BETÜL KEYİF, HÜSEYİN NEJAT KÜÇÜKDAĞ, ZÜBEYDE GİRGİN
International Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research - 2025;6(2):127-134
Objective: This study aimed to determine the use of herbal products for nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy and to identify the associated factors influencing their use. Material-Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 01/09/2024 and 30/09/2024 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient clinic of Düzce University Medical Faculty. A structured questionnaire was applied to 244 pregnant women who volunteered to participate. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, pregnancy-related conditions, and herbal product use were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 23, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Among participants, 75% experienced nausea and vomiting in the first trimester. While 36.48% used prescription antiemetics, only 7% reported using herbal products. Herbal remedies were mostly consumed as tea (64.7%), with mint being the most commonly used herb. Products were primarily obtained from markets, and nearly half of the users sourced their information from the internet. Most users did not consult healthcare professionals, largely due to underestimating potential risks. No significant association was found between education level and herbal product use, although higher education correlated with more regular prenatal follow-ups. Increased nausea severity led to significantly higher prescription medication use but did not affect herbal product use. Conclusion: Although the use of herbal products during pregnancy remains low, those who use them often do so without medical consultation, raising safety concerns. Awareness and education about herbal product risks should be improved, and healthcare professionals should take a proactive role in guiding pregnant women, particularly in early gestation.
