Evening Primrose

[mommy21princess]

Anyone know when it's okay to start this?? I used it last time but I wasn't sure when I started and if I needed to wait longer before starting this time since it's the second baby. I'm 37 weeks and 3 days. I'll be getting stripped out at my next appt. on Thursday and I really really want to go into labor by this weekend. I'd be 38 weeks and 2 days. I had my first dd at 38 weeks exactly. Thanks mommas!!

[ohiomama]

what does it do???? and curious.. what is striped out.. is that kind of like "pulling the plug" :)

[DommysMommy]

what does it do???? and curious.. what is striped out.. is that kind of like "pulling the plug" :)

Not sure about the primrose, but you kinda guessed it with the stripping. They kind of scrape your cervix of some membrane stuff, and that can help "pull the plug" so to speak...at least that's what I got out of it. My OB with my last pregnancy stripped me, and 4 days later I went into labor. DH and I also DTD RIGHT before my water broke, so who's to say if it was that or the stripping?

[stayinhomewithmy4]

I've never used EPO in the past because I didn't know about it, but I'm going to start it this time at 37 wks. It won't do anything if you're cervix isn't already starting to change on it's own, but if it is, EPO will help it along. I think you'd be fine to start it now. :goodvibes:

[mommy21princess]

Thanks!! I was reading about it last night and it actually says you can start as early as 34 weeks but I wouldn't chance it. I'm not remembering how many I can take orally and the other way anyone know?? I took one by mouth and two vag. last night but I can't remember how many I "should" do either way. LMK if anyone knows. Thanks!!

[stayinhomewithmy4]

Thanks!! I was reading about it last night and it actually says you can start as early as 34 weeks but I wouldn't chance it. I'm not remembering how many I can take orally and the other way anyone know?? I took one by mouth and two vag. last night but I can't remember how many I "should" do either way. LMK if anyone knows. Thanks!!

I have no idea, but I'm hoping someone else does! :popcorn:

[sarah26]

I started mine at 37 weeks. I inserted it vaginally. If you are afraid that you'll "automatically" go into labor don't be. I'm now 39 weeks and here I sit at a 1 and 80% effaced. It might have helped prepare it a bit but I'm not too convinced!

[mommy21princess]

LOL I'm sorry momma, hopefully it won't be too long for ya!!! How much are you taking/using? Thanks

[mamoo3]

I've used EPO with 2 pregnancies. I used it with my second pregnancy and started it at 36 weeks. At my 40 week visit I was 2 1/2 cm, so she striped the membranes and I went into labor 3 days later. I didn't think it had made much difference, so didn't start it at 36 weeks with my 3rd pregnancy. At my 40 week visit I was not at all maybe 1/2 a cm, so I started taking it. By the time I hit 42 weeks I was 2 cm and she was able to strip the membranes and I went into labor 2 days later. If I'm lucky enough to have another baby, I will start it up at 36 weeks like my midwife recommends for me. BTW, with my first pregnancy, I didn't use it and was 0 cm and 0% effaced when they induced me at 42 weeks 1 day. My midwife recommends it for me just so the baby will be born before it's considered "overdue". I think that it really helps soften and open everything up. Oh yeah, I also think it is great in helping prevent tears also. I only tore with my first baby, the time I didn't use the EPO. Good luck, I hope you have your baby in your arms very soon!

[DommysMommy]

I got this from here...HTH
http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/castor-oil-to-induce-labor.html

"As an alternative to using castor oil to induce labor, you may use evening primrose oil to naturally ripen the cervix. It is an excellent source of prostaglandins.

It comes in a softgel that can be taken orally or inserted vaginally before bed. Oral use can start as early as 34 weeks and cervical application at full term.

The recommended dose is two 500mg capsules per day. At full term you can add two capsules vaginally before bed, at which time the entire capsules will dissolve."

[mommy21princess]

Thanks momma that's what I was needing!! I think on a midwifery show I was watching she had told the mom 3 orrally and three vaginally but I wasn't sure. Thanks
I'm hoping this will help when she does strip me!!

[ashley_1301]

i am doing 2 orally and 1 vaginally but today i decided to do 1 orally and 2 vaginally. i think it is awesome stuff. i guess it could be all the unpacking i've been doing but i've dilated more since i started it than i was before. my last visit i had dilated over 1cm in a week.
i know it isn't supposed to give you contractions but i seem to have them only at night (a few hours after inserting it) and they last until about 2 hours after i get going in the mornings. however, i inserted the one today around 1:30pm, took a nap and haven't had a single contraction. go figure...

[stayinhomewithmy4]

I'm going to pick some up on Tuesday. I'll be 37 wks exactly and that is the first day that I'll be able to get to Whole Foods to buy some anyway. Thanks for all the info mamas!

[Lillambcreations]

I've never heard of EPO. You mentioned going to a whole foods market, but do you suppose someplace like WalGreens or CVS would carry it? Would it be in a vitamin/supplement area or elsewhere?

[1blessedmama]

I've never heard of EPO. You mentioned going to a whole foods market, but do you suppose someplace like WalGreens or CVS would carry it? Would it be in a vitamin/supplement area or elsewhere?

You can usually find it at any store that has a vitamin/supplement section. It's a really common thing.

[Lillambcreations]

Great and thanks for letting me know. I'll probably be back to see what else you ladies have to say about EPO. I'm 37wks 1 day and showing no signs of labor except for being tired and cranky. But who wouldn't be at this stage right!:banghead: