? about EPO

preg_amy

So I never dilated past 1cm with DS, even after two applications of prostaglandin gels to induce me (plus pitocin later). 

So, naturally, for my VBAC, dilation is my big concern.  I had an appointment with my MW yesterday, and she told me I could start using EPO (once a day, vaginally) at 32 weeks.  I'm guessing since my cervix has proven to be a little stubborn in the past, I'm not too much of a concern for pre-term labor.

So did anyone else start taking it this early?  It's still a pretty low dose at 1/day, but I just wanted to see if there was anyone else out there who was told to do the same thing.

+diana82+

Wow, I've never heard of it being used that early vaginally.  I'm curious to read the responses though, as I, similarly, never dilated past a fingertip with cervidil+pitocin. 

J&MsMom

I started taking EPO at 34 weeks with my last daughter and I ended up giving birth at 36 weeks.  I am not sure how much of a difference it made, because they think I went early because of excess fluid.  I have only hear of starting it orally at 34 weeks and vaginally at 36-37 weeks, but if you have had issues with dilation and your MW is OK with it should be fine.

GL 

preg_amy

I think I might take it orally instead.  I tried it last night and (TMI), but it was kind of gross today.  And seeing as I'm still pretty early, I think I'll just take it orally for the next few weeks.

+diana82+

Has anyone had their OB recommend/OK using EPO? It seems like it's mostly MWs, and it wasn't something I tried last time so I've no idea how my OB feels about it.  She's not one for overselling scare tactics but it's just never come up.

I know someone who's used it twice now (and whether or not its true, she credits her going into labor when she did at least partially with using it) and I'm thinking that's one thing I may be willing to try even if my OB isn't totally crazy about it but I was just curious.

preg_amy

+diana82+:

Has anyone had their OB recommend/OK using EPO? It seems like it's mostly MWs, and it wasn't something I tried last time so I've no idea how my OB feels about it.  She's not one for overselling scare tactics but it's just never come up.

I know someone who's used it twice now (and whether or not its true, she credits her going into labor when she did at least partially with using it) and I'm thinking that's one thing I may be willing to try even if my OB isn't totally crazy about it but I was just curious.

I'm guessing it varies from OB to OB.  I remember asking mine about it when I was pg and overdue with DS1.  She had no clue what I was talking about.  She just kind of shrugged her shoulders and said that it probably wasn't something that would hurt, but she didn't know anything about it.  I was really surprised she didn't know more about it.  But it turns out she was kind of dumb in general.

But there might be some out there who know more about it.