Starting RLT and EPO earlier than reccomended?

[[M]umma[M]ia]

Long story short.. Last pregnancy, higher than normal BP from 21 weeks, huge spike at 38 weeks (P.E), induced, emergency c/section.

This pregnancy, BP great until last week (30 weeks) where it was elevated.

I was planning on starting my RLT tablets and EPO tablets (both inserting and orally) on week 34. But due to this sudden change in BP (which Im hoping is nothing ) I was wondering if its bad if I was to start them a little earlier (say 32 weeks..) to give it more of a chance to build up in my system.

If things keep going the way they are going, I cant see them even letting me get to 40 weeks (or my body letting me) for my VBAC. I know these tablets dont bring on labour but Im hoping if need be that they ripen my cervix enough and maybe, just maybe.. if all goes bad I will already be dialted enough for them to induce me by breaking my water. Im trying to think of every senario possible to stop them butchering me open again but I do know, what will be, will be. I just want to be able to look back and say that I did everything within my power to get my VBAC

So, would it matter starting them a couple weeks earlier? Do you think it would make much of a difference?

[Arimeh]

Rlt won't do anything for your cervix, it's a uterine tonic so your contractions are supposed to be better and more effective.

I started taking it from 32 weeks, and inserting EPO from 36.

[[M]umma[M]ia]

Yeah I know it wont The RLT that is.

So you think RLT is ok.. but not the EPO that early??

[Arimeh]

Dunno to be honest. It was just always recommended to start at 36 weeks? Not that it made any difference to my pregnancies being any shorter lol

[Winter]

I've been doing EPO & RLT from 30 weeks and going full steam ahead...none of this building up the dose, easy-easy for me! I'm currently taking 8 EPO (1g strength) and 2 RLT (2g strength) tablets a day for months.

EPO has had miraculous effect on my dermatitis so I am seriously happy with that and will continue taking it after bubs arrives.

Good luck with everything, hope you really do get your VBAC!!

[[M]umma[M]ia]

Is that inserting the EPO too Winter?

[starangelk]

Great thread MM, I've been wondering about when to start these as well.

[Winter]

I tried inserting but its just a mess and I can't stand the smell of it!

[sarahrach]

I'd too love to know the story on RLT and EPO. I've heard so many conflicting bits of advice from when to take it, how to take it and how much to take that I'm totally confused about when is best. Perhaps someone can shed some light on:

- the 'best' time to start EPO and RLT
- the doseage/s
- best way to take both

[[M]umma[M]ia]

The "best" time to start RLT is 34 weeks (which is what most natropaths/medical professionals tell you). Im wanting to start mine next week (32 weeks).

The EPO is reccommended about the same time.

Dosages will vary on which ones you buy and the strength of each tablet. Ask the health food shop employees from where you buy it from

RLT is taken orally. EPO is also taken orally but addtional tablets can be inserted (also depending on the dose. I think the mose common is 2 orally, 2 inserted, daily).

[Heaven]

Start taking RLT MM, it's fine. It says on the actual box of tea bags I have to take it from the start of the 3rd tri. I started at 30 weeks. I think I started EPO at 36 weeks.

[[M]umma[M]ia]

Thanks heaven Ive decided 32 weeks is abit early for the EPO.. so Im going to start them @ 34 weeks

[Heaven]

Sounds like a good plan. Hope you're feeling better soon too xx

[Iona Macca]

i started rlt at 32 weeks, was told it was ok from my midwife, didn't do epo

good luck with it all