Evening Primrose Oil Success?

Okay, what I would like to know is who has used EPO either orally or internally & do you think it worked?
(I have read the other threads on here & haven't quite found what I am looking for yet - if I have missed anything sorry!)

I am 34+ weeks now so thinking about starting it soon, I am having a VBAC & want to avoid postdates if possible :)

So -
Orally or internally or both?
From when?
When did you go into labour?
How long was labour / when did your waters break / how was your cervix / anything else that might be relevant...
And basically, do you think they helped?

Thanks :)

HI Jas,
I started using it at 40weeks. I wish I had have used it earlier as I know that it helped with ripening my cervix. I think you are safe to start uding it at around 38weks internally and from now I think it is safe to have it orally.

I used to insert 2 capsues in just before I went to sleep but make sure you wear a pad or something as it kind of leaks out (sorry for TMI).

After I started using it my cervix was 95% effaced within a week, so I think that helped. I went into labour 13days after using EPO. My labour was 7hours and it was my first child.

My OB doesn't usually recommend them for women - especially ones going for a VBAC as she says that she has read reports that say it can actually slow down the dilation process when in labour, and most OBs have that whole "time limit" mentality when it comes to VBAC's.

I'll be taking it though - from around 36 weeks. But thats only cos I have a history of going over.

Thanks guys :)

Alibaby, that is exactly the kind of stuff I was looking for...

Arimeh, I had read something like that in other posts, which is why i started this thread...to try & see who it worked for & who it didn't, kwim? I certainly don't want to do anything that will make things longer!

My reason for wanting to take it is to encourage labour (I know they say it won't 'induce' as such) as all my other bubs have been postdates, and being a VBAC I really want to avoid induction.

I had a really good 3hr labour with DS1, so I am hoping for something similar... so I don't want to do anything that would make it longer, kwim?

Still undecided...anyone else?

Jasp - I'll be watching this thread as well. My middy said I can use EPO internally from my due date and that it does work. She didn't have any issues with it and I'm a VBAC as well...

i used it internally from about 37 wks (i think) - at 38wks 3 days i was effaced and 3cm dilated and I had DS at 39 wks with a 4 hr labour...
I also used Rasp Leaf Tea and acupuncture... of course cant say what def worked but none of them did any harm and i will do the same this time. of course wasnt VBAC but thought i would add my 2 cents worth.

I am using it internally, and have been since 36w5d. I am doing 2 capsules, and I have to agree with AliBaby about the pad!! If I forget we have to wash the sheets, and they have been getting washed a bit more than usual lately :redface:. I will also warn you it absolutely reeks, like vomit when you smell it!! I have washed my hands and checked what is happening a few times and it has brought my cervix to the front and I can get 2 finger tips in part of the way, or 1 finger all the way in, so I think it won't be long.

I started to take EPO orally and RLT tablets at 33 weeks. i could definitely tell something was going on because I had more braxton hicks. So i decided to stop as i was only 33 weeks. i think it works but I want to wait until I am at least 36 weeks, or I think I will have a way early baby.

ok i was having a VBAC and took EPO from around 34 wks and RLT too , i was inserting the EPO tablets too (can get a bit messy ;)) but my cervix didnt dilate till i was in labour (meaning it stayed shut and didnt start to be "favourable" in the weeks before the birth)

so i dont think it did anything for me and i put in more than 2 and i took about 3 a day too .. so maybe what other ppl having been saying was true for me - that i slows down labour .

i think the RLT helped my birth as my ctx were soooo strong and the pushing was 30mins and my uterus shrunk very quickly .

was due on the 18th aug and she came on the 26th , on her own 2 days before induction.

i guess you just have to research the good and the bad of it and make your own mind .
Nothing but bubs will send you in to labour naturally , but there are many methods that you can have fun trying ... :)