Women Of Childbearing Age Research Articles

Body Composition Changes and Associations in Infants and Mothers During the First Year: Insights from a Pilot Study of the Baby-bod Project

Background: The period following childbirth is marked by dynamic changes in maternal physiology and the growth trajectory of the newborn. We aimed to elucidate the changes and associations in body composition of infants and their mothers during the first year postpartum. Methods: This pilot study assessed infant body composition using the PEA POD air displacement plethysmography (ADP) system (birth–6 months) and deuterium dilution (9–12 months). Maternal body composition was assessed using the BOD POD ADP system at 12 months postpartum. Mothers were grouped by prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2 (lean) or ≥25 kg/m2 (overweight/obese: OW/OB), and data were analysed using linear regression. Results: Twenty-nine infant–mother pairs were assessed. Infant percent fat mass (%FM) increased from birth to 6 months (9.3% vs. 24.2%; p < 0.001) and then gradually declined. At birth and 3 months, %FM was significantly higher in infants born to OW/OB mothers compared to their lean counterparts. A significant positive association (β = 0.3; p = 0.040) was observed between maternal %FM and infant %FM at 1 year post-delivery after controlling for the mother’s prepregnancy BMI. Conclusions: Infants born to OW/OB mothers have increased %FM at birth and 3 months, which may have consequences for their health throughout childhood and into adulthood. Moreover, maternal prepregnancy BMI is a significant predictor of maternal postpartum weight status and body composition and impacts the relationship between maternal and infant body composition at 12 months postpartum. While the findings of our pilot study underscore the importance of encouraging women of childbearing age to maintain a healthy BMI before conception, further research is needed to substantiate these results.

Pre-pregnancy obesity and weight gain during pregnancy: impact on newborn outcomes

BackgroundOverweight and obesity are global issues, especially among women of childbearing age, linked to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. These risks vary by age, race, and ethnicity, with increasing rates among immigrant and minority women. This study compares overweight and obesity rates, pregnancy weight gain, and neonatal outcomes in Turkish and Syrian immigrant/refugee women.MethodsIn this retrospective study, at Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Hospital in Izmir, Turkey a total of 1353 mother-infant pairs were checked for eligibility. Of the entire cohort of 1353 mother-infant pairs, 323 pairs with complete medical records were included. The primary outcome was rate of pregestational obesity or overweight as secondary outcomes were weight gain during pregnancy and adherence to guidelines, neonatal outcomes according to different BMI categories and possible impact of maternal weight gain on neonatal morbidities in two different ethic populations.ResultsOf the 323 mother-infant pairs, overweight/obese mothers had higher birth weights and cesarean-section rates. Syrian mothers were more likely to gain less weight than recommended. Neonatal outcomes, such as hospitalization and SGA/LGA birth rates, were similar across groups, with varying compliance to weight gain guidelines.ConclusionsPre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain significantly affect some of the neonatal outcomes. High obesity rates and ethnic disparities highlight the need for culturally tailored prenatal care to improve maternal and neonatal health, especially in immigrant populations. Further research with larger, diverse cohorts is needed.

Measuring Dietary Intake of Pregnant Women Post-Bariatric Surgery: Do Women Meet Recommendations?

Background: Bariatric surgery is increasingly offered to women of childbearing age and significantly reduces food intake and nutrient absorption. During pregnancy, associated risks, including micronutrient deficiency, are accentuated. This study describes maternal dietary intake and adherence to dietary recommendations in pregnant women with a history of bariatric surgery. Methods: Women aged 18–45 with singleton pregnancies post-bariatric surgery were recruited at <23 weeks of gestation and followed until birth. Dietary intake was measured using three non-consecutive 24 h recalls at enrolment and at 28 and 36 weeks using the standardized tool ASA24-Australia. Micronutrient supplementation dose and adherence was reported using the Brief Medication Adherence Questionnaire. Mean macronutrient intake was calculated from all diet recalls. Micronutrient intake was determined from diet recalls and from supplementation. Intake was compared to the recommended daily intakes for pregnancy. Results: Sixty-three women participated in the study. The participants met 65 ± 17.3% (mean ± SD) of estimated energy requirements, 53(23)% (median(IQR)) of fiber requirements, and exceeded fat and saturated fat recommendations. Dietary intake levels of iron, folate, zinc, calcium, and vitamin A were below recommended levels. Gastric bypass recipients consumed significantly less folate (p = 0.008), vitamin A (p = 0.035), and vitamin E (p = 0.027) than women post-gastric sleeve or gastric band. Multivitamins were used by 80% (n = 55) of participants at study enrolment, which increased their mean intake of all micronutrients to meet recommendations. Conclusions: Women who conceive post-bariatric surgery may require targeted support to meet the recommended nutrient intake. Micronutrient supplementation enables women to meet nutrient recommendations for pregnancy and is particularly important for gastric bypass recipients.

