Evening Primrose Oil

[phoenixrose314]

Did anyone here use it in previous pregnancies, or know anyone that did? Does it work?

Due date next week and hoping to encourage little Phoenix to make an arrival soon!!

I haven't used it in previous pregnancies (knew I'd have to have an ELCS) but am planning to use it for my VBAC. I am 36 weeks and plan to start using it this week. The general advice seems to be that inserting one or two capaules vaginally before bed is most effective in helping to soften the cervix and make it favourable for dilation. I have also been taking raspberry leaf tea capsules since 34 weeks. Started on 2 a day and upped it each week, now on 4 a day. These are supposed to tone your uterus and make contractions more effective during labour leadin to shorter labours. Neither is supposed to induce labour from what I understand. I'm sure someone who has some experience will be along soon, but hope this is helpful.

I used it, 1 high strength EPO capsule at bedtime inserted as close to my cervix as I could get it! I had an internal exam on the Tue and cervix was closed and dr told me it didn't look like I'd go into labour any time soon. Started using the EPO that night and went into labour early hours of Friday morning! I'm convinced it helped, apparently it contains prostaglandins which is what is in the induction pessary (though obviously far lower levels!) and will definitely be doing it again this time :)

At last midwife appointment I was told baby's head was 3/5 engaged, just wanted to encourage my cervix to be ready! I know it won't induce labour, just help it along :)

Wish me luck on trying to insert them - sounds tricky!!

If you read up on it lots of sites say it doesn't really do anything.
However I didn't take anything for DC 1 and 2 they were born at 40 weeks and 41+ 1 weeks with very long 12 hour plus labours.
I took them orally from 31 weeks and also used them internally from 36 weeks with DC3 and DC4, they were born at 38 weeks and 39 weeks with a two hour labour for DC3 and a 50 minute labour for DC4.

My lactation consultant recommended star flower oil to me - same thing but a higher concentration. Insert as a pessary. I haven't any idea whether it is working but a doula also mentioned it to me to soften cervix!