Evening Primrose Oil?

ke19

Has anyone had success with this in helping to dilate/thin them out once they were overdue? I forgot to ask my midwives about it yesterday at my 40 week appointment. I'm 2cm and she didn't give me effacement, she just said "thick".

I'm walking like 4-5 miles a day in hopes that would help with starting things, but so far I'm barely having any contractions at all (BH or real). My midwife said she was pretty sure I would still be pregnant at my 41 week appointment next Tuesday based on everything and we would need to discuss induction at that appointment, which I'd obviously like to avoid. 

I guess I'm just nervous to try the EPO since I didn't get her opinion on it. Is it safe? Could I just take it orally or does it really need to be inserted to be most effective? Thanks ladies!

babyike

I was given the "ok" by my midwife at 36-37 weeks to start taking EPO orally 2-3 times a day (2 - 500mg gel caps).  I never used them vaginally.  My midwife said I was 1-2cm dilated / 70% effaced and cervix was very soft and anterior (coming forward) by 40 weeks.  I was also given this link by my both my midwife and doula in regards to "natural labor induction" methods once I hit 40 weeks.  

 https://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/natinduc.html

I was seeing a chiropractor for positioning and had 3 acupuncture sessions between 40 and 41 weeks to help start labor.  I also had my midwife sweep my membranes at my 41 week appt, and labor started the following morning at 41w1d. 

Obviously get approval from your care provider before trying anything, but HTH!   

sschwege

I was told I could start taking it at 37w (I started a week earlier though).  My MWs don't check you until you are in labor, so I don't know whether it worked or not, but I figured it couldn't hurt!  I tried it vaginally once and didn't like the way it felt, l felt itchy down there, so after that I stuck to taking it orally 3 times a day.  From what I understand some studies say they are equally effective, but my MW said it makes sense that putting right up against your cervix would be more effective.  So I guess do what you want!  Best of luck!  

StefandTodd

With my last pregnancy, I didn't ask my care provider b/c I was seeing an OB and was pretty sure she'd either oppose it, or at least tell me it was all for naught.  I started orally at 36 weeks, and vaginally at 38 weeks.  I went into labor on my own at 40+1.

This time, I'm planning a home birth and my MW has instructed me to start EPO orally at 36 weeks, and vaginally at 38 weeks.

I feel confident that it's safe, but I know it is recommended you ask your provider, and since you're seeing a MW, I would just ask her.

GL! 

luvmygoofyguy

My OB ok'd at last visit, and was all for me starting it, along with other things (red raspberry leaf, walking, etc), if I wasnt already. 

As others have said, there isn't necessarily any proof out there that it will move things along (especially if your body isn't ready to be at that stage), but she confirmed there's no potential harm in using it.

stacylynn1982

My MW ok'd it for me at 37 weeks. She said to use an "Instead" cup and break 5 capsules into it each night before bed. You insert it vaginally so it sits right up against your cervix. She explained to me that it will not induce labor, but in her experience it makes labor significantly faster (it softens things up) than without using it. She is big believer in it. She said orally doesn't really do much. I have been doing it at night, if you insert it during the day it feels like it's leaking out. FYI...it smells kind of funny...