Complementary therapy and obstetrics and gynaecology: a time to integrate.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to assess the evidence and role of complementary and alternative medicine in obstetrics and gynaecology. There is increasing patient interest and use of complementary and alternative medicine therapies and there is thus a need for health practitioners to be appropriately informed of different complementary therapies.

RECENT FINDINGS

This article reviews the background to complementary and alternative medicine and the evidence although limited for its introduction into mainstream obstetrics and gynaecology; the difficulty in obtaining good evidence is also discussed.

SUMMARY

The conclusions drawn are that we need to develop an integrated approach to healthcare and this is particularly relevant and important in obstetrics and gynaecology. With this integration, clinical research is essential and needs encouragement from all levels.