“My friend took this medicine and her fibroids shrank. She said I should try it.”

Please don’t!

Two women can both have fibroids and need completely different care. One may only need monitoring. Another may need treatment for heavy bleeding. A woman who is pregnant requires a different approach altogether.

In pregnancy, fibroids are usually monitored rather than removed. Even pain medicines that seem familiar may be unsuitable. From 20 weeks, medicines such as ibuprofen or diclofenac should only be used when your maternity clinician specifically prescribes them.

The same caution applies to herbal mixtures. “Natural” does not tell you whether something is safe for you or your baby.

Take your scan report to your maternity team. Ask what the finding means for this pregnancy and which symptoms should bring you back to the hospital.

Your friend’s experience can encourage you to seek care. It should not become your prescription.

Have you ever been offered someone else’s fibroid medicine or herbal mixture?