I've read that it's safe to start using "Evening Primrose oil capsules" around 34 weeks. I'm 33 weeks pregnant and extremely uncomfortable with my 4th baby,and never tried this before. So my question is: Do I take the capsules orally or is it more effective to insert them into my cervix at bedtime? I've read that it can be used both ways. Thanks January Mamas
ETA: it's fine to see what others are doing but really, you should never start taking any kind of supplement without clearing it with your doctor first.
BFP#1 EDD 04.20.2010, SUNSHINE baby boy born 03.31.2010 BFP#2 EDD 12.07.2014, natural mc 04.09.2014 at 5w3d BFP#3 EDD 01.14.15, RAINBOW baby girl born 01.16.2015
I used it last time and started at 35 weeks. It doesn't start labor it helps when you are in labor. I only ended up going 5 days early and had a pretty fast labor. I did it vaginally and will do it again this time!
I had a nicu nurse friend recommend the red raspberry tea to start drinking in third tri, checked with my doc and said it was fine. I didn't deliver vaginally because of other complications so I can't comment but others that have had good comments about it.
I think we as a board might be a little sensitive to babies coming early since so many women are having their babies early, having scares of it and are being told that they may have them early. I think the OP's question was more to ripening the cervix for a quick delivery and not for a delivery to happen "early". Or at least I hope that's what she was asking.
Anyway yea ask your doc but I've heard vaginally for the pills is the best way to go whenever the doc recommends for the timing.
Isn't it supposed to help start labor? Why do you want labor started now? Wait until baby is ready. Yes being uncomfortable sucks but having a premie just because you're uncomfortable is ridiculous.
I think it is just supposed to help facilitate labor; make it move more smoothly when it happens. I don't think it is supposed to start anything, but I would definitely ask my doc before using it.
I've read that it's safe to start using "Evening Primrose oil capsules" around 34 weeks. I'm 33 weeks pregnant and extremely uncomfortable with my 4th baby,and never tried this before. So my question is: Do I take the capsules orally or is it more effective to insert them into my cervix at bedtime? I've read that it can be used both ways. Thanks January Mamas
I would talk to your doc. But I would also wait for baby to finish cooking.
The midwife I spoke to suggested that or Raspberry leaf tea would not help, but said if I wanted to try them to wait until 37wks just to be safe. (I asked her about the tea since I have heard some people begin drinking early in 3rd tri.)
You can also look into Mothers cordial. It's a concoction that midwives know about, you put 16 drops into a glass of water starting at 36 weeks and it definitely helps! I had my third baby a week early (my first and second were late and I didn't take it with them). Google it. And ask your dr.
yeah, i don't really understand this desire to start labor early, unless your doctor wants to do it for medical reasons. why on earth would you want to have your baby before s/he is ready?
BFP#1 EDD 04.20.2010, SUNSHINE baby boy born 03.31.2010 BFP#2 EDD 12.07.2014, natural mc 04.09.2014 at 5w3d BFP#3 EDD 01.14.15, RAINBOW baby girl born 01.16.2015
Evening primrose oil is supposed to help ripen the cervix, not kick-start labor. I used it during my last pregnancy. I started a low dose orally, although I don't remember when. Probably 37 weeks? I used it vaginally twice, the second time being about 10 minutes before my water broke at 39w1d.
I will use it again, probably beginning orally within a week or two (36 or 37ish weeks). I won't use it vaginally until I'm full term.
Along the same line, red raspberry leaf tea simply strengthens the uterus, eventually making contractions more productive--it doesn't make you go into labor! I've been drinking a pregnancy tea daily that includes RRL since the beginning of second tri. I'm 35 weeks tomorrow, and will then switch to straight RRL tea daily.
I was facing induction last pregnancy. I had 7 Days before my Dr. Would induce, which I didn't want. She suggested I take EPO, raspberry leaf tea, walking, sex, nipple stimulation to jump start labor.
