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Table 3 Pregnant women’s views and preferences regarding the theme ‘Medication during pregnancy’

From: Views and preferences of medical professionals and pregnant women about a novel primary prevention intervention for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a qualitative study

Safety

“I would want to know more about the side effects and other possible long-term negative effects. That would make the difference for me, if they can say that it is proven to be safe and you don’t have to worry.” (P02)

I still wonder what the side-effects could be. They told me you shouldn’t take any painkillers if you can avoid it. Which makes me wonder, why advice to take as little as possible painkillers and then add to such a pill.” (P12)

Natural

“I’d rather not take anything chemical, but if it is proven to be good, I would consider it.” (P21)

Beneficial

“It sounds like something that it is relatively common. In this way I can at least try to do something about it. Providing that it doesn’t cause any harm for my child, I wouldn’t mind an extra pill. But it sounds like it only benefits your baby. I think prevention is better than cure.” (P16)

Folic acid comparison

“It’s odd, I don’t really understand why I’m having reservations. I mean I took folic acid without thinking… Maybe it’s because it feels a bit experimental still.” (P022)

“It has to be advised just like folic acid: whenever you’re pregnant it is best to take folic acid and this polypill. And then that will become general knowledge.” (P03)