Miscarriage Risk
Rutin is the primary active ingredient in rue, an herbal product traditionally used to stimulate abortion. In early pregnancy, large amounts of rutin can cause miscarriage by preventing the attachment of the placenta. Large doses may also act as emergency contraceptives by preventing the implanation of a blastocyst.
Effects in Late Pregnancy
There have been no large-scale studies to investigate the effects of rutin during the second and third trimesters. Traditionally, midwives and herbalists have usd rutin (and herbs containing it) to induce labor. Excessive doses of rutin may, in theory, restrict the blood vessels that feed the uterus or cause the placenta to detach.
Dose Dependency
In theory, the tolerable threshold dose of rutin increases as a pregnancy progresses. While a dose of 100 to 1,000 miligrams may trigger miscarriage shortly after conception, much higher doses could be tolerated later in pregnancy. However, there is no known, safe dose of rutin during any stage of pregnancy.
Considerations
The benefits of rutin during pregnancy may outweigh the risks for some people. Holistic midwives may view it as a safer alternative to surgery when hemorrhoids or varicose veins are extremely severe. When used cautiously, rutin supplements may help to mitigate some of the complications of hemorrhoids during pregnancy. However, because there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of rutin during any stage of pregnancy, most allopathic health care providers recommend against its routine use.
Bottom Line
If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, avoid taking rutin except under the careful guidance of a qualified health care provider. Use rutin during pregnancy only if your obstetrician or midwife agrees that the benefits outweigh the risks.