Decision-making for use of complementary and alternative therapies by pregnant women and nurse midwives during pregnancy: An exploratory qualitative study

Abstract

Millions of people use complementary and alternativ e medicine (CAM) therapies. Such therapies are used across a wide spectrum of health conditions, b ut the use is particularly notable during pregnancy . Despite the widespread use, little is known about t he perceptions of patients and clinicians in decidi ng about use of varied therapies. This study describes pregnant women and obstetrical provider (nurse midwives) perceptions in decision-making for use of CAM therapies during pregnancy. Pregnant women and nurse midwives were interviewed in focus groups with transcribed data analyzed using content analysis. Four themes emerged from the sess ion with pregnant women and 3 from the nurse midwives. Data underscore the need to dialogue with all pregnant women about CAM use, and to mainstream CAM in education programs. Given the pau city of evidence for safety and efficacy during pregnancy for most CAM therapies, decision-making s trategies to fill those knowledge gaps are urgently needed.