Complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) has been applied to many women over a long period of time. According Hwang et al. (2016) the use of CAM approaches especially among women who are pregnant is relatively high even through these approaches could be dangerous to the mother or the fetus. The article written by Steel, Adams, Sibbritt, & Broom (2015) titled The Outcomes of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use among Pregnant and Birthing Women: Current Trends and Future Directions was carried out to identify the outcomes of CAM on women during pregnancy. The article can be obtained from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2217/WHE.14.84 .
The journal indicates that a significant number of women use the CAM method during their pregnancy period. However, the authors also indicate that the CAM method used by the pregnant women has low safety levels and can be detrimental to both the mother and the child. In addition, the journal also indicated that the use of acupuncture and assorted treatments in pregnancy can be effective in reducing the risk. The article also indicates that preliminary massage therapy during pregnancy will be effective in reduction of labor pains or anxiety. In addition, the authors indicate that there is a similar risk for pregnant women who consult herbalists and those who do not. Ginger was also identified to have some benefits in reduction of vomiting or nausea during pregnancy. However, the research indicates that there is need for further research in order to identify clear outcomes of CAM methods on pregnant women.
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From the research above, it is clear that nurses need to broaden their knowledge on the various CAM therapies that are available for pregnant women. The knowledge of the various complementary/alternative medicine for women during pregnancy can be essential in developing guidelines or protocols that women can use during their pregnancies. In addition, the knowledge of various CAM approaches can be essential in making work easier for both the nurses and patients.
References
Hwang, J. H., Kim, Y., Ahmed, M., Choi, S., Al-Hammadi, N. Q., Widad, N. M., & Han, D. (2016). Use of complementary and alternative medicine in pregnancy: a cross-sectional survey on Iraqi women. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine , 16 (1). doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1167-0
Steel, A., Adams, J., Sibbritt, D., & Broom, A. (2015). The Outcomes of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use among Pregnant and Birthing Women: Current Trends and Future Directions. Women's Health , 11 (3), 309-323. doi:10.2217/whe.14.84
