Percorrer por autor "Matos, Teresa Filomena"
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- Medicinal plant use during pregnancy : an exploratory study in Portuguese womenPublication . Saturnino, Emily Cíceri; Matos, Teresa Filomena; Nunes, Joana Montenegro; Mascarenhas, PauloMedicinal plants are ingested during pregnancy, however, the safety and efficacy of many of these practices remain insufficiently supported by scientific evidence. This study aimed to identify the medicinal plants used by Portuguese women during pregnancy and to understand the reasons behind their use. This descriptive, exploratory study involved administering an online survey to 35 women. Data analysis included simple descriptive statistics and thematic categorisation of open responses. The most commonly used plants were calendula, nettle, chamomile, ginger, lavender, raspberry and rosehip. The primary motivations for use were the prevention of stretch marks, relief of nausea, relaxation, improvement of iron levels and preparation for labour. Most participants reported positive effects. Around 71.4% of participants mentioned receiving professional guidance, and all of them used more than one medicinal plant. While many women perceive the benefits of using medicinal plants, the lack of robust safety data requires caution. This study, therefore, highlights the need for further research, technical training for healthcare professionals, and the development of evidence-based guidelines on the use of herbal medicines during pregnancy