Does RLT make Braxton Hicks more painful/stronger?

[karmamother]

I've just started taking RLT capsules in my 2nd pregnancy. I didn't take them last time so I'm a bit clueless! I'm 36 weeks tomorrow so I may have left them a bit late but I'm optimistic. Anyway, within a few hours of taking the first one I had lots of quite painful Braxton Hicks. I was almost thinking they might be developing into proper contractions. Next day, the same thing happened again. I'm certain I'm not having labour contractions so I was wondering if any other women have had the same experience??

bump

i took RL tea for the last 3 weeks of my pg and CONSTANTLY thought i was in labour.... so in my experience, yes!

Will say though, face presentation baby, no tears or stitches and a VERY quick labour - i reckon it was the RLT that helped!

i took it for the last 3 weeks and it did nothing at all!

Bit of a mixture then. I'm following the instructions on the bottle which say you can go up to 6 capsules a day but I'm currently taking 4 a day. The BHs have settled now but boy can this baby kick!!!

BTW Cograts on Rebeccas birth!! I saw your birth notification & you certainly kept everyone in suspense! Ha ha! Thought it was lovely when Grandad got in on the act too. What does Jessica think of her?

Jessica is really good actaully - suprised me a bit! lots of kisses and pointing to the moses basket if she makes a sound!

Its me that cant get used to a tiny tot again! Jess is massive in comparason!

tbh i would be really careful taking them if they are making your BH very strong... you're only 36 weeks and you don't want to go into premature labour!

Thanks Halloweeny. I think I'll stay with 4 a day until I'm 38 weeks then really go for it. Was hoping to be induced at 38 wks due to my gestational diabetes but found out today from consultant that he'll leave me till term.

Had a very long latent phase last time (45 hours from 1st contraction to birth!) so I'll do anything to avoid a repeat of that.

might not be the same this time though...

Was wondering if the 9 yr gap might mean my body is acting like a first timer? I rested a lot during the first stage last time which probably extended it so I plan to keep mobile this time.

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Thanks HappyMumof2. Thats what I wanted to hear! The other problem is this...my DP's previous 2 children were born within an hour so thats what he thinks is the norm. I have warned him that he may need to bring a book! And some sarnies.

I have found that a number of women come in with painful BH when taking RLT. I am not very keen on it for that reason.

I did worry a bit after the first few doses, Mears, but I'm happy they have settled. It could be that the BHs were going to get stronger anyway. TBH, I'd rather have strong BHs than another long 1st stage. Hopefully, being a second time mum, I won't confuse BHs with true contractions. Thanks!

I had ultra strong BHs in the fornight before labour. Didn't use RL, but the first stage lasted 22 hours.

I seriously think my BHs are made worse (& sometimes triggered) by bubs' kicks. It feels like she's doing one of those snow angel thingies. DS never kicked like this, I'm sure. Mind you, her daddy is a large rugby player & a prop too. If she inherits his shoulders I'm in for a rough ride.

Think I'll stick to rolling on the birthing ball and walking up the stairs sideways.

My tummy's been so fragile this pregnancy, I don't want to risk taking anything that may make it worse.

when are you due, expat?

18 December. Had DD at 38 weeks+3 days, so here's hoping.

I'm due on the 25th Nov so I may pop into the Dec ladies thread. DS was born at 38 wks too but that was as a result of me doing a spectacularly bad job of feeding him in utero. My placenta was a very poor specimen & he was a scrawy little weed.....all due to my IBS. This time I've never been healthier & more well-nourished, (Hb is 14!) so I'm growing a good sized girl & I fully expect to go the distance this time, sadly. 38 wks is such a respectable gestation to deliver at, isn't it?

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Thanks, I'm trying to be optimistic!

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Oh - firstly congrats on the birth of Rebecca - missed this posting - looking forward to guidance on coping with a baby and small toddler!

Re RLT - I took the capsules and my mw adviced although the guidelines said take 3 a day - she advised start off on one and build up if you feel O.K. as sometimes that can make uterine contractions strong - I stuck at one - as they did feel strong - byt dd was 9 days late - so didn't bring an earlier labour in - boohoo!

I can't believe I managed to push out my ds after 45 hours of labour, having missed 2 full nights' sleep. I did look a bit of a state on the photos, though! Would like to do it all in one day this time.

KM - with you on wanting a quick labour - contractions started on early Saturday morning and dd1 was born in Tuesday morning - I was knackered! Looking forward to speedy ( and painfree) birth at the end of Jan/beginning of Feb - watch for my post - yeah right!