Predictors for intention to avoid childbirth among Korean adult women of childbearing age

Predictors for intention to avoid childbirth among Korean adult women of childbearing age

Prevalence and predictors of overweight and obesity among women of childbearing age in the province of Essaouira, Morocco

Low- and middle-income countries are facing a rapid increase in nutritional problems, particularly in Africa, where undernutrition, overweight and micronutrient deficiencies coexist, creating a double burden of malnutrition and a challenge to public health policies. In this context, Morocco stands out for its early nutritional transition, characterized by a moderate prevalence of overweight and undernutrition and elevated levels of micronutrient deficiencies. The aim of this study was to assess the weight status of women of childbearing age and identify its determinants to suggest ways to improve it. The study was conducted in the province of Essaouira in Morocco, which is characterized by a predominance of rural areas and multidimensional poverty. We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional survey of 1,466 married women of childbearing age via stratified random sampling. Data were collected via questionnaires and anthropometric measurements; we applied the WHO curves to classify BMI. Data entry and statistical processing were performed via SPSS® v. 26. The results show that women’s weight status is worrisome, with an average BMI of 26.4 kg/m². The prevalence of overweight was 61.6% (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2), with 17.9% of women being obese. Bivariate analysis revealed that age, education level, socioprofessional activity, family structure, household income and parity were significantly associated with overweight. Binary logistic regression confirmed that women’s age and level of education are major determinants of overweight/obesity. There is a need to strengthen public health policies aimed at reducing overweight and obesity among women of childbearing age in Morocco, with an emphasis on nutrition education and monitoring their weight status throughout their reproductive lives.

Rectus Abdominis Muscle Endometriosis: A Unique Case Report with a Literature Review

Introduction and importance: Extrapelvic endometriosis, confined exclusively to the body of the rectus abdominis muscle, is a rare form of abdominal wall endometriosis. While its etiopathology remains unclear, it is often diagnosed in healthy women who present with atypical symptoms and localization unrelated to any incision site, or in the absence of a history of endometriosis or previous surgery. Presentation of the case: Here, we describe a unique case of intramuscular endometriosis of the rectus abdominis muscle in a healthy 39-year-old Caucasian woman. The condition was located away from any prior incisional scars and presented without typical symptoms or concurrent pelvic disease, making diagnostic imaging unclear. After partial surgical resection of the endometriotic foci, the diagnosis was confirmed histologically. Progestogen-based supportive medication was initiated to prevent the need for additional surgeries and to reduce the risk of recurrence. After 6 years of follow-up and continued progestogen treatment, the patient remains symptom-free and has shown no recurrence of the disease. Clinical discussion: Endometriosis of the rectus abdominis muscle exhibits specific characteristics in terms of localization, etiopathology, symptomatology, and diagnostic imaging, suggesting that it should be considered a distinct clinical entity. Conclusions: Although rare, primary endometriosis of the rectus abdominis muscle should be included in the differential diagnosis for women of childbearing age. Early diagnosis is essential to avoid delayed recognition, tissue damage, and to minimize the risk of recurrence or malignant transformation. Given the increasing frequency of gynecologic and laparoscopic surgeries worldwide, it is crucial to establish standardized reporting protocols, follow-up timelines, and imaging assessments during specific phases of the menstrual cycle. Standardization will help raise awareness of this disease, and further our understanding of its pathogenesis, risk factors, recurrence patterns, and potential for malignant transformation—factors that are still not fully understood.

Inclination of antidepressant medication continuation during pregnancy between 2012 and 2023 in Japan: A cohort study.

