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speaking of EPO

KERJFKERJF member
in Natural Birth

Im 38 weeks today. Cervix is starting to soften but still firm I guess. Is it worth it to start taking at this point - either internally or orally?

Any good links, if it may be a good idea to start, that can give me a little more education about what to get, and then do with it? thanks :)


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Re: speaking of EPO

  • Arielle27Arielle27 member
    I only started taking it orally around 37 weeks with my first and then internally at 39 weeks. I gave birth a few days later...

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  • meloschmelosch member

    In my 34 week appt yesterday my midwife suggested that I start using it internally (daily) at 36 weeks. I was a little confused because I thought it was supposed to stimulate labor, but her suggestion to start using it was to help soften and break up any scar tissue that I could have on my cervix due to a Colposcopy and Cervical Biopsy I had done back in 2003 that could impede dilation/natural birth.

    So I don't think it would hurt you to start, but I'd check with your doc/midwife and see what they say. Mine didn't seem to think it would kick start anything early! 

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  • JCWhiteyJCWhitey member
    I started halfway through 37 weeks.  I don't think it's too late for you!  I mean, I'm pretty sure EPO is the reason I went into labor when I did and gave birth as quickly as I did and I hadn't even been taking it a week when I delivered.

    B born 7/15/13, C born 3/2/15, #3 on the way May '17


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  • vcabbywvcabbyw member
    I started taking 1000 mg orally and 500 vaginally at 37 weeks.
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  • vcabbywvcabbyw member
    And I don't think that it's too late for you.

    I don't know of studies to point you towards. When I asked my midwifes, they didn't have an answer either way if its helpful or not. They have seen it work well for some. But that it can't hurt.

    They said you can find it at any health food store, and to be sure to find ones that are pure EPO without any other ingredients.
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  • laceylavalleelaceylavallee
    Just be sure to not take more then 1000mg a day because my OB said it can cause you to have diarrhea!
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  • A37liciaA37licia member
    It varies, of course. I started EPO orally at maybe 36-37w with both kids, and internally about a week after that? I went into labor with both around 39w.  It's not going to make you go into labor any earlier - the main idea behind it is to soften your cervix so when you do go into labor, your body has been getting ready.
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  • jamrosjjamrosj member
    I'm sorry lurker here- what is EPO? Thanks!
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  • redjenn007redjenn007
    Evening Primrose Oil, it is a capsule of oil that you can take orally or vaginally that helps soften your cervix and is suppoosed to help start labor, or get your body ready.  I think most midwives or doulas recommend starting to take it orally at 37weeks and vaginally at 38.  I would check with your own dr/midwife though to make sure.
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  • atcwagatcwag member
    Can someone explain the process for taking vaginally?  Do you put the entire capsule up there?  How long do you leave in for?  Do you put it all the way up by your cervix?
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  • A37liciaA37licia member

    imageatcwag:
    Can someone explain the process for taking vaginally?  Do you put the entire capsule up there?  How long do you leave in for?  Do you put it all the way up by your cervix?

    Wash your hands, stick the entire capsule up as far as you can reach, then get in bed and leave it overnight. I prefer to wear a pantyliner since the capsule will dissolve and you could have some leakage when getting up to go to the bathroom during the night. It's gone by morning.  

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  • KERJFKERJF member
    Thanks for the input everyone! Ill be honest in that I forgot I asked here but Im glad I was able to hop back in and check out the responses!! I appreciate it!

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  • rooftoprooftop member
    I started taking it at 37 weeks I dont think 1 less week will hurt

    Engaged 10/2/1202
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