OBJECTIVES: The use of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) has been drastically increased among Malaysians. This study aims to determine the reasons of and perceptions on T&CM use during pregnancy and postpartum period.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered, close-ended questionnaires and open-ended questions for additional comment(s) or suggestion(s). Data of 374 women were analysed and represented via descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: Participants with history of complication(s) during or after delivery were more likely to use T&CM (n=62, 87.3%). The most popular reason for T&CM use was to aid postpartum recovery (n=226, 79.3%). Majority of the participants agreed that T&CM is safe because it is derived from natural sources (n=186, 49.7%), they would try T&CM as a result of convincing testimonies (n=180, 48.1%), support other women who want to use T&CM (n=185, 49.5%), and consult with healthcare providers before practicing T&CM (n=190, 50.8%). Almost half of the participants were unsure about using T&CM due to the lack of clinical evidence (n=187, 50.0%) and strongly agreed that the government should ensure the quality and a safe use of T&CM (n=166, 44.4%).

CONCLUSIONS: Many women are practising T&CM although they are aware that there are insufficient evidences on its benefits. Therefore, it is pivotal to have more studies to be done on the safety and efficacy of T&CM in Malaysia.