. One 2019 study involved 86 first-time moms in Iran, with half randomly assigned a nightly vaginal capsule of evening primrose oil starting at 38 weeks of pregnancy. It also grows in parts of Asia and throughout Europe. Evening primrose oil for eczema: no more itch? This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. 3 offers from $12.35. Posted 2/21/12. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-evening-primrose/art-20364500 [Accessed March 2021], Najafi, M., et. 25 Signs Babys Coming. My midwife told me I could start taking EPO. You wont go into labor until she is ready to come out (primrose oil or none). Evening primrose oil to induce labor: when to start? Lol, hope it works for you! Evening primrose oil Beeteejay Jan 11, 2023 at 11:32 AM 39 weeks with a closed cervix and 60% effaced. If youre at risk of preterm labor, have a high risk pregnancy or have any other complications, you should talk to your medical care provider for advice. The researchers reported no adverse effects. She said its supposed to start getting the cervix to open up and induce some cramping which is exactly what I need so fingers crossed it gets things in motion like how it has done for you! I could not believe it. . He or she can help you weigh the pros and cons to determine whether the supplement is a good option for you. One of the best ways to avoid tearing during childbirth is to listen to your body and trust it. The usual approach would be the following: Starting at 35 weeks to take 1 capsule (500 mg)of evening primrose oil orally. Make sure you have your postpartum recovery kit at home waiting for you! Taking evening primrose oil in the early stages of pregnancy generally is not advised. If taken vaginally, the capsule will dissolve naturally so you should do this when you are planning to lay down (such as night time) and wear a panty liner to catch any residue that leaks out. Group Owners uphold the core values of the brand by reporting content that violates the community guidelines. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'oilswelove_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oilswelove_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'oilswelove_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',108,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oilswelove_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-108{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Actually, evening primrose oil is listed among the top 12 ways to naturally induce labor. I am a big fan of walking and. I've started with raspberry leaf tea and plan on starting with the oil in two weeks. The usual approach would be the following: For normal, natural births, it is important that all the organs and tissues of a woman are ready for delivery. We respect everyones right to express their thoughts and opinions as long as they remain respectful of other community members, and meet What to Expects Terms of Use. All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. 3 capsules orally in the morning and 3 vaginally at night.I have had the worst case of rotten ass gas and stomach aches/cramps.I went to look at coffee machines, had really Hi all, I've been taking evening primrose oil for about a week and am feeling dryer than ever. But it has been tied to a few potential positives: If youre thinking of trying a DIY option to get your labor started whether its evening primrose oil or another natural remedy get the okay from your doctor or midwife first. Heres what you should know about this folk remedy, including whether its a safe at-home option for labor induction. Primrose plants were used by Native Americans for treating wounds and skin irritations. This scrub provides intense exfoliation AND moisturization, leaving your feeling soft and smooth while providing powerful hydration. Ive read to poke a hole in it and then insert. Raspberry leaf has been shown to decrease the risk of PPH, so taking the two simultaneously is also a good idea, if you do decide to take EPO. Maybe you have some scar tissue that she's worried about? The perineum is the area between the vagina and rectum. The oil is thought to help thin the cervix, which can encourage it to dilate and jumpstart labor. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Pregnant With Allergies? But to be on the safe side, always consult your healthcare practitioner on when it is safe for you to start evening primrose oil to induce labor. Its somewhat anticoagulant and antiplatelet action may increase the effectiveness of some treatments. 2021 Oils We Love. followed 40 women who used evening primrose oil and 40 who used a placebo. Many women, midwives, and alternative health practitioners have recognized the powerful healing properties of this oil and have shared many stories of its success in pregnancy and a variety of health conditions. Has your date come and gone but still no baby? . my midwife said to do three any time Im laying down for long periods of time. I was advised not to poke a hole and to place it as high as I was able to get it and then go to bed. Labour and birth. So how do you take it and what does it do? More research is needed to. