Herbal Medicine Use and Associated Risks During Pregnancy Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Gombe State Teaching Hospital, North East Nigeria

The use of herbal preparations during pregnancy is a globally recognised public health concern due to potential embryotoxic, abortifacient, and teratogenic risks posed by bioactive plant constituents. In Gombe State, North East Nigeria, anecdotal evidence suggests high prevalence of herbal use among pregnant women attending formal antenatal care. This study determines the prevalence, types, and risk factors associated with herbal medicine use during pregnancy among women attending the antenatal clinic at Gombe State University Teaching Hospital. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to 320 pregnant women at their first, second, and third trimester visits. Information on herbal product type, trimester of use, purpose, source of recommendation, and disclosure to healthcare providers was collected. Fifty-eight percent of respondents reported using at least one herbal preparation during the current pregnancy, most frequently in the first trimester. Preparations used included Moringa oleifera, Carica papaya leaf, Datura stramonium, and proprietary herbal tonics of unknown composition. Recommendation by family members was the predominant reason for use. Non-disclosure to attending healthcare providers was reported by 66% of herbal users. Several preparations used, particularly Datura and pawpaw leaf, carry documented risks in pregnancy. Recommendations include routine pharmacognostic screening questions in antenatal care protocols and public health education on pregnancy-specific herbal medicine risks. Keywords: pregnancy, herbal medicine, antenatal care, Gombe State, embryotoxic risk