BACKGROUND
Complementary medications and supplements in pregnancy may have potential effects on fetal and maternal health. This study aims to explore the rates and types of complementary medication and prescribed medication usage before and in pregnancy.
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, NSW. Participants completed an online questionnaire via REDCap regarding medication and supplement use in pregnancy, including brand, dose, and frequency and whether medications and supplements were taken pre-pregnancy and by gestation. Maternal characteristics included age, parity, multiple pregnancy, education, and language spoken at home. Descriptive statistics were used.
RESULTS
So far, 32 women have responded at a median age of 32 years. Most (81%) spoke English at home and had a university education (90.6%). Three-quarters (75%) had taken supplements in the one month before pregnancy: including multivitamins (34.4%), folate (18.8%), both folate and multivitamins (12.5%), or other (9.4%). 91% took supplements in pregnancy: 60% took iron, 17% took fish oil, 17% took Vitamin D, and 27% took vitamin C, with a wide range of multivitamins taken in pregnancy. Overall,10.3% took antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications in the pregnancy or just before the pregnancy.
CONCLUSION
A significant proportion of women continue to use prescribed medications and supplements/vitamins. This study highlights the need for improved counselling regarding pre-pregnancy and pregnancy supplements and medications. Further data will be presented as the study is ongoing.