Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Ayana Watanabe, Satomi Inoue, Aiko Okatsu, Hiromi Eto, Michiko Oguro, Yaeko Kataoka
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of CAM use among healthy pregnant women in Japan and factors associated with CAM use. The results showed that approximately 20% of Japanese pregnant women received CAM as therapy, with traditional Chinese medicine, chiropractic, moxibustion, and acupuncture being the most commonly used therapies. Additionally, almost 90% of respondents used CAM as self-care, with folic acid supplementation, other supplements, herbs, and yoga being frequently used. Factors associated with CAM use as therapy included choosing midwifery birth centers for planned childbirth and pregnancy complications, while factors associated with CAM use for self-care included age, education level, and primiparas. The Internet was the main source of information.
BMC COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE AND THERAPIES
(2023)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Aljawharah Alqathama, Farah Alhomoud, Yara Alsadiq, Asmaa Almehmadi, Wejdan Fallatah, Olaa Alharbi, Budoor Abdulhakim, Randa Alsubhi, Rana Alluqmani
Summary: This study aims to determine the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) usage among pregnant and lactating women and examine their practice, knowledge, and perceptions of CAMs. The results showed that both groups of women commonly used different CAM therapies, mainly through family recommendations, and a significant number of them did not disclose CAM usage to healthcare providers.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Burcu Kucukkaya, Hafsa Kuebra Isik
Summary: This study investigated the attitudes of pregnant women in Turkey towards holistic complementary and alternative medicine, as well as the influencing factors. The results showed that most participants preferred faith, energy healing, massage, diet, meditation/yoga, and herbal therapies to alleviate pregnancy-related symptoms. It was also found that education level, financial status, consulting with nurses, knowledge about traditional and complementary therapies, and personal experience with these therapies were positively associated with their utilization.
BMC COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE AND THERAPIES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mohamed F. Ghaly, Zahraa M. Nasr, Amira I. Abousaty, Hanan G. Seadawy, Mohamed A. A. Shaheen, Sarah Albogami, Mohammad M. Al-Sanea, Mahmoud M. Bendary
Summary: The study found a high prevalence rate of Salmonella in meat products, with most isolates being multidrug-resistant but susceptible to cefotaxime. Out of 13 plant extracts, cinnamon oil and paprika water extract showed antimicrobial activity and synergistic effect with cefotaxime. Therefore, cinnamon oil is recommended as a food additive to combat resistant foodborne pathogens.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chen-Yuan Hsu, Ching-Li Chen, Li-Yun Tsai, Jung-Mei Tsai
Summary: By comparing pregnant women receiving tocolytic and non-tocolytic treatments using complementary medicine, this study found that pregnant women receiving tocolytic treatment had significantly lower pregnancy stress, especially in dimensions related to infant care and changes in family relationships, as well as changes in physical appearance and function.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Anna Bergh, Irene Lund, Anna Bostrom, Heli Hyytiainen, Kjell Asplund
Summary: This study reviewed the scientific literature of 24 different complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) therapies used in cats, dogs, and horses, and found that there is insufficient scientific documentation to draw clear conclusions about their clinical effect. The research assessed 42 eligible publications representing nine different CAVM therapies, with varying levels of bias and reported treatment effects. Further research is needed to better understand the efficacy of these CAVM therapies.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Agnieszka Dawczak-Debicka, Joanna Kufel-Grabowska, Mikolaj Bartoszkiewicz, Adrian Perdyan, Jacek Jassem
Summary: This article reviews the most common unconventional therapies used by cancer patients, highlighting the fear of cancer and limited trust in physicians as important factors leading to their choice of these therapies. Trust and good communication are essential for achieving truthful collaboration between physicians and patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Julien Dubreucq, Astrid M. Kamperman, Nadia Al-Maach, Wichor M. Bramer, Francisca Pacheco, Ana Ganho-Avila, Mijke Lambregtse-van den Berg
Summary: This study aims to conduct an umbrella review of SRs and MAs to assess the association between CATs and reduction of depressive symptoms during pregnancy or after childbirth.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
K. Clara Mayunga, Melany Lim-A-Po, Janniek Lubberts, Eline Stoutjesdijk, Daan J. Touw, Frits A. J. Muskiet, D. A. Janneke Dijck-Brouwer
Summary: Iodine and selenium are crucial for thyroid hormone synthesis, and pregnancy increases the demand for iodine. The study reveals insufficient iodine status and inadequate selenium intake during pregnancy.
