Use of complementary therapies for low risk post dates pregnancy: a national survey

Abstract

Use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) is increasing throughout pregnancy, including post-dates women, with the aim of reducing medicalisation; however the clinical effectiveness is not proven. The aim of this study (Pathak and Pauley 2015) was to investigate the use of CAM for low risk post-dates women in the UK. An online questionnaire was sent to health care professionals involved in providing care to pregnant women. Massage, aromatherapy and hypnobirthing were the top three modalities reported. Only 58 per cent of respondents reported formal training. Seventy four per cent of respondents reported not auditing their practice of CAM. To conclude it was found that the clinical effectiveness of CAM is yet to be proven and that more research in this area is required.