As multiple Japanese academic societies have recently issued treatment guidelines for perinatal antidepressant treatments, it is considered worthwhile to evaluate the latest trends and continuation of antidepressant medication during pregnancy to optimize antenatal prescriptions. The prevalence, trend, and continuation of antidepressant use during pregnancy in Japan from 2012 to 2023 were evaluated, using a large administrative claims database, in women whose pregnancies ended in live births. Annual changes were evaluated using a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for maternal age at delivery. Of 179,797 women with a mean maternal age at delivery of 32.5 years, 1870 (1.04 %) were prescribed antidepressants during pregnancy. The prevalence significantly increased (P < 0.0001) from 0.63 % in 2012 to 1.67 % in 2023. Antidepressants were prescribed to 1730 women (0.96 %) during the first trimester. Of these, 670 (38.7 %) were antidepressant continuers throughout pregnancy, showing a significant increase (P < 0.0001) from 19.51 % in 2012 to 50.70 % in 2023. The most frequently prescribed class of antidepressants during pregnancy was serotonin reuptake inhibitors (0.74 %), especially sertraline (0.33 %) and escitalopram (0.23 %), with a significant increase in their annual prevalence. Prescriptions for women whose pregnancies ended in abortion or stillbirth could not be evaluated. Given that antidepressant use and its continuation during pregnancy have become more common, it is important to further disseminate knowledge of the guidelines to healthcare professionals and women of childbearing age, including the promotion of preconception care and shared decision-making.

Candida albicans migrates itself from the vagina to the uterus and ovaries in estrogenized mice.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) represents the second cause of vaginal infections in childbearing-age women. It mainly affects the vulva and vagina; however, other organs can be compromised, with consequences that are not well known yet. To evaluate the ability of Candida albicans, inoculated into the vaginal lumen of mice, to migrate to the uterus and ovaries. Female Balb/c mice, 6 weeks old, were estrogenized and infected intravaginally with 1 × 106 CFU/ml of C. albicans for the dual objectives of histopathological evaluation and fungal burden quantification in the vaginal, uterus, and ovary tissues, on days 1, 3, and 5 post-infection. Estrogenized and infected mice presented vaginal exudate and an edematous and erythematous uterus. Vaginal histopathological analysis showed intense desquamation, keratinization, fungal structures, and an inflammatory reaction one day after infection. In the uterus, an inflammatory response and a few fungi from the third day onwards were observed. Similarly, the ovary showed the same changes, but at a lower intensity. A high fungal burden was detected in the vaginal tissue from the first day, reaching nearly 6 log CFU/g on the fifth day. C. albicans inoculated into the vaginal lumen of estrogenized mice was able to invade the vaginal tissue one-day post-infection and was detected in the uterus and ovaries within three days.

Impact of exposure to opioids in pregnancy on offspring developmental outcomes in the preschool years: an umbrella review

BackgroundEarly child development sets the course for optimal outcomes across life. Increasing numbers of children worldwide are exposed to opioids in pregnancy and frequently live in environments associated with adverse...

The mediating role of coping style in the relationship between fear of childbirth and psychological birth trauma among natural childbirth women in China: a structural equation model analysis

BackgroundPsychological birth trauma represents a significant global public health concern, with an estimated 45% of new mothers reporting such an experience. Researchers mostly focus on the impacts of postpartum mental health issues, such as postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder, minimal attention has been given to the antecedents of psychological birth trauma. This study seeks to investigate the correlation between fear of childbirth and psychological birth trauma among Chinese women who have undergone natural childbirth, as well as the mediating role of coping styles in the association between fear of childbirth and psychological birth trauma.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 women who underwent natural childbirth between June and December 2021 in Shandong Province, China. Data were gathered using the Wijma Delivery Experience Questionnaire, Trait Coping Style Questionnaire, and Impact of Event Scale-Revised. The structural equation model (SEM) was employed to examine the relationships between variables and to develop the final model.ResultsThe prevalence of psychological birth trauma among women who had experienced natural childbirth was recorded at 10.27%. The mean score and standard deviation of psychological birth trauma, fear of birth, positive coping (PC), and negative coping (NC) among these women were 19.7 ± 12.5, 76.9 ± 21.3, 35.66 ± 7.05, and 28.20 ± 7.99, respectively. Findings indicated that women’s fear of childbirth was directly (B = 0.340, p = 0.001) and indirectly (B = 0.124, p = 0.001) linked to women’s psychological birth trauma. Additionally, women’s PC was negatively associated with psychological birth trauma (B= -0.352, p = 0.001), while NC was positively associated with psychological birth trauma (B = 0.199, p = 0.001).ConclusionsChinese women who experienced natural childbirth encountered a moderate level of psychological birth trauma. Women’s coping style plays a pivotal mediating role in the connection between fear of childbirth and psychological birth trauma. Consequently, interventions aimed at diminishing women’s fear of childbirth and enhancing PC skills should be devised and implemented to alleviate women’s psychological birth trauma.

