Raspberry Leaf Tea causing cramps?

[Ash0619]

Hey ladies!

I started drinking RLT about 2 weeks ago at 35 weeks. A lot of the research I've done says to start it at around 32 weeks with one cup a day, and gradually build up to several cups by the end of your pregnancy.

I am NOT drinking this to induce labor! It's supposed to tone your uterus to make your contractions more efficient, once your body goes into labor naturally, but the research I've done shows that it does NOT send you into labor!!

So I've been drinking it for 2 weeks now, one cup per day, and I have not increased the amount because I sometimes get slight cramping after drinking it- though not every time. I usually drink my cup in the evening, but I just drank one (5 PM) and was planning on having a 2nd cup this evening so I can start increasing the amount I drink. Now I'm not so sure because of the cramps.

Anyone else get cramps from RLT?

 

[lala222]

No idea but I will be stalking because I was thinking of buying some RLT this week to start using...I'll hold off until we get some answers!

 

[Ash0619]

I've been doing some online research and it says some women are more sensitive to it than others- I'm guessing I am more sensitive since I get some mild cramps.

I just found this online:
It is believed that raspberry leaf can help with uterine cramping (during menstruation) and strong Braxton Hicks contractions during pregnancy. However, some women are more sensitive to the herb and can experience more cramping and stronger, more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions when taking raspberry leaf.

I got it from this article. https://misskalypso.wordpress.com/2011/07/04/red-raspberry-leaf-tea/

The article doesn't actually say if you should stop drinking it if you're more sensitive or you can continue drinking it. I really wanna keep drinking it, maybe I should just keep on sticking to my 1 cup per day?

 

[lala222]

yeah maybe you are one of those women sensitive to it...I would keep drinking 1 a day and not any more incase these cramps are actually contractions!

 

[Rosered52]

I've started with the RLT, too, last week. Started with one cup, now I make a giant mug and put three teabags in. I haven't noticed cramps, but when I went in for my normal (twice per week) NST monitoring, the nurse felt my belly and said "oh, you're hard as a rock! Have you been having contractions?". I said no, not that I could tell, anyway. And she said"oh, you would know." I have gotten a hard, hard belly frequently. Never noticed braxton hicks, but I'm guessing that's what it is, I just don't really feel them. And it would seem that the RLT might be making them stronger. Have you had any noticable BH? People say that for some, they feel like mild cramping. Perhaps that's true for you?

 

[Ash0619]

I get a hard belly sometimes without pain, but the menstrual type cramps don't seem to come with a hard belly. I feel so stupid but I have no idea what contractions feel like!

I've been having some stomach problems today and after posting this thread, I had to 'go'. When I went to the bathroom, a chunk of my mucus plug was on my panties (no blood) and the cramping had stopped. The cramps are coming back now though- and it's been several hours since it stopped.

I can't believe you can do 3 bags with no side effects!! I just do one and I cramp up!

 

[mummyb1]

Hmm I am glad I found this post as I was also planning on getting some this weekend but the tablet form as I can't stand herbal tea but now I am am not so sure

Maybe you could give your midwife a call and see what she suggests

 

[Rickles]

I was told if it brings on cramping to stop... I'm doing the capsules - 1 a day all last week, just upped it to 2 this week haven't noticed any cramping... xx

 

[dlj2]

I've been taking them since 34 weeks n still only on 2 capsules a day as it really upped my braxtons hicks but midwife is happy as shows my body is preparing for what's its mean to do.x

 

[Ash0619]

Dlj2- do you get cramps?

 

[Rosered52]

I get a hard belly sometimes without pain, but the menstrual type cramps don't seem to come with a hard belly. I feel so stupid but I have no idea what contractions feel like!

I've been having some stomach problems today and after posting this thread, I had to 'go'. When I went to the bathroom, a chunk of my mucus plug was on my panties (no blood) and the cramping had stopped. The cramps are coming back now though- and it's been several hours since it stopped.

I can't believe you can do 3 bags with no side effects!! I just do one and I cramp up!

Hmmmm, that sounds unusual to me. Have you checked with your ob? People definitely can go for weeks at the end after losing plug or having cramps, but a collection of symptoms especially seems like something to check out.

I'm chugging the tea! Thinking of trying to ice it.

 

[Ash0619]

I get a hard belly sometimes without pain, but the menstrual type cramps don't seem to come with a hard belly. I feel so stupid but I have no idea what contractions feel like!

I've been having some stomach problems today and after posting this thread, I had to 'go'. When I went to the bathroom, a chunk of my mucus plug was on my panties (no blood) and the cramping had stopped. The cramps are coming back now though- and it's been several hours since it stopped.

I can't believe you can do 3 bags with no side effects!! I just do one and I cramp up!

Hmmmm, that sounds unusual to me. Have you checked with your ob? People definitely can go for weeks at the end after losing plug or having cramps, but a collection of symptoms especially seems like something to check out.

I'm chugging the tea! Thinking of trying to ice it.

I haven't asked my OB about it, I had an appointment with them on the 10th and didn't think to ask. But last night when I posted this thread was the first time I've had cramping that badly, lasting for 3 hours, and then lost some of my plug. My next appt since I'm now going weekly is on Wednesday, so I may bring it up to them then.

....Honestly, I should probably not have started the tea without telling them first, but I feel like doctors in the states aren't as open to herbal teas and natural methods to prepare your body for labor, etc. like they are in the UK and I felt like I had done enough research on my own that I could go ahead with it without asking. I didn't want to be lectured.

I wish I could chug it, cause I would! I really don't mind the taste, I usually add a tiny bit of flavored coffee creamer to my tea, it's so good! I'm gonna try 1 cup tonight and see how it goes. I've been on one cup at night for 2 weeks now, with only occasional cramping. I dunno what was going on with my body last night...

 

[Rosered52]

I know what you mean! I wanted to start at 34 weeks, and I made the mistake of saying that to my dr. She asked me to wait until 36 weeks to begin my tea regimen, and I agreed. Too bad I am a terrible liar!

Hope your body settles down, we've got a little tiny bit further yet to get to our watermelons!

 

[dlj2]

Sorry for late reply no initially I didn't have the cramps just increased braxtons hicks.x

 

[lil.jetsetter]

I drank RRLT with my first two pregnancies no problems at all.
This time however I bought it and kept forgetting to drink it. Then on monday I thought 'gee i better get on to drinking this tea' and had 3-4 cups full during the day. That day I was crampy all day, real contractions not BH. I had contractions all night and was so sore. In the morning I was still cramping a little and lost a lot of mucus plug. The contractions petered out during the day and I haven't had any since, but haven't had any RRLT either.
Going to have a couple of cups full today and see if I get more contractions or if it was a crazy coincidence....

 

[MeanKitty23]

I started drinking RLT last Saturday (when I was officially 37 weeks - I wanted to make sure that IF it caused me to go into labor by chance that baby would be old enough to be pretty much okay).

It made me feel tightness and baby wiggled A LOT from one cup. I've only had about 3 cups this week, but along with that, I've started feeling "menstrual cramp" pains. I figured since I didn't drink it everyday, I'm guessing my body is just naturally trying to get ready for the big event. I haven't linked it to RLT at all even though the cramps just started after I'd started drinking that tea.

 

[Sunnie1984]

I've been taking 2 capsules a day for the last week - and one a day for a week before that.

I don't get BH or cramps with it, but a lot of women just don't feel the BH, so I might be one of them.

Just take it easy, and just take what you are comfortable with.

Some women begin losing their mucus plug at like 28 weeks and still go over, so I wouldn't worry too much, unless it's continuing to cause bad contractions.

x