Primrose Evening Oil

Halen0804

My dr scheduled an induction on 6/16.  I am really hoping to go into labor naturally before this.  My doula suggested I try Primrose Evening Oil. 

Have any of you had success using this to induce labor or know someone that it worked for them?  How long did it take for you/ them to go into labor?  TIA!!

ErinMSB

I used it orally and vaginally starting at about 36 weeks. I think I took it orally twice a day and vaginally before bed (make sure you wear a panty liner), but I can't remember exactly how much each capsule was. You should be able to google it to get some recs with that, or ask your doula. I don't think it "induced" labor, but it has prostaglandins in it that help to soften and ready your cervix. I was 3 cm, 70% before I went into labor, so I believe it works!

Do you want to talk about why your doctor scheduled an induction for only 40 1/2 weeks? Have you talked about more natural, out-of-hospital induction methods?

daisyterp

Evening Primrose Oil doesn't really induce labor, it just helps ripen the cervix.

I took some after 38 weeks w/ both of my pregnancies.  W/ DD I had a successful induction @ 41 wks 4 days in that I delivered vaginally, but it was a sh!tshow of a L&D experience.  My L&D w/ DS @ 40 wks 4 days was totally natural. 

 

AshasaurusRex

I took it orally and vaginally every day starting around 36 weeks (poke a hole in the gel cap and insert right before bed). At that point I was already 75% effaced and 2 cm dialated. I went into labor nine days before my due date. Semin also helps ripen the cervix so we were also doing it like newlyweds, I went into labor a couple hours after sex.

daisyterp

Ditto PPs recc to have sex- I think it's more effective. 

Halen0804

ErinMSB:

I used it orally and vaginally starting at about 36 weeks. I think I took it orally twice a day and vaginally before bed (make sure you wear a panty liner), but I can't remember exactly how much each capsule was. You should be able to google it to get some recs with that, or ask your doula. I don't think it "induced" labor, but it has prostaglandins in it that help to soften and ready your cervix. I was 3 cm, 70% before I went into labor, so I believe it works!

Do you want to talk about why your doctor scheduled an induction for only 40 1/2 weeks? Have you talked about more natural, out-of-hospital induction methods?

I have GD which is part of the reason that the dr wants to induce at 40 1/2 weeks.  Fortunately, my GD has been diet controlled otherwise I think we would have been talking induction around 38 weeks.  My last growth u/s on Tues estimated the baby to be 8 lb 6oz.  The dr is also concerned about a 'big baby."  The big baby part doesn't concern me since all of the baby's measurements are proportionate. 

MrsTiara

I've also heard that nipple stimulation can be much more effective for induction.

teamsweet

I've heard that it helps soften the tissues that keep the cervix closed, so if you're already dilated, you don't need it.  It can help with losing the mucous plug which is why I'm using it.  I have GD too and will be induced at 41 weeks, so I'm trying to do what I can to make my cervix as ready as possible to avoid a c-section.

bluejayway

I am taking a 400 mg capsule orally twice daily. I haven't tried inserting vaginally and don't know if I will. I am also doing 500 mg of red raspberry leaf capsules orally twice a day for toning the old ute.

It's my first, but I've heard good things about both. Worth a shot if it makes labor quicker and contractions more effective.