Objective. To describe the use of alternative drugs during pregnancy. Design. A trial including 3 surveys on drug use during pregnancy in maternity centers in one area of Finland in 1985-86 (study 1), and a retrospective survey in 2 maternity hospitals in Finland in 1988 (study 2). Patients and methods. Study 1: 2912 pregnant women (about 94% of pregnant women in the area during the study period); 97-88% returned questionnaires. Study 2: 180 out of 181 consecutive women giving birth. In study 1, drug use (including drug-like products) in the last two weeks was asked by questionnaires around 12th, 28th, and 36th gestation weeks. In study 2, women were interviewed 2-3 days after birth asking about any drugs used during pregnancy. Due to the method of asking, our studies underestimate the level of using alternative drugs. Results. In study 1, a total of 97 (3.6%) pregnant women reported use of alternative drugs. Most drugs were dietary supplements, and by current knowledge harmless. But a few women had used (potentially) dangerous drugs. The users were from the higher social class and they had also used pharmaceutical specialties more often than non-users. In study 2, 14% had used alternative drugs at some time during pregnancy. Conclusion. Because our surveys showed that alternative drugs are used, possibly with increasing frequency, during pregnancy, further studies on safety are needed.
