Prevalence and Patterns of Self-Medication Among Pregnant Women in Abia State, South-East, Nigeria

Abstract Background: Self-medication during pregnancy remains a significant public health concern due to the potential risks posed to both maternal and fetal health. Despite regular contact with health services through antenatal care, many pregnant women continue to use medications without professional supervision, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Context-specific evidence from tertiary healthcare settings in southeastern Nigeria remains limited. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of self-medication during pregnancy among women attending antenatal care at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia. Specifically, it sought to describe the types of substances used, frequency of self-medication, reasons for self-treatment, and associated attitudes and beliefs among pregnant women. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 249 pregnant women attending routine antenatal care at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire capturing sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, self-medication practices during the current pregnancy, types of substances used, frequency of use, and reasons for self-medication. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, with findings presented as frequencies and percentages. Qualitative responses were analyzed thematically to explore attitudes and beliefs related to self-medication. Results: Self-medication during the current pregnancy was reported by 50.2% of respondents. Among those who self-medicated, most reported occasional use (64.0%). Paracetamol was the most commonly used substance (51.2%), followed by antimalarial medications (32.0%). Antibiotics, cough or cold remedies, and herbal products were used by smaller proportions of participants. The most frequently cited reason for self-medication was the need for quick relief from symptoms (56.0%), followed by the high cost of clinic care (36.0%) and distance to health facilities (24.0%). Qualitative findings highlighted the influence of cultural practices, perceived safety of commonly used medications, prior pregnancy experience, and structural barriers within the healthcare system. At the same time, concerns about potential harm to the fetus reflected ambivalence toward self-medication. Conclusion: Self-medication remains common among pregnant women attending antenatal care at a tertiary health facility in southeastern Nigeria, driven largely by practical and structural factors rather than lack of awareness alone. Strengthening antenatal counseling on medication safety and improving access to affordable and timely maternal healthcare services may help reduce unsafe self-medication practices during pregnancy.