EPO, it doesn't *actually* induce, right?

[Guppy051708]

So, i just want to find accurate information. I *used* to think that EPO helped with "natural induction", however, the more i read, the more it seems that it simply prepares the cervix (softens it) so it works "better" during labor. And not that it actually induces. (Sort of like how RRLT doesn't actually induce but tones the uterus to make it more efficient *once* you are actually in labor). Is my new research correct? Or does it actually induce?

I do NOT want to do any natural inducing techniques. But i have very very long early labors, every time (31 hours to get into active with DS2, 20+ hours with DS1). Once i am in active labor, things go well and super fast (DS2 i went 4CM to placenta in less than an hour and 15 minutes however it took 31 hours to get to 4cm), but getting there takes forever and a day (my water always breaks first, so it's slow going but contractions are super painful bc there isn't any cushioning, so im in dire pain by 2CM-which is ridiculous! Plus i have consistent contractions every few minutes for hours and hours on end-that makes it very tough when you arn't even in active and alreayd worn out). So i was thinking, if EPO just softens the cervix, it seems like it would help the earlier stage go a bit faster (theoretically). So i was thinking about speaking to my MWs about starting EPO (im 36+1 today, i'll have my weekly appt tomorrow). But i dont want to start it if it actually induces. I just want the ripening benefit it has to offer in hopes of my early labor not taking as long (I get worn out fast, before the show even gets on the road so it would be very helpful if this could help things a bit).

If this is true (it does not induce but does soften the cervix), when do you start it? How much do you take? Orally or vaginally?

 

[spunky84]

From what I know, it doesn't actually induce labor. It's supposed to help soften the cervix.

My midwife gave me the okay to start at 35 weeks, though I didn't start until 36w1d.

I started with 1 dose orally in the am. The following week took 1 orally am, and 1 vaginally pm (now doing 1 orally am, 2 vaginally pm).

 

[Dreamermama]

I had a long early labour and active labour as well. (3 days "false" or what have you labour, every 5 minutes contractions but no dilation) then 36 hours active labour before giving birth. At one point it took me 10 hours to dilate 1 cm!!! Bb was born @41+1 weeks. starting 40 weeks midwife started me on EPO 3 times a day 2 pills. In the day I would take them orally and at night vaginally. It's supposed to soften and prepare the cervix ( I was not dilated at all and cervix was in the back) but I feel like it did start to induce me before I was ready. It's unpredictable and I'm sure everyone's body reacts to it differently but you may want to wait untill you're closer to your due date before starting. Although I'm sure your midwife knows best. When I started taking the EPO I started having the contractions 5 minutes apart that did almost nothing besides exhaust me and I started having bloody discharge

 

[Guppy051708]

Thanks ladies!

Here is my update after meeting with my MW. Post #4
https://babyandbump.momtastic.com/pregnancy-third-trimester/1951893-whats-dosing-epo.html

Also, i did get confirmation from the MW that it does not induce labor, but just helps things along once the body goes into labor.