EPO? And when do you start trying to get things going?

[holz]

Had my 35 week appointment this morning with my least favorite doctor at the practice. After a pretty inappropriate comment to my husband about how he can do his part to start softening my cervix, he recommended taking evening primrose oil- something I'd been meaning to look into, anyway.

The schedule he recommended was to take it 3x a day this week, and then starting next week at 36 weeks to take one dose a day (I think he said the dosage was 500mg? I could be way off) until baby comes. Does this sound legit? How do you ladies take it?

I'm also curious as to when I should start doing things to try to bring on labor- the walks, the pedicures, etc. Not so much induction as hurrying things up... So far I feel great and haven't reached that GET HIM OUT stage, and as impatient as I am to meet him, I want him to stay in there as long as he needs... But I'm not exactly excited about the stats re: first time mothers going late. 37, 38 weeks? Not til 40, or overdue?

Thanks for any input!

[jennica]

When baby's lungs are mature, they release a protein that puts your body into labor. Why rush baby out before he/she is ready? You are only 35 weeks - not even full term. Most first time moms go beyond 40 weeks. Don't stress yourself out. Just relax and let things happen on baby's schedule.

[holz]

Originally Posted by jennica

When baby's lungs are mature, they release a protein that puts your body into labor. Why rush baby out before he/she is ready? You are only 35 weeks - not even full term. Most first time moms go beyond 40 weeks. Don't stress yourself out. Just relax and let things happen on baby's schedule.

Oh, no, I agree completely. And I've been super lucky in that I'm not at all uncomfortable (knock on wood- I know it's coming!), so I'm in no rush, and don't expect this baby to come early. The only deadline I'd have is that my doctor said he wouldn't let me go past 41 weeks, but I'm prepared to fight that, and like my doula told me, they can't show up at my doorstep and drag me to the hospital

I was just wondering whether/when some of the mamas here do anything to get the body working, or let it all happen on its own.

[jennica]

Originally Posted by holz

I was just wondering whether/when some of the mamas here do anything to get the body working, or let it all happen on its own.

Oh, I see. I think a lot of people drink RRL tea with nettles. You can drink up to a quart a day. Some people are doing the EPO's, but I'm not really sure on if that is an induction technique or just something to help the body have an easier labor? From my understanding neither of those things put you into labor sooner.