Trying to decide about EPO

[WannabeMum]

I had an emergency c/s last pg for a whole lot of reasons, this time I'm determined to get my VBAC (Ob is awesome and says with natural labour I have as good a chance as any second time Mum given I dilated past 1cm last time). But I'm doing everything I can to improve my chances.

I've started RLT and am now up to 3 a day (cups of tea), not at risk of early labour here
I'm going to buy a TENS machine, I've heard good things about them and found an obstetric TENS for not much more than a hire price, means my friends don't have to hire either - I remember TENS working well for my back in the past and for my knee as a teenager.
I have a student midwife/doula who is supporting DH and I through the delivery and helping with massage, positioning etc
Oh - and I have an awesome Ob

But I haven't made up my mind about EPO - I can't find much evidence about it, and the anecdotal evidence seems a bit sketchy. Is anyone using/going to use it and do you have any info/evidence to share?

Thanks in advance girls!

[surprised]

I have been taking it orally on advice of my midwife. Am also interested in what other people have to say about it!
GL with your VBAC - I'm hoping for one too.

[Fleur]

I used it internally & orally from around week 34.

TBH, I'm not sure it helped soften my cervix - it was still high & tight at week 41 - but I did go into labour 3 days after that.

I hadn't heard that it was contraindicated for VBAC (or anything else), so figured it couldn't hurt.

Good luck to you both with your VBACS

[MrsBexie]

I took 2 orally and 2 internally from 37 weeks, and by 38 weeks I was softening and was 2cm dialated by 39 weeks. I fully believe it help soften me up cause I was high and hard until like 3 days before I started using it.. It doesnt do any harm so why not try it? Just remember to use a liner cause it gets slippery! Lol


Sent from my iPhone so sorry for the spelling and punctuation!!

[WannabeMum]

I was doing some reading today and there is some evidence out there that says it softens the scar as well as the cervix ? leading to increased risk of uterine scar rupture. *sigh* why can't everything be easy! My whole life people have looked at my hips and said "you'll have no problems having babies". Little did they know it has nothing to do with that, and my back injuries lead to pelvic instability so none of it's easy!

Sorry, having a "woe is me" morning!