Adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with maternal prenatal ingestion of traditional medicine

Abstract

Pregnancy is associated with complications ranging from minor ailments to major morbidity and mortality. To prevent such complications, some women, including some in South Africa, resort to the use of traditional medicines. These are meant to either supplement or replace conventional medicines that are offered by their healthcare facilities. Some of these medicines, however, have the potential to cause harm, can increase pregnancy-related complications and may adversely interact with other medicines prescribed during the pregnancy. We present a case of an 18-year-old primigravida who commenced prenatal ingestion of traditional medicine ( moruto wamfene , otherwise called baboon urine) at 28 weeks’ gestation, in an attempt to improve her pregnancy outcomes. However, she instead developed uterine hyperstimulation, fetal bradycardia and thick meconium-stained liquor during labour. This report is intended to raise awareness about prenatal ingestion of traditional medicine (particularly moruto wamfene ), highlights the safety concerns and suggests preventive measures.