I ended up taking 1 blue cohosh pill and I went into labor the very next morning. (Not sure if it was the pill or I was just ready)
Anyway, she told me to take the other things as it can induce labor, but doesn't recommend it before 37 weeks.
Talk to your Dr. Before doing this stuff. We are all uncomfortable, being pregnant isn't a cake walk, suck it up and deal with it.... you won't be pregnant forever and it's only a few more weeks. Health of your baby should come first before your comfort.
Am I completely misunderstanding this whole pregnancy thing?
Ripening cervix is a mandatory precursor to labor. Am I right? Like...you don't just ripen your cervix and then hold your breath and control when labor starts. I don't understand doing anything that may start labor this early. Especially without medical advice.
i don't eat them overripe anyway. they go in the freezer and then get reincarnated as either banana bread or smoothies. i only eat them fresh when they're still slightly green.
BFP#1 EDD 04.20.2010, SUNSHINE baby boy born 03.31.2010 BFP#2 EDD 12.07.2014, natural mc 04.09.2014 at 5w3d BFP#3 EDD 01.14.15, RAINBOW baby girl born 01.16.2015
I fully agree with the others though. Why would you purposefully want to start labor early? Especially when there are so many women who would kill to be as pregnant as you are right now.
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Jk. Like others have said, I wouldn't ingest any kind of herbal treatment or put it in your vagina without talking to your doctor about it. Baby will come when he/she is ready, and I feel like my cervix will prepare itself when it is time. If you have concerns about yours, talk to your doctor.
Am I completely misunderstanding this whole pregnancy thing?
Ripening cervix is a mandatory precursor to labor. Am I right? Like...you don't just ripen your cervix and then hold your breath and control when labor starts. I don't understand doing anything that may start labor this early. Especially without medical advice.
Yes, your have to have a "soft" or "ripened" cervix to go into labor, although apparently you can still have a soft cervix and not go into labor. My midwife said seamen is the best at softening and if you continue to have sex throughout your whole pregnancy and can help start labor when your body is ready. She actually recommended that we have sex frequently to try to help and said it will not cause early labor for a normal low-risk pregnancy. With my son, I had to have cervidil before the induction in order to soften my cervix at 41wks.
Am I completely misunderstanding this whole pregnancy thing?
Ripening cervix is a mandatory precursor to labor. Am I right? Like...you don't just ripen your cervix and then hold your breath and control when labor starts. I don't understand doing anything that may start labor this early. Especially without medical advice.
Yes, your have to have a "soft" or "ripened" cervix to go into labor, although apparently you can still have a soft cervix and not go into labor. My midwife said seamen is the best at softening and if you continue to have sex throughout your whole pregnancy and can help start labor when your body is ready. She actually recommended that we have sex frequently to try to help and said it will not cause early labor for a normal low-risk pregnancy. With my son, I had to have cervidil before the induction in order to soften my cervix at 41wks.
_______
I haven't had sex since Labor Day and probably will not until after the baby is born. I guess I'm screwed (or not)!
I didn't have sex much when I was pregnant with DS (DH is weirded out by sex after the first tri), and he was still born naturally at 39w2d, so I'm hoping this one will be around the same. I did eat hot wings the night I went into labor, but I think that was just a coincidence.
For the record I'm NOT trying to induce labour, I'm asking if this method works for ripening and speeding up the process. There are no medical studies that show EPO brings on labour. It simply speeds things up when the baby is ready. How nice it was to wake up to this terrible posts this is my 4th child, I'm not trying to endanger him. Perhaps we could try to answer each other's questions without judgement and jumping to conclusions. Thanks ladies
You got lots of different experiences from people. But the best advice you got was to talk to your OB.
You mentioned your discomfort, which leads many to believe that you'd like to speed up the process. And speeding up the process is generally frowned upon here, especially because we have so many babies currently in the NICU and could have more coming any time soon.
