Suggestions for softening cervix....

skyelar · August 22nd, 2006, 04:36 PM

Ohh never heard of these little tips before...so from when in your pregnancy did you start using the EPO Trish? The EPO I have here seems to have a really thick brown casing on the tablets...does that all just dissolve away like if you were to swallow them?

**hannanat** · August 22nd, 2006, 04:39 PM

Yes apparently they just dissolve. Mine are massive yellow things - Natures Own.

**Inanna** · August 22nd, 2006, 04:42 PM

Yep! As far up as you can get them! The idea is that the epo acts as a prostaglandin (as does sperm) and will help to ripen and soften the cervix. Have you tried acupuncture? I used it to good effect with one of my post dates babies.
I hope you have some luck. To my knowledge there is no risk to using epo. Providing you use very clean hands and of course you don't use this regime if your membranes have ruptured.
Good luck!

**hannanat** · August 22nd, 2006, 04:44 PM

Well, just to be safe I'm shoving them in both ends, lol.

**Inanna** · August 22nd, 2006, 04:46 PM

Rayla, yes you should take them orally as well. From memory I used 3 capsules twice a day as a vaginal pessary and I took the recommended daily dose orally.
Ensure you wear a pad as the capsules will melt and run out - very oily and messy!

I hope you have some success...

**hannanat** · August 22nd, 2006, 04:54 PM

I'm gonna need a bigger bottle, lol. Thank you Deb.

skyelar · August 22nd, 2006, 04:54 PM

Well, just to be safe I'm shoving them in both ends, lol.

OMG I PMSL when I read that...no literally I did

What a cack, me too!!
I think it may be a bit early for me just yet? Any suggestions as to when I should start?

**hannanat** · August 22nd, 2006, 05:01 PM

OMG I PMSL when I read that...no literally I did

I PMSL when I read THAT. Oh the joys of pregnancy!!!! I think its safe from about 36 weeks, but you better wait until someone who knows replies.

skyelar · August 22nd, 2006, 05:04 PM

LOL ok thanks

**Antheia** · August 22nd, 2006, 07:26 PM

When would it be safe to start having acupuncture? Can you just go to a normal acupuncturist or do they need to be specialised in using it to try and bring on labour?

**Trish** · August 23rd, 2006, 07:56 AM

HEHE, I am laughing at you gals peeing yourselves.

Natalie, God knows how many jars I went through. Yup I was shoving them in both ends by the truck loads. Near the end probably close to 6 or 7 a day. Sometimes more. If your membranes rupture though remember to stop!!

Tegan, I would wait until you were 37 weeks or so and start the acupunture then. You could also try reflexology.

allyfield · August 29th, 2006, 06:41 AM

Trish,
At how many weeks should you start using the EPO to soften the cervix and should it be done every day up until your due date? Is this safe to use?

Also can you start drinking Raspberry Leaf time from 32 weeks is this too early.

Sorry Natalie for taking over I am curious as well and would like to have a natural birth this time and not a c-section.

Good Luck Natalie I hope it works for you.

**Trish** · August 29th, 2006, 07:10 AM

Alot of people don't recommend you startingRLT until your 36 week or so, but it is actually fine to start it now for you. I was told that it was safe by my midwife and had no adverse reactions from it at all. I was dronking a few cups of it a day too.

I started the EPO at around 36 weeks, I used it every day up until I went into labour. If your waters break though do not use it. I ended up being 3 cms dilated before I was even in labour. My cervix was very soft and very favourable

Goodluck girls, I hope it works for you all.

Nat, how you doing?? Hope your feeling better today. Let that little person know that it's safe to come out now

**Inanna** · August 29th, 2006, 09:39 AM

Oh girls you are still at it!
I agree with Trish. Raspberry Leaf Tea is a wonderful tonic - I drink it throughout my pregnancies from about 20 weeks. Acupuncture is great - I am a personal fan - I don't believe you can start too early in that your acupuncturist will not stimulate labour but rather aid to balance your body and tonify ready for labour. During the last 2 weeks of pregnancy more stimulating points will be used.
The other thing I swear by and I have seen many many vbacs use it to good effect is caulliphium (not sure if I have spelt this correctly) it is a homeopathic remedy and it helps to tonify the uterus and help ready the cervix. I use it with all of my pregnancies and from about 34 weeks (from memory). You could see a homeopath for it. I also get a mix of arnica and chamommilla for after the birth to help with bruising and discomfort.

Good luck to you all - it's very exciting!

**Trish** · August 29th, 2006, 10:06 AM

Oh yeah Deb. I had accupunture and reflexology done too. I also ended up taking some homepathic stuff. Not 100% sure of what it was though. LOL. My midwife organised it for me. I had to take some int he night and some in the morning over the space of a couple of days. It got things going for me. I started it on the Friday night and I had a show the next morning. Started having contractions on Monday and had Tehya on Tuesday morning.

Nat, I hope that because you haven't been in your busy having a bubba