Did using EPO actually help?

[aggfan]

I used it orally for #3 and I think for #1, definitely not for #2. I have no idea if it helped, but I figured why not try since there seemed to be no risks. I took it at whatever dosage my midwife recommended. I usually hear that it softens and "ripens" the cervix (I've always wondered what exactly that means), not that it causes dilation. But that a softer cervix will dilate faster when the time comes.

I was 5 days overdue with #1, 2 days overdue with #2, and #3 was born on his due date. My labors were fast with all of them. I think I tend towards easy labors anyway, so not sure I really needed whatever EPO might provide, but as I said, there seemed to be no downside to trying it.

[moonlightblonde]

I think I am going to try it, not really counting on it doing anything but I figure it can't hurt.

[Computermama]

I didn't dialate or efface at all with DD, one of the reasons for the section, so I'm going to try it once I hit 36 weeks.

[bigmamakelsey]

I starting taking it at 36 weeks and went into labor at 36 weeks, 2 days. Definitely too early. I'll never know if they were TRULY related, but I'm waiting until at least 38 weeks this time.

ETA: I was in labor for about 9-10 hours total.

[trying4more]

With babies 1 and 2, My labor was 7hr and 6hr

With babies 3 and 4, I used EPO from 36wks and my labors were 2.5hr and 27min.

[marvelous]

Very interesting thread. Might have to keep this in mind. I went into labor on my own with my previous two, but my labors were long. Sounds like it can't hurt.

[tygr2410]

i used it with #3 from 36 weeks. #2 and #3's labor were very similar, short and fast (except one was induced and one not), as far as time/pushing phase/starting dialation and effacement.

I do not think it made a difference. I do not plan to use it this time. It's kinda messy even when used before bed

[my3littleboys]

yes, it helps!

[2peanuts1pumpkin]

No. I started taking it orally at 34 weeks, and orally and vaginally at around 36 weeks (I think). It did nothing. But, I also got 2 doses of cytotec and it only dilated me to 2 cm. apparently I have a cervix of steel.

[Jessi621]

I started taking it orally and vaginally at around 37ish weeks with my third. I really think that the combination of the epo and drinking red raspberry leaf tea is what shortened my labor so much. My first 2 were 22hours and 18hours, both with pitocin to speed things up. My 3rd was only 4 hours with no interventions of any kind. I'm really hoping for the same kind of thing this time around. I'm already drinking the tea, I'll start the oil around 37 weeks again.