'Mob aren't staying when there's no support': Enablers and barriers of recruitment and retention of First Nations midwifery students - A qualitative study.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (hereafter referred to as First Nations) childbearing women report negative experiences from a lack of culturally safe maternity care. Evidence supports improved health outcomes for First Nations women and infants when cared for by First Nations midwives. There are barriers to First Nations students accessing university, particularly nursing and midwifery students, with a lack of evidence exploring the experiences of First Nations midwifery students. This study aims to understand the impact of the current strategies to improve recruitment and retention of First Nations midwifery students and identify further innovations. A semi-structured yarning circle was held with six Bachelor of Midwifery students at a university in Queensland, Australia. Three key categories emerged: student recruitment, student retention and student success. Enablers included culturally appropriate recruitment, partnerships with other First Nations peoples, incorporating First Nations ways of Knowing, Being, and Doing, culturally safe support, placements and mentorship, and identification and representation. Barriers included financial impacts, experiences of racism and lack of Cultural Safety and humility. Overall, students felt the university provided a culturally safe environment and implemented strategies that supported students' recruitment, retention and success in the degree. They suggested improvements to current strategies and new ideas for implementation. Strategies to improve recruitment and retention of First Nations midwifery students are imperative to close the gap in educational attainment and improve health outcomes for First Nations peoples. These strategies need to be multi-layered, culturally appropriate and implement a whole of university approach.

How do women with Rokitansky syndrome and healthcare professionals reflect on the provision of uterine transplantation? Insights from an interview study in France, Norway, and Sweden.

Uterine transplantation is currently intended for women with absolute uterine infertility. Since proof of the concept in 2014, many countries have started research programs and clinical activities. However, access to uterine transplantation remains limited given that only a few hundred transplants have been described worldwide compared with the 1.5 million women of childbearing age who suffer from absolute uterine infertility. The aim of this study was to investigate how limited access to uterine transplantation is perceived by women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome and health professionals involved in uterus transplantation programs. We conducted a qualitative study with semistructured interviews in France, Norway, and Sweden with women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome and health professional involved in uterine transplantation programs. The interviews were analyzed manually using thematic content analysis. The research questions were: How do (a) women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome and (b) healthcare professionals involved in uterus transplantation programs perceive uterus transplantation and its accessibility 10 years after proof of concept? The interviews enabled us to highlight a number of themes addressed by doctors and women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, the main ones being the hope raised by this technique and the disappointment for those who do not have access to it, the lack of perception of the risks associated with the technique, and finally, an inequity of access and the training difficulties this entails for the teams. Access to uterine transplantation varies widely across Europe owing to legislative restrictions and limited access due to resources or competence. The result is a feeling of injustice/misunderstanding and despair for these women who had planned to become parents and cannot benefit from a transplant. They appear to be poorly supported. Women who are ultimately unable to access a transplant program should perhaps be given psychological support to deal with this disappointment, whereas the minority who finally have had access to transplant programs are supervised by well-trained multidisciplinary teams.

Pharmacovigilance Pregnancy Data in a Population of Japanese Patients With Chronic Inflammatory Disease Exposed to Certolizumab Pegol.

Uncontrolled chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs) before, during, and after pregnancy, as well as some CID medications, can increase the risk of impaired fertility in addition to adverse maternal/pregnancy outcomes in women of childbearing age. We report pregnancy outcomes from prospectively reported pregnancies in Japanese women treated with certolizumab pegol (CZP). Data from July 2001 to November 2020 on CZP-exposed pregnancies from the CZP Pharmacovigilance safety database were reviewed. Pregnancy outcomes analyzed included live birth, ectopic pregnancy, abortion (miscarriage or medically indicated/elective), and stillbirth. Congenital anomalies (major and minor), preterm delivery, and low birth weight were also examined. Among 149 prospective pregnancies with maternal CZP exposure and known outcomes identified in Japanese women, 111/149 (74.5%) involved at least first-trimester exposure and 53/149 (35.6%) were exposed in all trimesters; 135/149 (90.6%) live births, 12/149 (8.1%) abortions (11 miscarriages, one elective termination), 2/149 (1.3%) stillbirths, no ectopic pregnancies reported. One (0.7%) infant, whose mother had first-trimester exposure, manifested a minor congenital anomaly (accessory auricle). There were no major congenital anomalies. Among live births, 3/135 (2.2%) were preterm and 10/135 (7.4%) had low birth weight. The safety profile of CZP in pregnant Japanese women was consistent with published global data.

