Can evening primrose oil cause preterm labor?
Some research suggests taking evening primrose oil in pregnancy could lead to prolonged labor, premature rupture of membranes, and an increased need for labor induction hormones and vacuum extraction.
Does taking evening primrose oil orally work to soften cervix?
Evening primrose oil contains essential fatty acids, which are precursors to prostaglandins, that can soften and prepare the cervix for labour. You can begin taking evening primrose oil at 37-38 weeks, take 500 mg orally two times per day and/or insert one gelcap deep into your vagina at night.
Can Evening Primrose Oil harm your baby?
Newborn bleeding problems. Newborns of mothers who take evening primrose oil in the week before giving birth are at higher risk for bleeding into the skin or bruising.
Can you insert evening primrose oil capsules into cervix?
Evening Primrose Oil Take one capsule up to three times per day, with meals, starting at 38 weeks. If your bag of water is intact and you are not having vaginal bleeding, you can also place one Evening Primrose Oil softgel deep in the vagina at night to work directly on the cervix while you sleep.
Can I choose to be induced at 38 weeks?
This is why it’s important to wait until at least 39 weeks to induce labor. If your pregnancy is healthy, it’s best to let labor begin on its own. If your provider talks to you about inducing labor, ask if you can wait until at least 39 weeks to be induced.
What to do if your cervix is not opening?
If your cervix begins to open early, or you have a history of cervical insufficiency, your doctor might recommend preventive medication during pregnancy, frequent ultrasounds or a procedure that closes the cervix with strong sutures (cervical cerclage).
How much Evening primrose oil should I insert to induce labor?
Evening primrose oil comes in capsules, which can be taken orally or inserted vaginally. While there is no standard dosage, it’s standard to take 500 to 2000 milligrams daily after the 38th week of pregnancy has begun.
Can you use primrose oil to induce labor?
There is no strong scientific evidence, that evening primrose oil helps with cervical dilation and to induce labor. Yes, it has been used by many women during the last centuries, but scientists have started to study the effects of evening primrose oil on labor induction only recently.
Is there any scientific evidence for evening primrose oil?
There is no strong scientific evidence, that evening primrose oil helps with cervical dilation and to induce labor. Yes, it has been used by many women during the last centuries, but scientists have started to study effects of evening primrose oil on labor induction only recently. Actually,…
Why does evening primrose oil cause cervical ripening?
While evening primrose oil does not start or shorten labor, it is believed to initiate cervical ripening —the softening and thinning of the cervix in preparation for labor and delivery. This is because EPO contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which stimulates the body’s production of prostaglandins,…
Is it safe to take evening primrose oil while pregnant?
Pregnant women like using evening primrose oil because it’s widely available and reasonably priced. Still, you might be wondering if it’s right for you. Here’s everything you need to know about this herbal supplement, its uses, and precautions.