Complementary therapies complement and extend official medicine in various ways. In maternity care, complementary therapies are mainly aimed at relaxation, pain relief and facilitation of physiological birth. The use of complementary medicine is widespread throughout the world and is becoming increasingly popular among pregnant and birthing people. During pregnancy, women pay more attention to the possible side effects of synthetic medications for fear of possible harm to the fetus. Therefore, they often resort to nonpharmacological methods and explore complementary and alternative therapies. Although the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of many forms of complementary therapy is quite limited, most health care professionals will acknowledge that incorporating aspects of complementary therapy into childbirth can help mothers avoid unnecessary medical interventions and increase the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth. The use of herbal preparations for medicinal purposes is one of the oldest complementary methods. It has been used for thousands of years and passed down from generation to generation. Herbal preparations can be used for pain relief, reducing anxiety and panic attacks, insomnia, nausea, and for induction of labor, among others. Complementary methods that can be used to induce labor include consumption of raspberry leaves and castor oil, acupuncture, intercourse, and nipple stimulation. Complementary therapies include ancient Chinese medicine massages such as acupressure and reflexology. In addition to acupressure, pregnant women often use acupuncture. Since there are no serious side effects, acupuncture is an ideal alternative for treating pregnancy-related ailments. Because of women's great interest in complementary medicine, midwives, nurses, physicians, and other health professionals who provide care for women during childbirth should be up to date on the latest research, evidence, and professional guidance.