Risks of myrrh usage in pregnancy

Abstract

Recurrent miscarriage places a huge psychological burden on a woman who is trying to conceive. Meanwhile, the use of traditional medicine still plays an important role within the Saudi Arabian culture, where many patients still seek alternative forms of therapy. However, this traditional way of treatment might expose patients to many hazards. We present a case of a 32-year-old pregnant woman with a history of infertility and recurrent miscarriages. She used large amounts of myrrh herbs for 2 months, since a traditional healer told her that her current pregnancy would progress safely by its use. However, her pregnancy was complicated with an acute abdominal pain. Her symptom was relieved as soon as she stopped taking myrrh. We assume that myrrh acted as a uterine stimulant causing acute abdominal pain. Scientific studies should be carried out to evaluate the safety of Myrrh intake during pregnancy.