Getting Ready - RRLT and EPO

[LogansMama]

So - I am officially 35 weeks now. I have already upped my Rasp Leaf Tea to 3 cups a day. And today I will start taking the evening primrose oil as well!
(Assuming I can find some at the store....).

I plan on taking 2 a day, orally, for this week. Then next week - if all is going well - (36 wks) I will add an extra, to insert internally as well.

Kind of excited! Hope this all really does what its supposed to!

I am really crossing my fingers that I get a VBAC - but I have to go into labor on my own - BEFORE my due date, or my doctor won't let me try!

 

[zenmommy526]

if your into trying all of these things to get ready for birth you should try "arnica"? I saw it in an earlier post and thought I would probably give this a go once the time came. I guess you take it once your in labor and afer birth and its supposed to help with the healing process. Which may be useful in your VBAC recovery. Since your further along than me, let me know if you try this. I wanna hear about how it worked out for you.

 

[Mervs Mum]

I definitely recommend the EPO (and RLT but EPO isnt always used by women) to help with the softening. I've been inserting 2000mg every evening and even I can feel how soft my cervix is and the MWs and Dr who have examined me in the last 2 weeks both commented.

 

[Gingerspice]

oooh I've not heard about Evening Primrose Oil as good to take too. I might find out about this.

Thanks

 

[MrsGlitz]

When are you meant to take EPO and how? I didn't know about this but have been takin RLT capsules.

 

[Mervs Mum]

Here's a bit of info taken from https://www.maternitycorner.com

Evening primrose oil is an excellent source of prostaglandins, which we already determined readies your cervix for labor. It can be taken orally as soon as 34 weeks, and can be applied directly to the cervix at full term (36 weeks). The general recommendation is two 500mg capsules per day until week 38, at which time you increase to 3-4 per day. The entire capsule can be inserted vaginally (inserted just before bed, it will dissolve before the first time you wake to use the bathroom), or you can use the oil on your fingers for your perineal massage, then also rub on your cervix (assuming you can reach it). Applying directly to the cervix is optimal, but the beneficial ingredients are absorbed through the external skin or the stomach also.

 

[xbabybumpx]

Are there different doses of epo? Because when I was in the shop yesterday they had different tubs x

 

[Mervs Mum]

yes check the dosage and adjust as per the instructions above

 

[LogansMama]

I read to take 500 mg - 2x a day, from 34 weeks. AT 36 weeks you can add 2 more capsules, and insert them vaginally if you want at that point. Thats what I'm working towards...

 

[LogansMama]

Well - I meant to start the EPO, but I never got around to picking any up. Tomorrow for sure!

And I'll have to look into that arnica stuff... never heard of it.

 

[xbabybumpx]

I just bought some epo (asdas own brand) they are 500mg but it days to take one a day and not to exceed the stated dose. So how do u take 2+? X

 

[Mervs Mum]

All supplements say dont exceed the recommended dose and most say dont take when pregnant.....it's to cover themselves. If you are taking them for the purpose of softening your cervix, you should follow the appropriate instructions

 

[LogansMama]

I bought the EPO today. Its an organic brand - 500mg - and it says to take 2-3 a day. It also warns about taking during pregnancy... says to speak to your healthcare professional before taking any medication.

I took my 1st one a couple hours ago.