My personal experience: I didn't take EPO. I had lots and lots of awesome sex and was still induced at 39 weeks. Still ended up with an ER csection. Your baby will come when your baby is ready. Your body will progress quickly, or it won't. I personally think the brown bag approach is a good idea since you want to ask us and not your medical professional
Oh, also, I've been pregnant before and fully expected the uncomfortable last tri. So that's my personal experience there, too
ETA: being as clear and concise in an OP has always benefited me. Don't blame other people when you fail to clearly convey your point and they respond. Communication is key
For the record
I'm NOT trying to induce labour, I'm asking if this method works for ripening and speeding up the process. There are no medical studies that show EPO brings on labour. It simply speeds things up when the baby is ready. How nice it was to wake up to this terrible posts this is my 4th child, I'm not trying to endanger him. Perhaps we could try to answer each other's questions without judgement and jumping to conclusions. Thanks ladies
"For the record" type comments always come after we are left to decipher these posts. We decipher as we see fit. You got some really great answers so chill.
Guys, if I post a photo of my cervix, will you tell me if it's ripe?
Is ripe cervix the new lost mucus plug?
I vomited a little and then giggled. Just wow. Think of the logistics to take such a picture though.
There's a whole website dedicated to pictures of the cervix at different points during a cycle. Its actually quite fascinating. But I'm fucking weird, so maybe I'm the only person who would find that interesting....
How do I get my cervix on this website?
Just curious
--insert gif of "I want to be famous" vine--
Just send it in, they will probably post it! www.beautifulcervix.com
I didn't take any EPO or sex in 3rd tri for either of my previous pregnancies... both were born at 40+1.
They don't really understand what triggers labour, but their guess is that the baby's brain releases a trigger that starts a hormonal cascade in the mother. Everyone responds differently to hormones, and labour will progress or not depending on this, position of baby, etc.
Guys, if I post a photo of my cervix, will you tell me if it's ripe?
Is ripe cervix the new lost mucus plug?
I vomited a little and then giggled. Just wow. Think of the logistics to take such a picture though.
There's a whole website dedicated to pictures of the cervix at different points during a cycle. Its actually quite fascinating. But I'm fucking weird, so maybe I'm the only person who would find that interesting....
i've seen that website. it is kind of cool in a gross, science-y way. like, "oh, that's what that looks like/how that works/etc." i think the series of photos that were daily throughout one girl's cycle were taken by her boyfriend with the help of a speculum. sounds unpleasant.
BFP#1 EDD 04.20.2010, SUNSHINE baby boy born 03.31.2010 BFP#2 EDD 12.07.2014, natural mc 04.09.2014 at 5w3d BFP#3 EDD 01.14.15, RAINBOW baby girl born 01.16.2015
For the record I'm NOT trying to induce labour, I'm asking if this method works for ripening and speeding up the process. There are no medical studies that show EPO brings on labour. It simply speeds things up when the baby is ready. How nice it was to wake up to this terrible posts this is my 4th child, I'm not trying to endanger him. Perhaps we could try to answer each other's questions without judgement and jumping to conclusions. Thanks ladies
I got a hand out from the nurse at my ob visit on this today. If I choose to use it start at 36 weeks with one, 37 weeks with 2 etc. And not to exceed 4 at 39 weeks. Nothing about using it vaginally. I just looked it over I haven't researched it or anything yet. I agree with asking your ob but wanted to let you know mine gave it to me today.
I saw my midwife yesterday. She said it couldn't hurt and softens the cervix for labor (not triggers labor). If I wanted to start it, wait until 37 weeks and then take it - orally or vaginally, whatever I preferred.
Re: Evening Primrose Oil,thoughts?
I would talk to your doc. But I would also wait for baby to finish cooking.
Nobody is comfortable any more.
Oh BTW QFP
I would also wait until you're further along -- if you want to to start labor, it's too early no matter how uncomfortable you are.
