Evening Primrose Oil?

[rozziemama]

Hi ... I'm sure there are a ton of old threads on this but I am so exhausted and out of it today I thought I'd post a new one anyway...

I'm 37 weeks this week and want to start taking EPO. Does anyone know if taking it orally works or do I have to take vaginally?
And, if vaginally, do I just insert one of those giant capsules up there and wait for it to dissolve?? seems weird.

Anyone else doing this? I think orally might be my preference.

Thanks!

[mkmb129]

I take it orally. Vaginally I read to insert two capsules before bed, or whenever you can be sure you'll stay laying down because it will drip out. I had it drip out even when laying down, though, so be sure to put a pad or something on to catch the drips!

[freedak]

I'm 37 weeks and just talked to my midwife about this on Tuesday. She said to take 3 grams orally (that's 6 capsules for me) throughout the day AND and insert one capsule vaginally at night before bed. I had DH put the capsule in as far as he could, and I haven't had any dripping (despite the fact that I inevitably have to get up 30 mins after I lie down). HTH!

[sunshinestarr]

My MW asked me to start taking it at 37 weeks (a few days ago) - 1300 grams 2x/day. Don't know anything about taking it vaginally, though.

[NDFanatik]

At 37 weeks I started taking 3 500mg capsules every night orally. Then at 38 weeks I started adding 1 capsule vaginally in addition to the 3 orally. When I hit 39 weeks I'm going to add one more vaginally until I pop.

[rozziemama]

Hmmm interesting. So, I guess I'll take the capsules orally for sure - and maybe vaginally too in a week or two.
I have to get up 30 min after lying down at night too! ha.

Thanks for the input!

[leurMaman]

Be careful vaginally - but I used EPO once this pregnancy. I emptied the caps into a shot glass, put two fingers in it and then inserted them up to the cervix (as I had read to do on this message board). I tried to be careful, have VERY steralized hands, and put as much EPO on the cervix as I could reach. I went into labor that night. It could be coincidence, but I think if you are on the verge then it can certainly trigger cervical ripening. Good luck!

[Jane456]

When I did it last pregnancy, I always pierced some holes in the caplet I inserted vaginally - I found that made it more effective, and I was less worried about it not absorbing by the time it fell out. I have to pee a ton at night, so it often would fall out after a little while.

Another thing we tried last time on the recommendation of our midwife - using EPO as a lubricant during intercourse! It was a good way to apply it to the right area, and that plus the prostaglandins evidently worked well! Must start that again soon - I'm 40 weeks tomorrow and would love to get this show on the road.

[neveryoumindthere]

does it go on the outside of the cervix or inside? :
I assumed inside, but someone wrote 'on' the cervix...

[lifeguard]

I've just starting taking 2 500mg capsules orally at night. Next week I intend to start vaginally (but I wanted to wait until I get my current gestational diabetes hospitalization out of the way - no way do I want to go into labour while I'm here - I intend to labour as long as possible at home).

I like the idea of emptying the oil from the capsules & applying - having the whole capsule up their just seems weird - I keep picturing those bath oil beads that never really dissolve! I was planning on just applying to every part of the cervix I could reach & since I'm slightly dilated that would mean inside & out.

[crystaldawn]

I cannot stand the taste of them, even hours after I take them I can still "taste" the oiliness or something. So, I stopped taking them orally.

I do two at night vaginally. Not sure it's doing anything. I get up pretty regularly in the night but find that they DO completely dissolve. Hope it's doing something...

[herbsgirl]

I have only inserted two capsules and I felt early labor contractions and cervical twinges after inserting. Which is great, because I am scheduled to have an induction Sunday night, God willing.

I am 50% effaced and soft, a fingertip dilated. I wonder if those pulling sensations and contractions helped!