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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Evening Primrose oil....

53 replies

Rosduk · 26/03/2011 21:49

Has anyone tried EPO and did it work? I have seen you can take tablets or use them vaginally so I was just wondering if anyone can recommend it or if its more trouble than its worth!

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nannyl · 26/03/2011 21:59

what are you supposed to use it for exactly?

Original poster

Rosduk · 26/03/2011 22:15

Apparently it doesn't bring on labour but helps to soften the cervix so I was interested to see if anyone has tried it! :)

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nannyl · 26/03/2011 22:18

oh? not herd of that one!
so do you 'pop the capsule' and squirt it up there then?
at what stage of pregnancy do you start this?

Original poster

Rosduk · 26/03/2011 22:53

This is what i read:

Evening primrose oil is a commonly used method of naturally preparing the body for labor. It does not directly induce labor, as commonly believed. Evening primrose oil acts as a prostaglandin, which ripens and softens the cervix. The ripening of the cervix can help the baby's head engage deeper into the pelvis, which can help with dilation.

Evening primrose oil is a less invasive method of triggering labor, so it can be used earlier in the pregnancy than some other methods. As soon as 34 weeks, evening primrose oil can be taken orally. It is generally recommended to take two 500mg capsules a day until 38 weeks. At that time usage can be increased to 3-4 capsules per day. An entire capsule can also be inserted vaginally. It is best to do this before bed, so the capsule can dissolve while you sleep. You can also use the oil during perineal massage, and massage it on the cervix as well. Applying the oil directly to the cervix will produce the best results, but the ingredients in evening primrose oil can also be absorbed through the external skin or stomach.

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Original poster

Rosduk · 26/03/2011 23:01

Most posts I read say it works really well- they just inserted the tablet as close as they can get it to the cervix at night before you go to bed. Might ask the MW about this one make sure its safe- she will soon say if it's a good or bad idea! Apparently you shouldn't do it if your waters have already broken though and always wash your hands before you insert!!

OP posts:

Leilababyno1 · 26/03/2011 23:03

Hummmmn...I am 35 weeks, might pop out to Holland & Barrett and get some. Baby is already 3/5 engaged, so might help her drop a bit lower...

Worth a try! Thanks...

lilly13 · 27/03/2011 13:48

I read that you are not supposed to start inserting capsules until 38 weeks...

Roopachoo · 27/03/2011 18:24

Whoa I am so doing this! Read about taking them orally in the Sarah Brewer book- but didn't know about inserting them... will put it in the diary for week 38!

babyfour · 27/03/2011 20:50

I used EPO for my last term pregnancy,,,, at 39weeks took 3 orally and one internally at night, next day huge show. Next night 3 orally and one internally, baby born early the following morning. I am certain it was not coincidental, the epo definitely softened things up and got things going for me. And it was the first time I had no tearing either!!!!
Hope it works for you too!

Leilababyno1 · 27/03/2011 23:39

Will start with the tablets now and then move on to the internal capsules from 38 weeks! Thanks Rosduk!

tavish · 29/03/2011 14:17

Sorry for sounding so crude but do you just push up the capsule as far as you can and it will slowly dissolve?

G1nger · 29/03/2011 14:21

Well if you do have to push it up as far as you can, you could use a thrush cream applicator...

tavish · 29/03/2011 14:30

What's a thrush cream applicator like,altho to be honest at this rate I'm not sure I'll be able reach and I'm only 27+1 lol,

blueberryboybaitonSafari · 29/03/2011 14:33

I used it both orally and vaginally before DD2 was born - 3 tabs morning and 1 internally at night I started at 39w and DD2 was born at 39+6 after a short sharp 1 hour labour.

G1nger · 29/03/2011 14:53

It's kind of pen-shaped - ie long and with a little handle that you press when it's at the desired destination... Of course, you'd still have to look into if/how to attach the capsule, but I think it's worth looking into. Otherwise, you might want to practice finding your cervix (if you haven't already) .. and show your partner where it is.

tavish · 29/03/2011 14:54

Wow that sounds great definately gonna give it a try

nannyl · 29/03/2011 15:04

ok.... just to clarfiy...

you put a WHOLE EPO capsule up there, as close to cevix as you can? you DONT pop it or pin prick the capsule 1st? It sort of melts up there by itself?
is that right?

does it leak out in the morning when you stand up? Or at night onto the bed? Is it best to have a panty liner / pad on just in case? or will it just not flow back out?

what happens to the capsule bit? does it just hang around up there (infection risk?) or does it come out with waters breaking / show / birth / placenta etc?

sorry these may seem like basic questions but i just dont think ive quite "got it" yet!

blueberryboybaitonSafari · 29/03/2011 15:07

NannyL - yes a whole capsule, they dissolve in the natural warmth and discharge in the vagina, you wear a sanitary towel in bed and it catches and leakage. The capsules are made of gelatine so dissolve and come out with any discharge.

nannyl · 29/03/2011 15:31

thanks for that

nannyl · 29/03/2011 15:37

been googling and have found instructions here

princesscupcakemummyb · 12/09/2013 19:37

wow intresting never heard of that before just noticed this is a old thread

KarmaBiatch · 12/09/2013 22:09

ooh, glad this thread has been resurrected! will be trying this out as I'm now 34+3, been having raspberry leaf tea for the last few weeks too, so anything to help the process along is good to know

willitbe · 12/09/2013 22:21

It is an old thread but

I tried EPO on my third pregnancy, took capules orally and one internally one night, had massive show the next day. That night repeated with one internally, and baby arrived 7.30am the next morning. Tore on my first two, had no tearing on this one, despite him being nearly 2 lbs heavier. So there might be something in the softening helping with this too. I was 39 weeks.

princesscupcakemummyb · 13/09/2013 10:05

willitbe thats good to know so it sounds like it could work its to early for me atm to do this as im 33 weeks but still good to know KarmaBiatch good luck let us know how you go with it when you start using :)

KarmaBiatch · 13/09/2013 14:28

Just bought my first bottle of the stuff.. Sitting here wondering if I should take them now, such a pussy!

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