Growing Use Of Alternative Medicine In Pregnancy Highlights Need For More Knowledge

A recent study out of Queensland University in Australia reports that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has become increasingly popular in maternity care. Healthcareprofessionalsneedmoreevidence- based information about its use, according to Dr Adams, lead author and Executive Director of the Network of Researchers in the Public Health of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NORPHCAM). Adams says there is a need for greater respect and cooperation between conventional and alternative practitioners. The study reviewed 19 studies covering the views of more than 3,000 maternity professionals from Australia, Canada, the USA, UK, Germany, New Zealand and Israel. The review raised concern that most medical professionals have no CAM training and little understanding of the pharmacological nature of alternative therapies and their possible risks to pregnant women. The study was published in the most recent issue of the Journal of Advanced Nursing. Key findings from the most recent 2008 and 2009 studies include: * A survey of 343 midwives from Canada and New Zealand found that 72 per cent had recommended or offered CAM. The most common referrals were to homeopaths (51 per cent), acupuncturists (50 per cent), naturopathic doctors (48 per cent), chiropractors (36 per cent), massage therapists (31 per cent) and osteopaths (20 per cent).
8 A study of 401 American obstetricians found that 98 per cent routinely endorsed, provided or referred patients for at least one CAM treatment. Movement therapies topped the list at 86 per cent, followed by biofeedback and acupuncture (both 80%).
* All but one of the 381 obstetric departments who took part in a German survey said they offered at least one CAM therapy, with acupuncture (97 per cent), homeopathy (93 per cent) and aromatherapy (77 per cent) heading the list.