The present ethnopharmacological study evaluated information by pregnant women using phytotherapy or not. Its aim was to analyze representations on the use of medicinal plants by pregnant women under outpatient care. As regards methodology, the qualitative nature of the study and the content analysis underlie the bardinian approach. Data were collected from two groups: phytotherapy-user and non-user pregnant women. Categories related to the concept and the reason of plant use or non-use were identified. In the users group, knowledge has been transmitted over generations, mainly through verbal information. Although such knowledge has been accepted, it can lead to an unsuitable or inefficient use. The group of non-users was unaware of phytotherapy and considered plants dangerous and harmful to the fetus. In conclusion, there were difficulties regarding plant identification and safe administration, as well as certain mysticism, in addition to the use of inefficient and potentially toxic substances. Thus, the dialogue between doctors and patients focused on the possible medicinal use of plants must be emphasized.
pregnancy; ethnopharmacology; social representations; medicinal plants