helping your cervix to ripen for labor? I've read a lot about it, but was wondering if any of you ladies have had (or know someone who has) had experience with Evening Primrose Oil and the onset of labor?

Thanks!

(4 weeks to go for baby #4!!!)

By Hlgmom on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 02:02 pm:

My midwife rubbed this on me starting at about 38 weeks or so! For me personally- no real good since I was 2 weeks late! I have friends that swear by it and my midwife says it does help lots of people!

Good Luck!!

By Monicamomof3 on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 07:07 pm:

Did she rub it directly on you cervix? (Sorry, a little personal!) If so, how many times? Also, did you take it orally. If so, when did you start, and how many did you take a day?

I'm just not sure where to start. I went 3 weeks over with the first 2 and baby #3 I took Evening Primrose Oil and I went into labor on my due date!!!!!!

I just can't remember when I started and how much I took.

Thanks!

By Hlgmom on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 11:01 pm:

I did not take it orally- she rubbed around and on I beleive...I am going to see her on the 30th...is that soon enough to help you if I get more info???

By Monicamomof3 on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 10:23 am:

I'm due April 18th. I plan to take it orally today and increase weekly as my due date approaches.

The 30th is plenty of time to find out more detail about topically applying it. So here are my questions (if you don't mind! ) How much did she apply, when did she start, and how many times did she apply it?

Did you or are you going to have a homebirth? My first 2 were born at home. With my, third I labored until complete and had to go to the hospital. Now baby #4 will be in the hospital. So, I am doing WHATEVER I can not to go too far overdue. I do not want to be induced in the hospital.(I went 3 weeks over with the first two!)

Anyway- thanks for your help. Oh- do you think your MW would know what I can do the last 2 weeks to encourage timely labor!

Thanks again!

By Hlgmom on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 02:12 pm:

I will definetely talk to her! I know I did alot of walking, eating balsamic vinegar, and sex!

I had her in a hospital because my MW is a CNM so she can't do homebirths anymore! Oh the politics!

Why are you doing the hospital for this one?? Just curious!

By Hlgmom on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 01:46 pm:

bump

By Monicamomof3 on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 09:35 pm:

On baby #3 I was using a different midwife (we moved). She made some bad decisions that led up to a prolapsed cord. 911, ambulance and c-section. (To make a long story short!) Anyway, I long for the experience of a homebirth again. I am shooting for a VBAC, however! I am not afraid of a uterine rupture. I am a little afraid that something else may go wrong and I can't deal with ANY more emotional "birth trauma".

Sad, but it's ok. I am looking forward to experiencing the hospital. I am not looking forward to all the things I will have to "fight" for while giving birth there.

Anyway, thank you for your help. I just received my Labor Prep today. I start taking it 5 weeks before my due date (now!!). It has Blue Cohosh, Squaw Vine, False Unicorn, and Black Haw in it. It softens your cervix and prepares your body for birth. I did this on baby #3 and I was on time!

By Monicamomof3 on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 12:32 pm:

bump

By Hlgmom on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 02:28 pm:

I will be thinking of you and what I am sure will be a successful VBAC! I am so glad you are in a place that will even let you try! So many hospitals are such a nightmare about it! My friend is struggling right now to decide about another child and one thing stoppinf her is that she really wants a VBAC but would have to travel pretty far to get it!
Where did you get the labor prep from?? I rememeber some of those herbs...wishing I had used some as dd was 2 weeks late!
Do you like your midwife now- or are you having ot use a doctor because of the hospital VBAC?

By Kym on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 03:47 pm:

I had #4 at home, we did gel caps of evening primrose directlh inserted, I think 5 at a time for two weeks before? he was pretty much on time so don't know if it made a difference.
I also did the homeopathic cohoshes (black and blue together) to go early but it did not work.

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 09:50 pm:

Good luck with your upcoming birth! I hope everything works out the way you want it to!

By Hlgmom on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 08:44 am:

Bump!!

By Monicamomof3 on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 08:55 am:

Thanks ladies. My doc. already said she would let me go 2 weeks over! That's sort of calming. I'm hoping I won't need that 2 weeks! I just want to do everything I can to avoid a chemical induction in the hospita. UGH!!!!

KYM- 5 at a time? WOW! I was thinking one. Maybe I'll up it.

Heather- I am using a doctor. Pretty sad after experiencing how incredible homebirth is!

Tell your friend she can google Trilight Herbs and on their website, she can click on pregnancy. She'll find it there!

By Juli4 on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 06:05 pm:

I put it on my cervix for about 1 week. I just put 3 in at night and laid with my hips up for a while. It does tend to leak out though. I was five days over due but I am with all my kids. The birth was so easy though. I don't know if it helps or not though. It is hard to tell.

By Annie2 on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 09:10 pm:

I've read the posts above. Nothing to add but great vibes for an easy delivery of a healthy baby!

By Ginny~moderator on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 08:05 am:

From the Aetna Intellihealth site (Harvard Medical School, among others)

People who are pregnant or have epilepsy should avoid evening primrose oil.

There is a risk of seizure when used with anesthesia, and you may need to stop taking evening primrose oil before some surgeries.

This article also says that Evening Primrose Oil lowers blood pressure in animals - not tested for that in humans.

http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/8513/31402/346441.html?d=dmtContent

Have you talked to your doctor. Personally, when I was pregnant, I asked my doctor before putting anything into my body, knowing that whatever I took could affect my child.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/evening-primrose-oil/NS_patient-Primrose The Mayo clinic also says its safety for pregnant women is untested and recommends pregnant women not take it.

By Hlgmom on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 01:17 pm:

Respectfully Ginny, most of us who utilize more homeopathic healing methods have other beleifs from the typical medical community in terms of what we put into our bodies and our childrens (born or unborn) I am sure that Monica, like myself, has done quite a bit of research about using Primrose and is comfortable with the safety of her child.
I appreciate you sharing your resources and your info is always appreciated.

By Ginny~moderator on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 08:41 am:

Point taken, Heather. I do accept that sometimes homeopathic medicine is very good, and appropriate. I just have a deep-seated prejudice about a pregnant woman putting anything into her body that isn't approved by a doctor. And yes, I have a strong bias towards the standard medical profession, with all of its many faults and flaws. One of my concerns about herbal and other homeopathic remedies is that because they are not regulated, the potency or amount of active ingredient can vary widely from manufacturer to manufacturer, and even bottle to bottle.

My first reaction when reading your post was "well, I guess she told me" I will say, I don't think I have ever been "told" in such a firm *and* gracious manner. I'm impressed by the quality and tone of your response - and, of course, the points you make. (If you're worrying, I am not at all hurt or feeling insulted. How could anyone be hurt by such a courteous "telling"?)

By Hlgmom on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 10:09 am:

Thanks Ginny!
I always look forward to reading your posts and agree with alot of them! I actually expected you to respond to this one as I have seen other posts where you obviously have a healthy respect for the medical profession!
Have a great day!