evening primrose oil

[yentroc]

Is anyone taking EPO? I think I took it kinda halfheartedly the last few wks with dd. I forgot about it this time.

Do you think it helps? Do you just take it orally? Vaginally?

[mommabones]

I took it vaginally with DD and felt it did help with getting my cervix ready. I have no proof of this, all I know is I went from nothing to between 1 and 2 cm and 60% effaced a week after I started it. I didn't start it until 38 weeks last time. I've been using it off and on since 35 weeks this time, and am just now starting to use it regularly at 37 weeks. Whether it truly helps or not, I don't know, but I figure it doesn't hurt.

[Mama_2_Boy]

I'll actually be starting this tonight. Saw my MW today (I'm 39 + 4 days) and she examined me for the first time. She said I'm only about 25% effaced and 1cm so she said to get going on this vaginally.
Initially she mentioned doing a membrane sweep but after telling me my progress during the exam we both agreed, don't bother, not much point as I'm no where near ripe enough.

Bummer.

I'm really hoping the EPO will help!

[bethanyclaire]

I can't use EPO orally because it can reduce platelet function (and hence cause extra bleeding). It basically keeps the platelets from sticking together as well, which is important for blood clotting. Flax and fish oil do this as well. That said, this is really not a concern for mamas that don't have a bleeding problem (which I do).

I'm considering using it vaginally this time, though. I tend to dilate slowly, which isn't a big deal, but it would be nice to soften things up. I'm going to talk to my mw about it this week or next and see what she says. I don't know how much is absorbed into the bloodstream that way so I'd rather err on the side of caution, especially since I'll be at home this time.

[yentroc]

For those doing it vaginally, just one capsule per day? I'm assuming before bed is the best.

How much do you take orally?

[mommabones]

I was told by my midwife to do 2-3 vaginally. I do three :P

[mommabones]

And yeah, I do it when I'm going to bed.

[yentroc]

3 caps at a time?

[mommabones]

Yep. I wear pads at night now because when I get up to go to the bathroom throughout the night... yuck.

[Vespertina]

I just started EPO vaginally last night. I hate the smell of EPO. Ick.

[fazer6]

I do 2 orally and 1 vaginally. Last time I did one of each. No idea if it helped or not, but so many midwives seem to recommend it. I'd rather give it a go again and hope for the best, I've been checking myself in the shower and I'm pretty sure I am getting softer down there, whether that's down to the EPO or not I've no idea.

[ithappened]

I'm doing 750mg, 2x a day orally, for about a week now. I won't know if its helping or not until tomorrow when I have my next app

Also doing an iced RRL infusion 3x a day, 1 cup, every day (or other day if I forget)