RLT

Hi All
I bought my first bottle of Blackmores RLT yesterday, the dosage recommended on the bottle is 3 tablets 4-5 times a day. (Each tablet is 300mg)
Should I really be taking this many or should I be on a lower dose.
I am 33 weeks pregnant so if I start on a lower dose what should it be and should I increase it over time?
Thanks for any advice...

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.

I agree with Julie. You can start taking RLT from 27 weeks. And I would consider using Evening Primrose Oil after 35 weeks

Thanks Alan, I'll remember that about the RLT after 27 weeks & EPO after 35 weeks. Those are helpful guidelines.

That's good to know, about the EPO. I drank RLT daily from about 35 weeks with Flynn and he came on his due date, nice and strong natural contractions. Here's hoping a dose of EPO means I can have a repeat performance with Little One LOL!!

Today I am off to buy my RLT Tablets, as I am not a tea drinker.

Its exciting to be entering this next phase for the final time in my life!

JAc

I've been taking RLT for 2 weeks now. I take 2 tabs three times a day with food and I have not had any effect from it but it is still early days. I am thinking of upping the dose to 3 tabs three times a day when I get to my next bottle.

I am not too keen drinking the tea tho but am curious to know which is more effective - the tea or the tablets??

I am starting my dosage of EPO today!

I'm not sure if one is more effective than the other (tea vs tablets) but am interested if anyone does know.
I love RLT, and was cranky that I was told to stop drinking it when I fell pg!

Veronica, I'm sure there will be mixed opinions about which is more effective. I was given a hand out on RLT from the hospital which say that it is best taken as a warm infusion (warm tea), but like I said I think everyone will have different opinions. I take both, 6 tablets a day and 1-2 cups a day.

Thanks for all your advice, think I will start with 1 tab 3 times a day and increase to 2 tabs next week..
Thanks again