Epidemiological, clinical, and obstetrical profile of women who used medicinal plants during labor and delivery: a retrospective survey in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region, Morocco

Abstract

In Morocco, pregnant women commonly use phytotherapy to facilitate childbirth. However, data on the safety and effects of medicinal plants during labor remain scarce and limited from a toxicological point of view. This retrospective descriptive study investigates the epidemiological, clinical and obstetric profiles of women who used medicinal plants during labor and delivery at the regional hospital of Guelmim. Data were collected from the records of women who gave birth between 2015 and 2021. A total of 22 523 files were examined, including 216 cases of women who had used medicinal plants during labor and delivery. Among these women, 57.8% were young primigravidas and primiparous women, the majority (83.79%) having received prenatal care and 78.24% of women having been admitted in the latency phase. In 65% of cases, delivery took place vaginally, with a significant reduction in the duration of labor. Nevertheless, 34.72% of women underwent a caesarean section. Complications were noted in 58.79% of cases: foetal and neonatal distress, post-partum haemorrhage, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, uterine hyperkinesis, premature rupture of membranes, neonatal death and perineal tears. These complications occurred in women who had used medicinal plants such as Lepidium sativum L., Crocus sativus L., Cinnamomum verum J. Presl. and Peganum harmala L, raising about a possible link. Further research is needed to better understand the effects of these plants and their consequences for maternal-foetal health. The frequent association of these plants with adverse effects suggests that they may contribute to the complications observed during labor and delivery. Further research is needed to assess the risks in the obstetric context and establish clear recommendations on its use.