A survey and analysis of using traditional Chinese medicine during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND

The usage of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) during pregnancy is very common for Chinese people. However, there are only a few studies relevant to the usage of TCM during pregnancy-providing very little knowledge on the benefits or harmful effects of these medicines to pregnant women or the fetus.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to survey the current situation of TCM usage during pregnancy, and to explore the factors that affect the use of TCM.

METHODS

Data was collected from pregnant patients who delivered in our hospital, from March 2012 to August 2012. All patients who agreed to join this study were asked to fill-up a questionnaire.

RESULTS

1,010 patients were willing to participate in this study. 11.2% (113, 1,010) of patients used at least one kind of TCM during pregnancy. The average TCM usage is 2.1 species. The most commonly used drugs are Antai pill (39 cases, 34.5%), Xiaochaihu granules (31 cases, 27.4%), and Shengxuening tablets (23 cases, 20.4%). Patients who smoke during pregnancy (OR=1.8, 95% CI: 0.75.1), drink during pregnancy (OR=1.6, 95% CI: 0.46.1), have been hospitalized during pregnancy (OR=4.8, 95% CI: 2.97.9), have pregnancy complications (OR=2.7, 95% CI: 1.54.9) and those who are infertile (OR=2.6, 95% CI: 1.4~4.8) have higher chances of using TCM during pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnant women commonly use TCM during pregnancy. Pregnant women who smoke, drink, hospitalized during pregnancy, experience pregnancy complications and infertility are more likely to use TCM.