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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

Evening Primrose Oil- advise?

13 replies

Leilababyno1 · 21/04/2011 17:42

I am almost 39 weeks and bought some evening primrose oil capsules yesterday on a whim, as they were on special offer at Holland & Barratt..

My question is, are they safe to use? I have heard that some people insert them into the vagina to help soften the cervix, not really sure on how I feel about it. Can they be taken orally as well?

Advise appreciated.. Thanks!

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lilly13 · 21/04/2011 19:33

Supposed to be used vaginally (insert 1-2 capsules) from 38 weeks onwards to ripen the cervix, according to my consultant... It can't hurt anyway. I plan to do this, too!

rasta · 22/04/2011 19:52

I've also heard that you insert 2 and orally take 1, although don't quote me on that!

It's meant to work as far as I know, it set my friend off when she was overdue.

Good luck!

Pootletrinket · 23/04/2011 09:03

I've read to take 2-4 a day (500mg) from 36 weeks (4 from 38) and insert one at night. Been doing it for several weeks and unfortunately hasn't ripened my cervix, but am beginning to think mine is awkward.

galwaygal · 23/04/2011 16:59

Did work for me, take 4 orally and on inserted vaginally at night. Taking them orally did nothing for me, but took one vaginally and had massive show next day, that night took one vaginally again and ds2 born 8 hours later, early in the morning. I am convinced it helped soften everything as it was the first time I did not tear either!

Original poster

Leilababyno1 · 23/04/2011 18:28

galwaygal- when you inserted the capsule, did you pierce it first or put in whole and let it dissolve?

OP posts:

galwaygal · 23/04/2011 19:35

Leilababyno1 - I put it in whole at night and let it dissolve by itself. I felt easier about doing it that way.

TheNewShmoo · 26/04/2011 12:04

galwaygal how many weeks were you when you inserted them?

Malvapoeding · 26/04/2011 12:09

I started inserting them at 39 weeks but took them orally from 38 weeks 1000mg twice a day. If you are going to insert them then wear a pad to catch any leakage from the capsules in the night. DD2 was born in an hour long labour.

Original poster

Leilababyno1 · 26/04/2011 13:36

Inserted one last night, I am 39+3 - no oil leakage during the night, but a lot of discharge this morning...sorry if TMI.

Will do this again tonight, but so far don't feel any different. Hopefully, it's doing something?!

OP posts:

cowboylover · 27/04/2011 15:21

Is it just the standard capsules you use or are there special ones?

JBrd · 27/04/2011 21:20

Can you combine them with raspberry leaf tea/capsules? Or better not?

Am wondering... It's tempting to try everything, but it might get too much?

Original poster

Leilababyno1 · 28/04/2011 13:21

JBrd- Don't think you are suppose to insert Raspberry Leaf capsules vaginally- BUT I may be mistaken, it may be ok...

I have been inserting one epo capsule each night now for the past 3 nights and don't feel any different. I am due in 2 days and am booked in for a sweep on the 4th May, I will be 40+4- so will wait n see, how soft etc my cervix is if I haven't already popped by then- fingers crossed!

OP posts:

JBrd · 29/04/2011 15:52

Yes, makes sense about the raspberry leaf capsules, I didn't mean whether you insert those vaginally...

I am drinking lots of raspberry leaf tea now (4 cups/day), so I'm wondering if I take EPO on top of that as well, will it be a bit of an overkill? I can't think it would do any harm, however, I'd like to avoid a massive bout of diarrhoea!

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