Experiences and expectations of pregnant women using medicinal plants for childbirth preparation in the Kananga Health Zone, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Introduction The use of medicinal plants to prepare for childbirth is a widespread traditional practice in many communities. This practice is influenced by cultural beliefs and economic constraints that limit access to modern medical care. These plants are perceived to help shorten labour, relie...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Orapuh, Inc.
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Orapuh Journal |
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| Online Access: | https://orapuh.org/ojs/ojs-3.1.2-4/index.php/orapj/article/view/415 |
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| author | Charlotte Kabamusu Kapinga Franck Tshimbila Kabambi Ruth Claudine Tshiama Monizi Mawunu Jean-Paul Koto-Te-Nyiwa Ngbolua Joséphine Kankolongo Ntumba Marie-Claire Ohambe Omanyondo Basua Babintu Leyka Mukandu |
| author_facet | Charlotte Kabamusu Kapinga Franck Tshimbila Kabambi Ruth Claudine Tshiama Monizi Mawunu Jean-Paul Koto-Te-Nyiwa Ngbolua Joséphine Kankolongo Ntumba Marie-Claire Ohambe Omanyondo Basua Babintu Leyka Mukandu |
| author_sort | Charlotte Kabamusu Kapinga |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description |
Introduction
The use of medicinal plants to prepare for childbirth is a widespread traditional practice in many communities. This practice is influenced by cultural beliefs and economic constraints that limit access to modern medical care. These plants are perceived to help shorten labour, relieve contraction pain, and prevent postpartum complications such as haemorrhage. However, scientific data on their actual effects remain limited.
Purpose
This study aims to explore the lived experiences and expectations of women who used medicinal plants during pregnancy, highlighting perceived benefits and any reported side effects associated with this practice.
Methods
A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted using an exploratory approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 women who had used medicinal plants during pregnancy, alongside participant observation of 15 of them. A categorical thematic analysis was performed to identify common motivations and perceptions regarding the effectiveness of these traditional practices.
Results
All participants were married, aged between 23 and 35 years, with a significant proportion having married early. Most (80%) had secondary education, and 55% were housewives. The most commonly used plants included Gynandropsis gynandra, Erythrophleum suaveolens, and Bridelia ferruginea. Deliveries were generally quick (between 5 and 9 hours), with regular contractions, and 95% of cases were eutocic. At one minute, 75% of newborns had an optimal APGAR score. The women reported benefits such as reduced pain, shorter labour, and easier recovery. However, some noted undesirable effects, including a decrease in sexual sensitivity.
Conclusion
The study highlights the cultural significance and perceived effectiveness of medicinal plants in childbirth preparation. Nonetheless, the occurrence of side effects points to the need for further clinical research to better understand their efficacy and ensure safe use.
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| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-696e395e27cd416b9f51e2683c2a5ff2 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2644-3740 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Orapuh, Inc. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Orapuh Journal |
| spelling | doaj-art-696e395e27cd416b9f51e2683c2a5ff22025-08-20T02:48:41ZengOrapuh, Inc.Orapuh Journal2644-37402025-07-016810.4314/orapj.v6i8.71Experiences and expectations of pregnant women using medicinal plants for childbirth preparation in the Kananga Health Zone, Democratic Republic of the Congo Charlotte Kabamusu Kapinga0Franck Tshimbila Kabambi1Ruth Claudine Tshiama2Monizi Mawunu3Jean-Paul Koto-Te-Nyiwa Ngbolua4Joséphine Kankolongo Ntumba5Marie-Claire Ohambe Omanyondo6Basua Babintu Leyka Mukandu7Higher Institute of Medical Techniques of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the CongoHigher Institute of Medical Techniques of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the CongoHigher Institute of Medical Techniques of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the CongoPolytechnic Institute of Kimpa Vita University, AngolaHigher Institute of Medical Techniques of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the CongoHigher Institute of Medical Techniques of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the CongoHigher Institute of Medical Techniques of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the CongoHigher Institute of Medical Techniques of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Introduction The use of medicinal plants to prepare for childbirth is a widespread traditional practice in many communities. This practice is influenced by cultural beliefs and economic constraints that limit access to modern medical care. These plants are perceived to help shorten labour, relieve contraction pain, and prevent postpartum complications such as haemorrhage. However, scientific data on their actual effects remain limited. Purpose This study aims to explore the lived experiences and expectations of women who used medicinal plants during pregnancy, highlighting perceived benefits and any reported side effects associated with this practice. Methods A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted using an exploratory approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 women who had used medicinal plants during pregnancy, alongside participant observation of 15 of them. A categorical thematic analysis was performed to identify common motivations and perceptions regarding the effectiveness of these traditional practices. Results All participants were married, aged between 23 and 35 years, with a significant proportion having married early. Most (80%) had secondary education, and 55% were housewives. The most commonly used plants included Gynandropsis gynandra, Erythrophleum suaveolens, and Bridelia ferruginea. Deliveries were generally quick (between 5 and 9 hours), with regular contractions, and 95% of cases were eutocic. At one minute, 75% of newborns had an optimal APGAR score. The women reported benefits such as reduced pain, shorter labour, and easier recovery. However, some noted undesirable effects, including a decrease in sexual sensitivity. Conclusion The study highlights the cultural significance and perceived effectiveness of medicinal plants in childbirth preparation. Nonetheless, the occurrence of side effects points to the need for further clinical research to better understand their efficacy and ensure safe use. https://orapuh.org/ojs/ojs-3.1.2-4/index.php/orapj/article/view/415Medicinal plantsbirth preparationobstetric phytotherapymaternal experiencespostpartum complications |
| spellingShingle | Charlotte Kabamusu Kapinga Franck Tshimbila Kabambi Ruth Claudine Tshiama Monizi Mawunu Jean-Paul Koto-Te-Nyiwa Ngbolua Joséphine Kankolongo Ntumba Marie-Claire Ohambe Omanyondo Basua Babintu Leyka Mukandu Experiences and expectations of pregnant women using medicinal plants for childbirth preparation in the Kananga Health Zone, Democratic Republic of the Congo Orapuh Journal Medicinal plants birth preparation obstetric phytotherapy maternal experiences postpartum complications |
| title | Experiences and expectations of pregnant women using medicinal plants for childbirth preparation in the Kananga Health Zone, Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| title_full | Experiences and expectations of pregnant women using medicinal plants for childbirth preparation in the Kananga Health Zone, Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| title_fullStr | Experiences and expectations of pregnant women using medicinal plants for childbirth preparation in the Kananga Health Zone, Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| title_full_unstemmed | Experiences and expectations of pregnant women using medicinal plants for childbirth preparation in the Kananga Health Zone, Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| title_short | Experiences and expectations of pregnant women using medicinal plants for childbirth preparation in the Kananga Health Zone, Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| title_sort | experiences and expectations of pregnant women using medicinal plants for childbirth preparation in the kananga health zone democratic republic of the congo |
| topic | Medicinal plants birth preparation obstetric phytotherapy maternal experiences postpartum complications |
| url | https://orapuh.org/ojs/ojs-3.1.2-4/index.php/orapj/article/view/415 |
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