Medicinal plants, herbal medicines, and pregnancy: effects on fetal morphology

Abstract

To develop strategies of alternative public policies, it is necessary to know which plants and phytotherapics are most used, mainly by pregnant women, guaranteeing adequate use. The objective of the study is to identify the socio-demographic profile, to detect which medicinal plants and / or phytotherapics are most used and the possible risks for fetal morphology. A case-control study, conducted between July 2017 and October 2018. For the evaluation of clinical and epidemiological data, a questionnaire was applied in both groups, before ultrasonographic evaluation. Data were analyzed using a significance level of 5% (p ≤ 0.05), applying the Pearson’s Chi-square test and Posthoc’s test. Of the total of 282 pregnant women, 19.86% (56/282) reported use of medicinal plants. Of these, 62.5% (35/56) are pregnant women with malformations and 37.5% (21/56) are pregnant women with structurally normal fetuses. Statistical differences were obtained regarding the use of medicinal plants such as camomile (p = 0.02) and Passiflora (p = 0.03). The misuse of medicinal plants are risk factors for fetal morphology. Identifying the plants used in gestation can contribute to the planning of programs for enlightenment for pregnant women and continuing education for health professionals.