Evening Primrose Oil to Induce Labor

My advice....

Don't take the pills. Lay in bed, prop your feet up, eat some ice cream, read a book, and enjoy the last few minutes of peace and quiet that you are going to have for MONTHS if not YEARS! You are about to have a baby that needs you 24 hours a day 7 days a week and lose so much sleep after he is born. SO JUST RELAX!!! It will happen soon enough and this time next year it will all be a blur and you'll be saying, "I can't believe it all went by so fast!"

If your doctor thought that you were in danger or your baby was in danger... he/she would have induced you already.

Hi A.,

Drinking Raspberry tea will also help induce labor as well as increase your milk supply if you continue drinking it after birth.

K.

Quite a few years since this question was initially asked, but there may be others who need some answers to this question. Evening Primrose Oil can be started at 36 weeks. This herb has no immediate affect and takes some time to work, that's why you can take it earlier than most forms of natural induction. My Midwife suggested to take it orally as it has the same affect if it is given vaginally. This herb is used to soften and ripen the cervex, but actually doesn't start labor. I have read that it should be taken in the evening, but I am unsure if that is because it was assumed that it would be taken vaginally. Apparently, this herb is very beneficial for other things too, ex: baby brain development during breastfeeding, hormone regulation during PMS or menopause, exema, just to name a few. I take 1000mg a day and per the advise I recieved, I will up my dose to 1500 or 2000 by week 38. Other forms of natural induction that I will be using: Blue & Black cohosh, to be started at 37 weeks, sex, nipple stimulation, spicey foods like chilli, cinnamon, ginger and tropical fruits like mango, pineapple and kiwi. I also drink Red Raspberry Leaf Tea which is beneficial for strengthining the uterus, but does not induce labor. From my midwives advise, this can help you have a better birth, but does nothing to get it started. I believe it is good for a mama to help herself to natural forms of induction if she chooses, but at the appropriate times in pregnancy and with the help of her OB or Midwife. Problem is an OB may not know much about the herbal alternatives, so you may have to do your own research. These herbal remedies are much gentler on your body than the drugs used to induce at the hospital as the drugs in the hospital may have negative side affects as well. Typically a baby will come when he or she is ready anyway, but helping labor get started may be a good thing if you are worried about being overdue. Happy natural inducing ladies!

First I must say....awwww, you poor thing! I am 32 weeks pregnant and am already getting anxious about having him here! I wish you much luck and, though I am preaching to the choir, agree that when your doctor thinks you've gone to long he will induce. At this point, you may have already had your little one! If not, no worries...they will come when they are ready! You're body will know what to do...now...if I can only take that advice myself and stop wishing for mine to come early! Good luck!

A.,
I agree with Jackie's comment 100%. Your Dr. Should not let you go more than 2 wks past your due date (especially b/c your baby is already so big) and even though it is uncomfortable....try to enjoy the peace. I have a 15 mth old now, my 1st, and I wanted to be induced early b/c I was on bed rest in the hospital prior to giving birth, and my dr was the same way as yours is. If you feel you really want to take those pills I would talk with your dr. first. Make sure there isnt an underlying reason as to why he wont induce you right now. My suggestion is to walk. This will also help with the length of your labor.

I know this has nothing to do with your question, but I couldn't help but asking.... how did you have a miscarriage in April and now are having a baby in January? Is that correct?

I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE OIL I JUST WANTED TO WISH YOU A HEALTHY BABY

From the Manufacturer
Nature Made Evening Primrose Oil is recommended for women's health and emotional well-being. Evening primrose oil (oenothera biennis) is used to treat premenstrual conditions such as irritability, breast tenderness, and bloating. Researchers suggest that a minimum of 3 percent of the daily caloric intake of healthy adults should be derived from essential fatty acids such as cis-linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid, which perform many vital functions and are necessary for proper cellular metabolism. Named evening primrose because its light yellow flowers open at dusk, this wildflower grows in North America and Europe. Although the plant has long been used for medicinal purposes, the use of its seed oil is relatively recent.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Label Information
Ingredients
Evening Primrose Seed Oil, Cis-Linoleic Acid, Gelatin, Glycerin, d-Alpha Tocopherol.

Directions
Take one to two softgels three times daily with a meal. Keep bottle tightly closed and store in a cool, dry place.

Warnings
If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medication, consult your physician before taking this product. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if imprinted seal under cap is broken or missing.