A health promotion proposal: improving the HPV vaccination rate among women of childbearing age in Shenzhen

A health promotion proposal: improving the HPV vaccination rate among women of childbearing age in Shenzhen

Revolutionizing diffuse uterine leiomyomatosis treatment: A case report and literature review on "no-distension" hysteroscopic myomectomy with thoracic tissue forceps.

Diffuse uterine leiomyomatosis (DUL) is a prevalent leiomyoma variant in women of childbearing age, characterized by a uniformly enlarged uterus with numerous interconnected small myomas. Given that most DUL patients are in their reproductive years, treatments that preserve fertility are increasingly vital. This case report introduces an innovative hysteroscopic technique that forgoes uterine distension to remove multiple submucosal fibroids in a single procedure, maintaining endometrial integrity and fertility. A 27-year-old single woman experienced prolonged and heavier menstruation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showed an enlarged uterus with several round-like masses in the uterine wall/submucosa. Addressing the patient's financial limitations and treatment preferences, a groundbreaking hysteroscopic surgery was performed using thoracic tissue forceps, alongside bedside ultrasonography, enabling fibroid excision without uterine distension. In total, 38 uterine fibroids were successfully excised without complications such as uterine perforation or hyponatremia. According to the FIGO classification system: three were type III, nine were type II, 15 were type I, and 11 were type 0. Postoperative follow-up indicated normalized menstrual cycles, improved hemoglobin levels, and no recurrence of fibroids. A hysteroscopic examination 1 month after surgery revealed no significant fibroids or endometrial thickening. This case report underscores the effectiveness of a novel hysteroscopic surgical approach in treating DUL. This method eliminates the need for multiple staged surgeries and the risks of endometrial damage inherent in traditional techniques. It offers a minimally invasive, fertility-preserving alternative for young DUL patients, marking a significant advancement in gynecologic surgery.

Association between maternal mental health and early childhood development, nutrition, and common childhood illnesses in Khwisero subcounty, Kenya.

Despite the significant public health burden of maternal mental health disorders in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), limited data are available on their effects on early childhood development (ECD), nutritional status, and child health in the region. This study investigated the association between maternal mental health and ECD, nutritional status, and common childhood illnesses, while controlling for biological, social, financial, and health-related factors and/or confounders. As part of the Innovative Partnership for Universal and Sustainable Healthcare (i-PUSH) program evaluation study, initiated in November 2019, a cohort of low-income rural families, including pregnant women or women of childbearing age with children under five, was recruited for this study. A total of 24 villages were randomly selected from a list of villages near two health facilities. Following a census to identify eligible households, 10 households per village were randomly selected. Data collection included maternal mental health, assessed using Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, ECD, nutritional status (anthropometric measurements), and common childhood illnesses, their symptoms, and healthcare utilization. This study presents a cross-sectional analysis of the data drawn from endline survey of 299 target mothers and 315 children. The majority of the mothers were aged between 25 and 34 years. The mean age of children was 3.2 years, with 53% being male. The overall maternal mental health score, as measured by the CES-D scale, was 28. Children of mothers with higher CES-D scores exhibited poorer ECD domains, lower nutritional status indicators, and increased incidence of ill-health in the previous two weeks, in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Individual, parental, and household factors-including maternal age, household wealth index, and decision-making regarding child healthcare-were significantly associated with children's development, nutrition status, and health outcomes. Children of mothers with low mental health scores demonstrated suboptimal developmental outcomes, nutritional status, and overall well-being, particularly for those from impoverished households. These findings suggest that improving the socioeconomic conditions of low-income households is essential for promoting children's development, nutritional status, and well-being. Longitudinal studies are needed to further investigate the impact of maternal mental health on child development, nutrition, and health outcomes, considering additional factors across the maternal, newborn, and child health continuum. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04068571), AEA Registry (AEARCTR-0006089) and PACTR (PACTR202204635504887).

Virtual Reality as a Method to Cope With Labor Pain: What Do Women Want?

This study aimed to determine what childbearing women want when using virtual reality as an intrapartum pain management method. Researchers performed a qualitative exploratory study using content analysis. Two focus groups were organized including pregnant women anticipating a vaginal birth and women who recently had given birth, no longer than 6 months ago. The focus groups included a 30-minute virtual reality demo. In total, 10 women participated. Five themes emerged: (1) “try, test, and explore”: the need to receive information and to get acquainted with virtual reality during the antenatal period; (2) “variety and diversity in physical and digital options”: the preference for a variety in virtual content and view virtual reality as a complementary method for intrapartum pain management; (3) “distraction versus focus”: virtual reality as a method to distract from pain, from the clinical context or to help them focus; (4) “comfort both physical and digital”: measures to ensure a comfortable physical and virtual experience; and (5) “birthing partner”: the potential need to include partners. This study is an essential step informing the development, implementation, and research of labor-specific virtual reality and informing antenatal health care providers when offering women virtual reality as intrapartum pain management.

