Abstract
Background: The use of herbs in pregnancy is a common practice worldwide and is on the increase. Traditional herbs are used for a number of different reasons in pregnancy such as for the treatment of minor ailments, protecting the mother and the unborn baby against evil spirits and witchcraft, and facilitating childbirth. Herbs are furthermore used during pregnancy to facilitate labour and childbirth by inducing the labour, augmenting the labour progress, to prevent post-partum haemorrhage, or a combination of these. However, the safety and efficacy of the herbs are not known. People believe that herbs are safe because they are natural, which might not always be the case. Several studies have been conducted globally regarding the use of herbs in late pregnancy; however, in South Africa there is not much known about the use of herbs during pregnancy.
Research purpose: The primary purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of the use of herbs in late pregnancy to facilitate labour and childbirth in a public hospital in South Africa. The secondary purpose of the study was to determine what, according to the mothers, was the effect of herbs on the labour process and birth outcomes. The study also aimed at providing appropriate recommendations for practice, education and research.
Methodology: A quantitative descriptive design was used and a purposive sampling method was applied to a study population sample of 276 participants. After approaching 311 mothers, 276 of the mothers were willing to participate. Once written consent had been obtained from the prospective participants, they were given a questionnaire to obtain their data. The maternity records of the patients were also viewed to obtain additional information on the birth outcomes. Validity and reliability of the study instrument was checked and validated. Ethical clearance was obtained from both the university and the public hospital and ethical principles were adhered to throughout the study...
M.Cur. (Advanced Midwifery and Neonatal Sciences (Coursework)