Evening Primrose Oil- Is it safe?

[Leilababyno1]

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!

Bumping because I did the same but haven't used them yet as not sure whether it's sensible...?

Ok. Think I will post the thread in 'Childbirth' as well to see if we can get some answers...

ecuse- Found this information online, research conducted by the NHS:

Is it safe to take herbal medicines during pregnancy?

Prepared by UK Medicines Information (UKMi) pharmacists for NHS healthcare professionals
Expiry: 30th September 2011

Evening Primrose Oil:
Midwives reportedly use evening primrose oil to expedite cervical ripening, in an attempt to shorten labour and reduce the incidence of postdate pregnancies (24). One study compared outcomes in 54 women who took evening primrose oil orally from week 37 of pregnancy with those in 54 women who did not. No difference in the overall length of labour was found between groups. Further, it was concluded that women taking evening primrose oil might be more likely to experience prolonged rupture of membranes, oxytocin augmentation, arrest of descent and vacuum extraction (24).

A recent publication reports ecchymoses and petechiae on the trunk, extremities and face of a female baby, aged 17 hours. The infant had no other symptoms. In the week before delivery her mother had taken raspberry leaf tea and a total of thirteen 500mg capsules of evening primrose oil, vaginally and orally, in an attempt to improve labour. The authors suggested that the evening primrose oil had inhibited platelet function in the newborn infant. The platelet count was reported as normal in the infant and her symptoms resolved spontaneously by day 5.

......Based on this report I don't think I will risk taking any evening primrose oil.

mmmmm I think I might follow your example.
Guess it'll have to be sex then!