Does evening primrose oil induce labor?
Does it work? According to American Family Physician, evening primrose oil may help the cervix soften and efface (thin out). Other studies suggest that it can help shorten labor duration. This is due to linolenic acid found in EPO, which may trigger a prostaglandin response in the body.
Will evening primrose oil dilate your cervix?
Some midwives and alternative health practitioners recommend using evening primrose oil to help prepare or “ripen” the cervix for labor, and for inducing labor. That’s because it may stimulate the body’s production of prostaglandins, hormones that help ripen the cervix and can bring on contractions.
What happens if you take evening primrose oil while pregnant?
Although the side effects of evening primrose oil subside once you stop taking the supplement, a study reveals that women taking evening primrose oil during pregnancy may increase pregnancy complications, such as prolonged rupture of membranes, arrest of descent, oxytocin augmentation, and vacuum extraction.
Can I ask for a membrane sweep at 37 weeks?
Membrane sweeps are not performed until 39 weeks or later in pregnancy but can be performed up until 42 weeks. You have to be slightly dilated, which allows your healthcare provider to reach up into the cervix to perform the sweep.
Does evening primrose oil help prevent tearing?
Evening primrose oil is known to be a great way of easing muscle pain through massage. Primrose oil is known to help increase the likelihood of a safe vaginal birth by reducing tearing.
Is going into labor at 37 weeks normal?
Twenty-six percent were born in weeks 37 to 38; 57 percent in weeks 39 to 40; 6 percent in week 41; and less than 1 percent at 42 weeks or beyond. In 2017, 73 percent of babies were born before their due dates.
How much evening primrose oil can I take when pregnant?
There is currently no standard dosage of evening primrose oil during pregnancy; however, most women consume up to 2000 milligrams per day from week 38 of pregnancy until birth. Never administer before week 37 of your pregnancy as there is a possibility that you may jumpstart preterm labor.
Can evening primrose oil help get your cervix ready for labor?
A couple of small, recent studies suggest evening primrose oil capsules may help get the cervix ready for labor when inserted vaginally during the final weeks of pregnancy, or during labor induction.
Where can I buy evening primrose oil (EPO)?
You can purchase evening primrose oil capsules from many chemists and health food stores. You can also buy it online. You can take EPO orally from 35 weeks and vaginally from 37 weeks.