BFP#1 EDD 04.20.2010, SUNSHINE baby boy born 03.31.2010
BFP#2 EDD 12.07.2014, natural mc 04.09.2014 at 5w3d
BFP#3 EDD 01.14.15, RAINBOW baby girl born 01.16.2015
jan'15 january siggy challenge: baby fails
I used it during my last pregnancy. I started a low dose orally, although I don't remember when. Probably 37 weeks? I used it vaginally twice, the second time being about 10 minutes before my water broke at 39w1d.
I will use it again, probably beginning orally within a week or two (36 or 37ish weeks). I won't use it vaginally until I'm full term.
Along the same line, red raspberry leaf tea simply strengthens the uterus, eventually making contractions more productive--it doesn't make you go into labor! I've been drinking a pregnancy tea daily that includes RRL since the beginning of second tri. I'm 35 weeks tomorrow, and will then switch to straight RRL tea daily.
I ended up taking 1 blue cohosh pill and I went into labor the very next morning. (Not sure if it was the pill or I was just ready)
Anyway, she told me to take the other things as it can induce labor, but doesn't recommend it before 37 weeks.
Talk to your Dr. Before doing this stuff. We are all uncomfortable, being pregnant isn't a cake walk, suck it up and deal with it.... you won't be pregnant forever and it's only a few more weeks. Health of your baby should come first before your comfort.
Ripening cervix is a mandatory precursor to labor. Am I right? Like...you don't just ripen your cervix and then hold your breath and control when labor starts. I don't understand doing anything that may start labor this early. Especially without medical advice.
SO, on the other hand...eugh.
ETF grammar derpitude
BFP#1 EDD 04.20.2010, SUNSHINE baby boy born 03.31.2010
BFP#2 EDD 12.07.2014, natural mc 04.09.2014 at 5w3d
BFP#3 EDD 01.14.15, RAINBOW baby girl born 01.16.2015
jan'15 january siggy challenge: baby fails
https://vbacfacts.com/2012/11/13/evening-primrose-oil-dont-use-it-if-you-are-pregnant/
I fully agree with the others though. Why would you purposefully want to start labor early? Especially when there are so many women who would kill to be as pregnant as you are right now.
https://pregnancy.about.com/od/induction/p/homeinduction.htm
Jk. Like others have said, I wouldn't ingest any kind of herbal treatment or put it in your vagina without talking to your doctor about it. Baby will come when he/she is ready, and I feel like my cervix will prepare itself when it is time. If you have concerns about yours, talk to your doctor.
_______
I haven't had sex since Labor Day and probably will not until after the baby is born. I guess I'm screwed (or not)!
I didn't have sex much when I was pregnant with DS (DH is weirded out by sex after the first tri), and he was still born naturally at 39w2d, so I'm hoping this one will be around the same. I did eat hot wings the night I went into labor, but I think that was just a coincidence.
I'm NOT trying to induce labour, I'm asking if this method works for ripening and speeding up the process. There are no medical studies that show EPO brings on labour. It simply speeds things up when the baby is ready. How nice it was to wake up to this terrible posts this is my 4th child, I'm not trying to endanger him. Perhaps we could try to answer each other's questions without judgement and jumping to conclusions. Thanks ladies
You mentioned your discomfort, which leads many to believe that you'd like to speed up the process. And speeding up the process is generally frowned upon here, especially because we have so many babies currently in the NICU and could have more coming any time soon.
Oh, also, I've been pregnant before and fully expected the uncomfortable last tri. So that's my personal experience there, too
ETA: being as clear and concise in an OP has always benefited me. Don't blame other people when you fail to clearly convey your point and they respond. Communication is key
There's a whole website dedicated to pictures of the cervix at different points during a cycle. Its actually quite fascinating. But I'm fucking weird, so maybe I'm the only person who would find that interesting....
Just curious
--insert gif of "I want to be famous" vine--
BFP#1 EDD 04.20.2010, SUNSHINE baby boy born 03.31.2010
BFP#2 EDD 12.07.2014, natural mc 04.09.2014 at 5w3d
BFP#3 EDD 01.14.15, RAINBOW baby girl born 01.16.2015
jan'15 january siggy challenge: baby fails