EPO Questions

[AmyGirl28]

I am considering using EPO to ripen my cervix from 36+ weeks. I am wondering how many other mamas are doing this. I am also wondering if there are any second time mamas that have done this previously and can vouch for the effectiveness.

[MrsMoe]

I personally would let your body do everything naturally.

[samsmamma]

All I know is that my MW does recommend it if necessary. I'm not even thinking about that yet - I'll decide after my 35wk visit and I might go for it.

[3for3hb]

You are referring to evening primrose oil, right? (sometimes I'm not so good with acronyms)
I used it from 38 weeks on and I don't think it made a bit of difference. I used it internally and applied it straight to my cervix as well.
Just a word of caution, be sure what your EPO that you are using isn't cut with vitamin E as that will further implantation and can cause problems with the uterus not releasing the placenta post birth. it also makes the placenta very tough.

[memory maker]

Originally Posted by MrsMoe

I personally would let your body do everything naturally.

:

[babykaoss]

i was considering getting some as an omega 3/6 supplement to help w/ mood swings/depression........i'm not quite 32 weeks.......isnt this safe?

[flapjack]

I've been using it (twas recommended) to help the mood swings- and given my recent bouts of cramping, I'm switching to a different blend, probably flax seed oil. We know what caused the contractions (kidney infection) but still better safe than sorry.
I haven't come across any convincing evidence that EPO does a thing for your cervix, but I think the placebo effect can be a wonderful thing.

[bec]

Originally Posted by AmyGirl28

I am considering using EPO to ripen my cervix from 36+ weeks. I am wondering how many other mamas are doing this. I am also wondering if there are any second time mamas that have done this previously and can vouch for the effectiveness.

Can I ask why you want to do this, and so far from your due date?


Bec

[AmyGirl28]

Well, I am at 31 weeks now and trust me I am not trying to induce labor right now or anything. My doctor is trying to talk me into a c-section at 40 weeks because I had a c-section last time. I REALLY want a VBAC and I was thinking about trying to ripen my cervix at 36-37 weeks with EPO. From what I have read it doesn't necessarily induce labor, but rather ripens the cervix. I am hoping that if the cervix is ripe at 38 weeks I might somehow go into labor before the 40 week mark? I know, I know, labor has a mind of it's own and comes at it's own time, just thought I would give it a helping hand.
Willemsmama- Thanks for the tip about the Vitamin E.

[bec]

Is there any way you can get a VBAC friendly doctor? That would be my first concern. Or is there some way you can get your doctor to be more patient? I know I searched long and hard for VBAC friendly providers with my second and now this baby. I was surprised at how hard it was to find someone willing to take me on, even though I'd already had one VBAC.


Bec

[AmyGirl28]

Unfortunately, this was the VBAC friendly doctor. I changed from the doctor I had previously with DD because she completely scoffed at the idea of VBAC. This doctor is giving me the choice, but with stipulations. I might be able to work with her more as time goes on. I was kind of waiting until later to pitch my fit. After all, they can't make you do anything. But I was kind of hoping that EPO would give me a helping hand with the cervix ripening so I wouldn't have to fight. Ultimately I atleast want to try for VBAC unless there is a medical reason that tells me I need to have another c-section.

[flapjack]

I think that entirely depends on why you had the c-section- but the old "once a caesarean, always a caesarean" no longer holds good. I know three people from my antenatal class with Alex who had caesareans (the only natural births were those who shared my team of midwives) and have had their subsequent babies vaginally. Couldn't you accidentally get your dates wrong?

[gonnabeamom]

Amy

I don't know anything about EPO for ripening the cervix, but why not in your situation just use prostagladins. I am assuming here, that you have a handy supplier of sperm. Plus it's more fun.

Koss,

I know of a naturopath who highly recommends Omega 3 supplementation for all pregnant women. Apparently it is good for baby's brain.

[bec]

Originally Posted by AmyGirl28

Unfortunately, this was the VBAC friendly doctor.

Ah. That's a tough situation. I really don't know very much about EPO, but want to encourage you to give it your all to have teh VBAC you want.

I will say that having my VBAC was one of the most empowering, awe inspiring, things I have ever done. I think it helped that I went from a hospital setting to a homebirth. I really felt like I was taking control back of my body and my pregnancy and my baby's birth.

I would, however, warn you to avoid making your labor and delivery into a atmosphere of conflict. I would think that would sabotage your efforts. Make a birth plan and go over it with your doctor very carefully. Make sure you are both agreed on all the rules and stipulations. Then go over that birth plan with the nurses that might be likely to attend you (you could probably do this during a tour or something).


Bec

[AmyGirl28]

Bec- Thanks for the info and support. I need to get started on that birth plan. You're right.

Gonnabeamom- Yeah, sperm does sound like a better idea.