements and 93.6% took herbal products. About 10% did not take any supplements. Iron (23.3%) and folic acid (23.1%) were the most frequently taken supplements, and thyme (20.2%) and mint (17.5%) were the most commonly taken herbs. Using logistic regression, we found that urbanization (OR=1.91, 95% C, 1.6%, 3.14%, P=0.01), employment (OR=2.21, 95% CI; 1.46%, 3.33%, P=0.0001), and higher gravidity (OR=2.03, 95% CI; 1.22%, 3.36%, P=0.006) increases the probability of consuming supplements and herbal products during pregnancy.

The lack of physicians’ supervision of the herbal therapy process among pregnant women in an academic center was worrying. However, most women received the supplements based on healthcare professionals’ advice. A few women did not take essential supplements.