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3rd Trimester
XP: EPO Question
Hi ladies,
I posted this on December 2010, but thought I would post here as well. At my 37 week appointment today I was only a fingertip dilated so I talked to my doctor about starting EPO. She said that I could give it a try if I wanted to, but I forgot to ask her about how she suggested I take it. I know you can take it orally but I read you can also insert it into your vagina.
So if you use/used EPO, how did you take it? If you inserted it, did you insert the whole capsule/pill or did you open it up and just rub the oil on your cervix? Also, what amount were/are you taking?
I have a call into my doctor and am waiting to hear back from her but thought I would ask you ladies as well.
Thanks!
Franklin - 1/5/11
This discussion has been closed.
Re: XP: EPO Question
Evening Primrose Oil. It's supposed to be a natural "labor induction", making your cervix soft and more favorable.
https://www.maternitycorner.com/mcmag/articles/preg0007.html
Am I missing something? Is there a medical benefit other than trying to bring on labor? If not, why on Earth would you start this at 34 weeks?
I hope I am missing something.
Why would you want to soften your cervix 6 weeks before your baby is due?
I don't understand why people get pregnant and then get impatient to have a baby 6 weeks early. I'm sure there are a lot of people who had babies at 34 weeks that would have done anything to keep their LO in.
Oh. Hmm. Ok. So is it like a vitamin E capsule or something you shove up your hoohoo? Or is it like a normal solid pill that just... dissolves.
Sorry, I know I sound like an ignorant twat right now, but I've seriously never heard of doing this before.
Yes, I don't think it's actually supposed to induce labor (which is why I put in quotation marks). I think it just helps soften your cervix, which can help with dilating and make an induction more favorable (I think). And I believe they do suggest waiting until 36 weeks to begin EPO to avoid preterm labor.
I'm not making much progress (I know that doesn't mean a lot and can change quickly) and I figured if my doctor was OK with me taking it to help at least soften my cervix (to hopefully avoid an induction or at least make it easier) then I would give it a try.
My mom is a web MD, too. Maybe I'll ask her.
You just pointed out that many websites hold differing opinions on it. I'm guessing the ones that suggest it at 34 weeks or through your entire pregnancy are harder to find.
You sound like a real gem. And if it doesn't do anything, what's the point?
My take on EPO as a licensed health provider who works with a lot of pregnant women:
* Does not induce labor - things that are considered to induce labor are uterine stimulants, which EPO is not. Many women take EPO even when not pregnant b/c the GLA is beneficial to female hormone regulation, and all forms of Omegas have bee shown to reduce cholesterol.
* Should not be taken prior to 37 weeks - I do not recommend my patients take this early as a "preparation" like RRL or nettle - which can both be taken all throughout pregnancy. Though it does not cause uterine contractions, it has been shown in many valid scientific studies to greatly soften the cervix and to work quickly, therefore it can cause other problems when taken too soon during pregnancy (ie. losing mucus plug, water breakng too early, or just dilating prematurely - as is the case with a woman I know who is pregnant with twins and dilated to 3 cm weeks prior to EDD - b/c of this her doctors have hospitalized her).
I disagree that EPO only does "what your body is ready for" like other modalities such as acupuncture or chiropractic care. Herbs, and EPO is particular, have a pharmaceutical direct effect on the body - they will and do push the body into things earlier than when it is ready. Because EPO has been shown to change female hormone rates, it can stimulate the body before your baby is ready.
* Vaginal suppositories should be as such. Meaning, don't stick the capsule you bought as an oral supplement up your vagina unless it is specifically labeled to also be a suppository. Either open the capsule and use the liquid (you could insert it with one of those inserts used for yeast infection creams), or purchase something that is made to be a suppository. The reason being that the gel caps used for oral supplements require gastric fire/acid to properly break down. You're not going to get the full effect by sticking that same hard to break down capsule up your vagina, which has nothing made to "digest" the capsule. Suppositories, on the other hand, are specifically designed with ingredients that will dissolve with just the natural fluids of your vagina or rectum.