Evening primrose oil - vaginally inserted?

[UnCoffreDor]

I came across the EPO recently, and how the softgels can be inserted to promote prostaglandin, with the view to naturally start labour. Any anecdotes?

Also, I haven't read the following anywhere, but would the oil itself sort of soften the perineum, making it more stretchy and less prone to tearing?
On a side note, yesterday I ate 7 dates and during the night, I was awakened by cramps! Never happened before! Coincidence? Surely it can't work that quickly... And I suppose being 39 weeks, it's to be expected

It's absorbed better orally but you can do either.

On the perineum.
I used them with my 3rd orally and vaginally, tore from V2A!! she came pretty quick (11 mins after waters broke, a few pushes).

@Chelyanne gosh, didn't do anything in your case! I'm a bit wary of ingesting them as I'm afraid they'll give me stomach upset. Just received the tablets from H&B, will give it go tonight, not getting my hopes up too high though!

Anyone else

I did this in desperation with my second. It did fuck all, and absolutely stank.

EPO is unlikely to affect your stomach and they are often taken orally to ease the side effects premenstrual hormonal changes but they are unlikely to have sufficient effect on birth cervix if taken internally.

Placed near the cervix, they are believed to help it ripen.

Any oil may well help the perineum but massage along with the oil would have a greater effect on elasticity.

And if you are unused to eating dates, eating 7 could indeed speed up the transit of your bowels. I have read the studies suggesting they could help and it seems worth a try.

To reduce the risk of tearing, perineal massage, even now, would be a good idea as well as placing a warm cloth against the perineum when the baby is crowning, hands and knees position or upright leaning over the head of the bed or a birth ball are supposed to be best.

Good luck!!

I wondered about this too @UnCoffreDor but after looking online and few discussions with my MW, I've decided to take them orally. And I can say I've haven't had upset stomach whatsoever. My MW also recommended dates and pineapple to help ripen the cervix.

Let us know how you get on if you do decide to do it vaginally! Good luck!

I think the upset tummy and oil relates to taking castor oil orally which is really not recommended!

Thanks for replies, lots of great advice! I'll see how the epo work, and will also add the massage to my routine!