Hi Emma,

I drank Rasp Leaf Tea every day during all my pregnancies because at that time I didn't know that to be on the safe side, they recommend you leave it to the last trimester! I think there is very little chance of RLT making you go into premature labour (if it was that effective, hey we'd have less inductions, right???) but if you've ever had any concerns with miscarriage or premature labour, you'd be understandably more cautious.

My best guess is that if you start with 1 tab 3 times a day and see how you respond to that (I'm guessing you'll notice no difference) and build up to the dosage they say on the bottle. Just run it by your midwife first. RLT is rich in Vit C and other nutrients that nourish the uterus muscle. I googled RLT on the internet and ended up with about 40 pages of info on it, basically it's considered pretty safe and there is anecdotal evidence that it support effective contractions once you're in labour (I guess because a well-nourished muscle works well). I don't think that it can induce labour the way that black & blue cohosh can.

Anyway check with your careprovider, but I think you're on safe ground there.

Evening Primrose Oil, which contains GLA's that help your body produce prostaglandins, is also another idea to start taking in the last weeks of pregnancy, because it's assumed to help the cervix ripen.