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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Arnica

42 replies

Littlemissexpecting · 03/05/2013 21:40

I've read somewhere its worth getting some arnica tablets for after labour to help with bruising (internal and external).

I don't know where to start. Where and what do I buy?
When do I take it and how much?
I popped into holland and Barrett today but the staff were really busy so couldn't help.

OP posts:
crikeybadger · 03/05/2013 21:48

Funnily enough I dug out some info on this the other day. It says that it is thought to be helpful to have some level of arnica in the tissues at the time of birth, so they recommended taking arnica 30 from 7 days prior to birth and continue to take it until you feel completely recovered.

I don't know how reliable this is though as it comes off a type written sheet that I had in a file from DS1.

OddFrog · 03/05/2013 21:56

I took arnica for a week before my cs for DS and after until better. It was a wee purple clicky container with tiny pellets inside. Got it in Boots I think. Can't say how effective it was - I may have healed nicely anyway, but I wasn't nearly as achey as I'd expected. Can't do any harm, I suppose? Good luck for the birth! My subsequent vbac for DD was actually quite lovely, hope yours goes easily and without bruising.

Runningblue · 03/05/2013 22:00

I took arnica after labour and it really did seem to help
I also used arnica cream on my bump in very late pregnancy, as my tummy button was all bruised from being stretched so much- was very soothing for that too...

honey86 · 03/05/2013 22:02

i used arnica and hypercal cream for my stitches after my 3... healed up a treat x

honey86 · 03/05/2013 22:02

bought mine from boots btw x

Audrey2013 · 03/05/2013 22:07

Try calling/visiting Helios or Ainsworths, they will provide the information on potency and when/how many to take (they also sell the remedies).

Original poster
Littlemissexpecting · 04/05/2013 05:45

Fab thanks everyone.
It's such a minefield knowing what to take but I don't suppose it will do any harm.

OP posts:
Fakebook · 04/05/2013 07:40

I sent DH to Boots the day after giving birth and the staff helped him find them. You take upto 3 tablets every 2 hours I think until you feel healed.

I had a second degree with dc1 and I couldn't even walk properly for about 3 weeks. I was swollen internally and externally and then got an infection.

With dc2 (another second degree tear) I'd read about arnica, and after taking the droplets I healed very quickly, within a week. My bruising and swelling went away after 3 days.

I can't recommend it enough to women for after childbirth.

Runningblue · 04/05/2013 07:57

I was recommended it by my midwife beforehand and in hospital too...

Original poster
Littlemissexpecting · 04/05/2013 08:45

Runningblue how often and for how long did your mw recommend?

OP posts:
nocake · 04/05/2013 08:49

Homeopathic arnica tablets contain absolutely no arnica so you'll be okay to take as many of them as you like. Seriously, take an entire bottle every day if you like. It will do you no harm.

Cookethenook · 04/05/2013 11:17

Well said, nocake !
I do keep homeopathic arnica tablets in my first aid kit, purely for the placebo effect. It's amazing how much of a difference a sugar pill can make when a child has a bump :)
Perhaps try an arnica tincture or cream with an actual tangible amount of arnica in.

Original poster
Littlemissexpecting · 04/05/2013 14:37

That's interesting. Why go they sell the tablets in different strengths then?
Cream won't help with any internal bruising.

OP posts:
Cookethenook · 04/05/2013 16:45

The arnica tablets you're looking at may be different to homeopathic ones, but it sounded like many of the responses were about homeopathic arnica tablets.

From what I understand about homeopathy, it is based around the idea that water has memory, and homeopathic remedies rarely contain a single molecule of the original substance as they believe that dilution increases potency. With regards to the measles outbreak the The British Homeopathic Association and Faculty of Homeopathy said "There is no evidence to suggest homeopathic vaccinations can protect against contagious diseases. We recommend people seek out the conventional treatments,". I know it's a bit unrelated, but I'd certainly be wary of any form of 'medicine' that isn't fully supported by their most official channels.

Tinctures can be ingested, so would be better perhaps than a cream for internal bruising.

Obviously you can use whatever you like, but I was just trying to suggest something that might have an actual effect that isn't purely a placebo.

Original poster
Littlemissexpecting · 04/05/2013 16:53

Holland and barratt to 6c or 30c I'm not sure what the difference is? I'm guessing 6c is more concentrated but I don't want to waste my money if they don't actually have any arnica in. I'm not after a placebo effect. Thanks for your advice, it's a bit of a minefield if you don't really know what's in them etc.

OP posts:
exexpat · 04/05/2013 16:57

Arnica tablets are homeopathic and so are purely placebo effect. Arnica cream actually has active ingredients, but it can't be applied internally, so not much good for childbirth.

exexpat · 04/05/2013 17:02

NHS Choices explanation of homeopathy. I wouldn't waste your money.

KobayashiMaru · 04/05/2013 17:40

Arnica tablets don't have any actual arnica in them. Why would you bother?

Original poster
Littlemissexpecting · 04/05/2013 17:49

Because I didn't know that. Hence starting this thread asking for advice

OP posts:
Cookethenook · 04/05/2013 18:25

I think most people would assume that arnica tablets have arnica in them!
littlemiss did the right thing doing her research first :)

Thinkingof4 · 04/05/2013 19:07

They work better than placebo. There aren't many big studies as there is no money to be made out of them by drug companies. The active ingredient is on the surface of arnica tablets, hence why not to touch them, just put from lid into mouth.
Homeopathy does not mean placebo, I've used arnica after all my deliveries and at other times too and would recommend it highly.
COI medical doctor

Thinkingof4 · 04/05/2013 19:11

Btw that nhs choices review contains a lot of mistruths about homeopathy. It does not interfere with other medications
Homeopathy is used by around 25% of GPs where I live. It's also widely used by vets. If anyone can explain how you get a cat to feel better from something that is purely placebo then I'd love to hear it!

Thinkingof4 · 04/05/2013 19:14

30c stronger than 6c btw Smile

Original poster
Littlemissexpecting · 04/05/2013 19:34

Thank you Smile

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KobayashiMaru · 04/05/2013 21:53

30c is not in anyway stronger, since neither have any arnica in them. There is HUGE money to be made, and is made, yet there are no studies since its illogical, anti-scientific, woo bollocks.
Of course it doesn't interefere with other medications, since it isn't a medication and it does not and cannot do anything at all for you. It's sugar pills, end of story.