Article
Immunology
Victoria Peer, Khitam Muhsen, Moshe Betser, Manfred S. Green
Summary: Pregnant women have lower immune response to pertussis vaccination compared to non-pregnant women, possibly due to higher levels of hormones during pregnancy. Sex hormones during pregnancy, such as progesterone and estrogen, are negatively associated with anti-pertussis toxin antibody levels.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sarah A. Crawford, Alexandra R. Brown, Juliana Teruel Camargo, Elizabeth H. Kerling, Susan E. Carlson, Byron J. Gajewski, Debra K. Sullivan, Christina J. Valentine
Summary: This study analyzed the micronutrient intake of a group of pregnant women and compared it to the Dietary Reference Intakes. The majority of participants did not meet the recommended intake levels through diet alone, but supplement intake improved the intake for most micronutrients. Choline, magnesium, and potassium were exceptions. More research is needed to determine if these findings are applicable to the general population.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Laila Meija, Anna Piskurjova, Ksenija Nikolajeva, Olga Aizbalte, Roberta Rezgale, Aivars Lejnieks, Vinita Cauce
Summary: This cross-sectional study in Latvia evaluated the vitamin D levels and intake of pregnant women. The results showed that a minority of pregnant women had sufficient vitamin D, and diet did not significantly affect vitamin D levels. Therefore, a recommended daily intake of 63 mcg (2500 IU) of vitamin D during pregnancy is proposed to maintain optimal levels.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gabriela Pereira, Fernanda Garanhani Surita, Amanda Canato Ferracini, Cinthia de Souza Madeira, Leticia Silva Oliveira, Priscila Gava Mazzola
Summary: This study found that 36.0% of the 297 pregnant women interviewed had engaged in self-medication in the previous 60 days, with acetaminophen being the most commonly used medication and headache being the most frequent symptom reported. Factors such as higher education level and being in the first trimester of pregnancy were associated with higher likelihood of self-medication among pregnant women.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jennifer H. Martin, Joanne Patel
Summary: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) includes a variety of therapies that are not commonly used in conventional medicine. In Australia, about two thirds of the population use CAM, but only around half of them discuss it with their doctors. These therapies are often used by patients with life-limiting illness who experience high symptom burden. However, many of these therapies lack demonstrated efficacy for the conditions and symptoms they are used for. There have also been reports of toxicity, adverse effects, batch irregularities, and interactions with other therapies for some CAM products, depending on how they are sold. This, along with the lack of standardization and interchangeability between brands, has made doctors hesitant to support their use. This article provides general pharmacological principles for a small selection of chemicals used in a medical setting to offer guidance for their use.
INTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Merle Roeren, Anna Kordowski, Christian Sina, Martin Smollich
Summary: This study investigated the choline intake of pregnant women in Germany and found that the majority did not meet the adequate intake. Omnivores had a significantly higher intake than vegetarians/vegans. There is a need to improve choline supply for pregnant women.
Article
Nursing
Jenny Browne, Maureen O'Brien, Jan Taylor, Rebekah Bowman, Deborah Davis
Meeting Abstract
Nursing
Rebekah Bowman, Deborah Davis, Sally Ferguson, Jan Taylor
Article
Nursing
Linda Sweet, Julie Fleet, Angela Bull, Terri Downer, Deborah Fox, Rebekah Bowman, Lyn Ebert, Kristen Graham, Janice Bass, Amanda Muller, Amanda Henderson
Meeting Abstract
Nursing
Rebekah Bowman, Deborah Davis, Sally Ferguson, Jan Taylor
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Rebekah Bowman, Jan Taylor, Sally Muggleton, Deborah Davis
Summary: The study reviewed the research literature to identify the evidence base on the biophysical effects, safety and efficacy of raspberry leaf in pregnancy. Results showed raspberry leaf has biophysical effects on animal and human smooth muscle including the uterus, with some toxicity in high doses in animal studies. However, evidence supporting its use in pregnancy is weak and further research is needed to determine its effectiveness.
BMC COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE AND THERAPIES
(2021)
Article
Nursing
Khalood Al-abri, Dawn Edge, Christopher J. Armitage
Summary: This study examines changes in depressive symptoms throughout the perinatal period in a Middle Eastern cohort. The results show distinct groups of women experiencing perinatal depressive symptoms, influenced by various psychosocial and obstetric factors. In addition to known factors, the study also identifies the importance of family relationship quality. Further research is needed to develop appropriate interventions for these groups.
Article
Nursing
Twinkle Dogra, Kavita Khoiwal, Jaya Chaturvedi, Vikas Upadhyay, Suresh Lal Barnwal, Ajeet Singh Bhadoria, Poonam Singh
Summary: This study aimed to design and validate a yoga module for the mental health management of early postpartum mothers in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Through validation and testing, the study found that the yoga module had good content validity for NICU mothers' mental health.
Article
Nursing
Lucy C. Irvine, Georgia Chisnall, Cecilia Vindrola-Padros
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic in England has resulted in significant changes to maternity services, including restrictions on birth partners, postnatal support, and women's rights. Interviews with women who gave birth during this period revealed that these restrictions had a profound negative impact on their emotional and physical wellbeing. Women were more concerned about giving birth alone than contracting COVID-19, and some sought private care or delayed seeking NHS services to have the birth experience they desired.
Review
Nursing
Jenny Roddy, Linda Mcgowan
Summary: Type 1 diabetes poses risks for pregnant individuals and their babies. How women with type 1 diabetes navigate the challenges and engage with healthcare professionals is crucial for maintaining good glycemic control. This review examines literature from the past decade and identifies key themes including the dominance of glycemic control, emphasis on risk, importance of social and peer support, care organization and communication, and the impact of technology. Women with type 1 diabetes value being treated as partners in their care and benefit from support from family, friends, and the diabetes community. Research on the impact of diabetes technologies and integrating peer support into current care is needed.
Article
Nursing
Rafael Vila-Candel, Desiree Mena-Tudela, Cristina Franco-Antonio, Jose Antonio Quesada, Francisco Javier Soriano-Vidal
Summary: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the mobile application LactApp (R) in increasing the 6-month postpartum breastfeeding rate. However, the findings showed that using LactApp (R) did not significantly increase the breastfeeding rate compared to standard care. Nevertheless, it did seem to reduce the rate of breastfeeding abandonment in the first 2 weeks postpartum.
Correction
Nursing
J. Scheele, H. W. Harmsen van der Vliet-Torij, E. M. Wingelaar-Loomans, M. J. B. M. Goumans