Complementary and alternative medicine: where's the evidence?

Currently there is very limited research on efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative medicine when consumed by pregnant women. Yet the lack of scientific validation does not appear to be a deterrent and these therapies are becoming increasingly popular with both expectant mothers and midwives. Evidence-based practice provides a structure to encourage good care in a clinical setting. However, there are a number of limitations when applying this approach to complementary therapies as much of the expertise is based on traditional knowledge and empirical wisdom, rather than contemporary scientific experimentation. This article considers the ongoing debate regarding the role of complementary and alternative medicine in a modern maternity setting and how the effectiveness of therapies should be assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]