title: Plants used during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and infant healthcare in Palestine.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and the factors related to the use of herbs by women during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and for infant healthcare. The study also aims to identify the herbs therapeutic uses and preparation. To date, no previous studies have investigated this prevalence in Palestine.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey of women of different child-bearing age group inhabiting different locations in Palestine was carried out by means of a semi-structured questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 372 women were interviewed. Of the participants 72.3% reported using herbs at different pregnancy stages and for infant healthcare. The most common herbal products used in this study at different stages of pregnancy were Pimpinella anisum, Salvia fruticosa, Matricaria aurea, and Mentha spicata.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study revealed that there is an appreciable prevalence of herbal use among pregnant women at different pregnancy stages and for infant healthcare in Palestine.
authors.affiliation: Biodiversity and Environmental Research Center-BERC, Til, Nablus, Palestine. Electronic address: msshtayeh@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Mohammed S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Ali-Shtayeh
authors.affiliation: Biodiversity and Environmental Research Center-BERC, Til, Nablus, Palestine.
authors.forename: Rana M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Jamous
authors.affiliation: Biodiversity and Environmental Research Center-BERC, Til, Nablus, Palestine; Palestinian Military Services, Ramallah, Palestine.
authors.forename: Rania M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Jamous
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008877:Middle East; D036801:Parturition; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Infant healthcare; Medicinal plants; Postpartum; Pregnancy; Safety