Evening Primrose « Back to Group Discussions

[Astraia]

Anyone taking this or going to start soon... or sometime? Or at all?

I know I took it my first pregnancy, just orally, starting at... um, 34 weeks I think? Then I started adding a couple of capsules vaginally before bed at 36-37 weeks, I think.

Second pregnancy I took it orally at 30 weeks- 1 500mg capsule a day, then worked my way up to 5 a day and the last few weeks rubbed it into my belly and inner thighs because using it vaginally is gross.

This time.. eh, I don't know. Not sure it made much difference either time, but again I feel like I ought to do it just in case it did really make a difference.

For anyone who hasn't heard of it, evening primrose oil is high in prostoglandins (sp?) (just like semen or the artificial, super high prostsglandin amount found in labour induction gels or strips). It helps to soften your cervix to make it efface and then dilate more efficiently. It can also be used to help soften scar tissue on your cervix and/or perineum from previous tearing.

[forestmushroom]

I don't know... I have never taken it and usually walk around dilated and effaced several centimeters for a few weeks....

I would love for it to be a magic pill!  But don't think there is such a thing... I drink RRL tea, but other then that.... just wait for baby to be born when baby is ready!

[Kamiro]

I've thought about it this pregnancy, but haven't made a decision one way or the other yet. I used it with my first pregnancy. No idea the difference it made. I'll probably take it this time...I don't think it will hurt. 

[rozziemama]

Eh, I am not sure it made that much difference for me last time -- baby was born at 40 weeks and I bet he would have been without EPO. HOWEVER for anyone who is having skin issues -- I am a huge advocate of taking omegas with EPO (which I take every day when not pregnant and wait until 34/35 weeks to start taking when pregnant, because who knows, maybe it does work, a little??). I am typically someone who has always had a very regular menstrual cycle, but Years ago - literally like, 10 years ago - my period was really irregular suddenly, and that's when I started to take it.
I do think EPO works to balance our hormones -- and thus the skin/hair connection -- it really does work when taken every day. (Nordic naturals Omega Woman has it I think)
I just think you have to use A LOT of it for it to really help stimulate labor.
That's my theory.

[Astraia]

I was never using it to try to encourage baby to come any earlier- I figured baby would come along when ready, and when both kids were born at 40+2 I was flabbergasted, I fully expected to go longer than that! I'd only heard of it for making labour progress more smoothly and it was quite smooth both times until pushing when we realized-- oops, baby is posterior :/

Rozzie, I use it when not pregnant for skin/hair issues too, especially in the winter. It's great for that!

[MeredithA]

I used EPO with my 1st, starting at 40 weeks. My midwife recommended it when I was complaining that it was my "due" date and baby wasn't here yet. He was born 6 days later. I don't think the EPO had much to do with it, honestly. He just came when he was ready. 

With my 2nd, I never used it. He was born 5 days before his EDD. 

I haven't given it much thought this time around. As excited as I am to meet this little man, it would actually be best for my work schedule if he came a little later than his EDD, so I don't know if I want to do too many things to soften my cervix earlier! The last day of school for my county is May 18th and I am due May 8th. I'd be quite happy if he were 10 days late. :-) 

[forestmushroom]

that is cool, I didn't know about the hair/skin connection!  Very cool to know. :)

[lightheartedmom]

I haven't taken it with previous pregnancies, but this thread reminded me...I have a krill oil supplement that has 500mg of EPO (from Mercola). I was taking it before getting pg and my mw advised that I stop (especially w/ a history of miscarriages), so I've been taking DH's plain krill supplement instead. But I'm wondering if now that I'm 27 weeks, maybe I can start taking it again? What's the typical protocol for when to start taking it?

[cookie_]

I took it both orally and vaginally starting around 36 weeks (I think) during my first pg. I don't know if it actually made any difference, but I did give birth at 39 weeks. I was not in anyway in the mood to DTD during the last 2 months, so I figured I'd give the EPO a shot. If I recall correctly, however, I only took it orally for about 5 or 6 days...it made my stomach hurt something terrible! I switched to just inserting the capsules before bed. Has anyone else had stomach pain as a side effect from oral ingestion of EPO?

[Kamiro]

Its payday and so from the money left over I ordered a bottle EPO nordic woman brand, and also a can of dolmas from amazon. Really ordering the EPO was just the excuse for me to order the dolmas...My husband would have looked at me a bit suspiciously if I announced I ordered a 6 pound can of dolmas...If I say some vitamins and few things off amazon...he won't even think twice.... until the huge can of dolmas arrives in the mail.. "Luuuucy you've got some 'splaining to do!"

Yeah, I got problems. LOL

[Astraia]

Originally Posted by cookie_ 

I took it both orally and vaginally starting around 36 weeks (I think) during my first pg. I don't know if it actually made any difference, but I did give birth at 39 weeks. I was not in anyway in the mood to DTD during the last 2 months, so I figured I'd give the EPO a shot. If I recall correctly, however, I only took it orally for about 5 or 6 days...it made my stomach hurt something terrible! I switched to just inserting the capsules before bed. Has anyone else had stomach pain as a side effect from oral ingestion of EPO?

It made me nauseous sometimes, so I just made sure I took it before bed. Also gave me gas (of course, everything gives me gas in the third trimester).

Originally Posted by lightheartedmom 

I haven't taken it with previous pregnancies, but this thread reminded me...I have a krill oil supplement that has 500mg of EPO (from Mercola). I was taking it before getting pg and my mw advised that I stop (especially w/ a history of miscarriages), so I've been taking DH's plain krill supplement instead. But I'm wondering if now that I'm 27 weeks, maybe I can start taking it again? What's the typical protocol for when to start taking it?

I'd wait a bit more, personally. I've never been one to worry about preterm labour or anything like that (probably because I've never had to deal with it, and have this whole sense that it can never happen to me) and I would still wait. Seems like the standard is to start taking it between 30-37 weeks, and if you're starting early to only take it orally and in small doses, working your way up as the weeks progress.