POPULAR PRACTICES WITH MEDICINAL PLANTS AMONG PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM WOMEN IN PRIMARY CARE AND IN THE HOSPITAL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy and the postpartum period are complex processes that require care, especially regarding the use of medicines and medicinal plants. Although the use of plants is an ancient and common practice, it is believed that natural treatments are always safe. However, scientific research has revealed the risks associated with these practices, especially for these vulnerable groups. Objective: To evaluate the use and knowledge of the toxicity of medicinal plants by pregnant and postpartum women undergoing primary and tertiary health care. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out using a questionnaire for pregnant and postpartum women who used Basic Health Units and the Maternal and Child University Hospital, with a focus on establishing the use and frequency of medicinal plants. Results: The number of study participants was n=101 (38 pregnant and 63 postpartum women), which did or did not use medicinal plants, in 91.09% of cases, there was no follow-up by a health professional, whether a doctor, pharmacist or other, from the prescription to the instructions for use and possible adverse effects, and 36.05% were unaware of the risks of incorrect and indiscriminate use. Adverse effects were reported by 12.79% of users of medicinal plants, of which 27.27% required care in health services. Conclusion: The relevance of the work of a multidisciplinary team in the follow-up of pregnant women and their families is observed, considering the need for integration between scientific knowledge – with evidence of beneficial and adverse effects – and popular knowledge. Such an approach is essential to support informed decisions regarding the use of medicinal plants during pregnancy and the postpartum period.