ABSTRACT
Traditional therapies have been used throughout history to promote the health and well-being of women during pregnancy. The modalities embodied by complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are in large part based upon traditional medicine. Complementary and alternative medicine encompasses a great range of treatments and activities, but at present there is no universally accepted definition of CAM. In Germany, CAM methods such as acupuncture, homeopathy and aromatherapy are available in most obstetric departments. Despite the considerable clinical experience and research efforts of medical professionals working in the field, mainstream conventional medicine does not yet have all the answers to help women who have experienced pregnancy loss. Women vary greatly in how much medical help they seek following miscarriage, and some are more comfortable with CAM practitioners, who often spend more time with their patients than those working in mainstream healthcare.
