Most British women who get pregnant use herbal products – taking advice from friends and family – according to an alarming new study.
Researchers found that some 60 per cent of new mothers had taken at least one herbal treatment while pregnant.
And most admitted having gained their ideas from friends and family – rather than a health professional.
Use of herbs was particularly common amongst women over the age of 40.
The findings, from the University of East Anglia, were reported to the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester.
A second Manchester University study found that women bought treatments from community pharmacies – but rarely asked the pharmacist for advice.
Researcher Dr Lorna Tuersley said: “When they did seek advice from the pharmacist it related largely to practicalities and side effects for products they had already selected often on the basis of lay advice.
“There are risks and potential dangers related to all kinds of medicines and remedies and, as it is not always obvious to staff that a woman may be pregnant, it is imperative that pregnant women ensure they are well informed before taking anything.”
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