Impact of Uterine Myomatosis on Reproductive Health: Experience in Lima, Peru, 2022

In Lima, Peru, during 2022, uterine myomatosis stood out as a significant challenge in the gynecological health of women of childbearing age. This condition, characterized by the development of benign tumors in the uterine muscle, showed a high prevalence in women over 40 years old. National studies revealed it accounted for up to 20% of benign tumors in this population and significantly affected quality of life, causing symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding, anemia, pelvic pain, and infertility. Peru's health system implemented hormonal and surgical treatments, with myomectomy and hysterectomy as primary options in advanced cases.Nursing staff played a crucial role, providing comprehensive care during the postoperative period, managing pain, and educating patients on self-care. The Nursing Care Process (NCP) was used to structure personalized and holistic care. Despite progress, barriers such as unequal access to services and late detection persisted. The importance of preventive strategies, multidisciplinary teams, and public policies ensuring equitable management of this condition was highlighted. Uterine myomatosis remained a significant health issue requiring continuous efforts for its effective management

Preconceptional Reproductive Risk in women of childbearing age. Preventive, clinical and epidemiological approach

Introduction: Prevention of preconceptional maternal risk is important to avoid complications and death during the reproductive process. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out from 2023 to April 2024 in women of childbearing age with preconceptional reproductive risk (RRPC) residing in the community served by the Pedro Borrás Astorga Polyclinic in the municipality of Pinar del Río, in the province of the same name. The universe consisted of 5761 women of fertile age between 15 and 49 years old from the family doctor's and nurse's offices of the aforementioned polyclinic who gave their consent to participate in the research. The data collection was carried out from the controls recorded in the individual medical records and information provided by the statistics department of the center, in addition to the survey applied by the author of the research to a sample of 606 women with RRPC, with prior informed consent (Annexes 1 and 2).Results: the current trends in the development of the object of study were identified, determining irregularities that made possible the transformation of the inadequacies Conclusions: The risk factors mostly associated with RRPC in our polyclinic were determined, which will allow the establishment of future strategies in a problem yet to be solved

The use of anise during the perinatal period: A modern study in Cypriot women

Background: Herbal medicine has played a significant role in women's health, particularly in treating conditions such as menorrhea, postpartum issues, pregnancy-related ailments, birth control, and childbirth. During pregnancy, herbal medications are commonly used to manage symptoms like vomiting, nausea, and vaginal infections, and to facilitate labor. Anise is considered probably safe during pregnancy when consumed in amounts typically found in food. However, there is limited reliable information on the safety of anise when taken in medicinal amounts during pregnancy. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of alternative medicine (AM) use, specifically focusing on the effects of anise in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Additionally, the study assessed the effectiveness and side effects of anise and the behavior and experiences of pregnant and breastfeeding women regarding its use. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among women of childbearing age in a specific region of Cyprus. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire administered through a 30-minute face-to-face interview. Ethical approval was obtained from the Cyprus National Bioethics Committee. The study spanned three months in 2022 (July to September). Data were analyzed using SPSS software, with descriptive values expressed as numbers (n), percentages (%), means (mean), standard deviations (SD), and medians (median). Results: Of the 218 women initially approached, 200 consented to participate, yielding a participation rate of 91.74%. The mean age of the participants was 31.45 years (SEM 1.483, range 19–44 years). On average, 51% of women reported using herbs during pregnancy, while 49% did not. Herb use to induce childbirth was higher at 60.5% compared to 51% during pregnancy. For newborns, 60.5% of participants used herbs externally, whereas 39.5% did not. Regarding the benefits of herbal baths for newborns' skin, 34% agreed, 0.5% disagreed, and 65.5% had no knowledge. Among women using anise before, during, and after pregnancy, 47% used it for abdominal colic, while 4% used it as an absorbent. Conclusion: The use of plant medicines is prevalent among women during pregnancy, labor, the puerperium, and breastfeeding. The findings underscore the need for educational programs targeted at healthcare professionals, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and the general public on the appropriate use of herbal medicines during antenatal and peripartum periods, breastfeeding, and infant care.