Integrative Medicine and Pregnancy

Integrative Medicine Use During Pregnancy

A recent review suggests that there is a growing need for communication between conventional and integrative healthcare practitioners concerning the use of integrative therapies by pregnant women.

In an effort to assess current professional attitudes toward integrative therapies and the level of education on its use in maternity care, researchers in Australia conducted a comprehensive literature search in various databases to evaluate the available literature.

Studies reporting knowledge on integrative medicine, professional attitudes toward integrative treatments, and referrals to integrative practitioners by midwives and other maternity care practitioners were assessed. Nineteen studies were ultimately included in the review.

The researchers found that there is a need for more communication between integrative and conventional medicine practitioners. Furthermore, the authors noted that there is a need for more respect between practitioners to ensure patients are properly educated on the use of integrative treatments during pregnancy.

For more information about the use of integrative therapies during pregnancy, please visit Natural Standard's Medical Conditions database.

References

Adams J, Lui CW, Sibbritt D, et al. Attitudes and referral practices of maternity care professionals with regard to complementary and alternative medicine: an integrative review. J Adv Nurs. 2011 Mar;67(3):472-483. View Abstract
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