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. Inducing Labor: What Happens When Youre Induced? I thought it was 34-36 weeks as well. You can help the process by being in an upright position and pushing when you feel the urge, not just because you think you should be. I do the raspberry leaf tea, dates, EPO, sex, I walk daily, and Ive been taking supplements to help encourage labor since 38-39 weeks so I dont think its because those things dont work, I just dont think baby is ready just yet. Don't take evening primrose oil if you have a seizure disorder, as it may reduce the potency of anti-seizure medications. Here is a short guide, along with some links to further in depth information at the bottom of the page. I am not sure if I want to do it again but don't think it will hurt. All rights reserved. Please specify a reason for deleting this reply from the community. Has anyone else seen. If a Baby Shower is at a Restaurant, Who Pays? Those assigned the evening primrose oil scored higher on physical signs of labor preparedness (such as cervical dilation and effacement), and had a shorter first stage of labor than the control group. Clary sage oil. It's not clear if evening primrose oil works to induce labor, or that it's safe. Infused with the nutritional properties of ayurveda-based ingredients like sesbania grandiflora leaves, green amla, barl One case study found that a baby born to a mom who took evening primrose oil a week before giving birth had small bruises on his body. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. (After all, when youre near or past your due date, your baby is bound to decide shes ready to come out at some point.). You can also drain the capsule and rub it directly on the cervix. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. The reason for being cautious is that EPO may cause uterine contractions and therefore can cause labor to begin earlier. UPDATE********* 9/13/12--- this stuff works! In the 2019 study involving vaginal evening primrose oil, participants inserted 1000 milligrams (ml) each night starting at 38 weeks of pregnancy, and remained lying down for at least 2 hours. Your post will be hidden and deleted by moderators. I'm 39 weeks on Sunday and it hasn't done a damn thing. All rights reservedTerms and ConditionsAbout Us, Evening primrose oil:liquid,USDA Certified Organic. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. The supplement isn't widely studied, so it's difficult to know for sure whether using evening primrose oil in pregnancy is effective or safe. Create an account or log in to participate. All the suggestions we have listed below can reduce the risk of tearing but at the end of the day, it can happen to all of us. Please take evening primrose oil with a meal to help prevent intestinal discomfort. Raspberry leaf tea. Before you go for your cervix checks make sure you lubricate that Vagina. Al. Attempt to avoid frantic pushing, let your contractions be your guide. There is some limited evidence that applying evening primrose oil vaginally may help ripen the cervix, but more research is needed to figure out whether the supplement actually works and is safe to use during pregnancy. As soon as you get the green light from your doctor, you can start taking evening primrose oil supplements during your 38th week. 15 Ways To Get Pregnant With Twins Naturally | Fertility, When Will I Go Into Labor? I went a week over due with 1st and definitely want to avoid that if I can again. Yes. Your body temp. In the trial where women took an evening primrose oil capsule orally three times a day for a week, the dosage was 500 mg per capsule. If you feel a message or content violates these standards and would like to request its removal please submit the following information and our moderating team will respond shortly. Thanks everyone for your posts! Others drain the oil from the capsules and rub it directly onto their cervix during the last days or weeks of pregnancy. A Group Owner is a member that has initiated the creation of a group to connect with other members to share their journey through the same pregnancy & baby stages. HAHAHAHAHAHAH, Does this mean that my cervix is low? But what exactly is evening primrose oil, does it actually work and are there any potential risks of using it while you're pregnant? Evening primrose oil is an oil derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. I was curious about it so I asked my doctor if it was okay for me . Ive been doing it for a week as of today, first day I did it I lost some of my mucus plug and had light cramping that my midwife told me was the cramping you feel when you start to dilate. Anyone had any luck doing this? Some limited research suggests evening primrose oil may help speed up the first stage of labor when applied vaginally. You have alldefinitelyhelp clear my mind :-). Oh wowthank you ladies! Can I use evening primrose oil to induce labor? I didn't start until 36 weeks. God I hope it works!!!!!! Primrose oil helps in adding moisture to the skin and promoting healthy maintenance of collagen. Evening primrose oil is a dietary supplement made from the seeds of the evening primrose plant (also called Oenothera biennis). Homeopathics Caulophyllum 30 C is a homeopathic remedy that can be taken from 37-38 weeks to encourage labour. Evening primrose oil is a popular natural option for inducing labor, and some women and practitioners swear by it. Try it for 2 weeks. They use it orally and vaginally to ripen the cervix. The effect of vaginal evening primrose capsule on cervical ripening in nulliparous women with post-term pregnancy: A clinical trial. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. Itcontainsprostaglandins which can help ripen the cervix. 35 pm Thanks so much for the suggestion of inserting the evening primrose oil capsules. I have to insert a progesterone suppository and have been doing it since around 20 weeks. I take 2 orally in the morning and then 2 vaginally at night! I have to insert a progesterone suppository and have been doing it since around 20 weeks. Labour and birth. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I forgot to ask if it will dissolve in there fully or if I will have to go fishing for it in the morning. I dont think anything is working for me - dates, primrose oil, sex, bouncing on yoga ball, eggplant Parmesan, or red raspberry leaf tea. The studies found no bad side effects for pregnant women. One BellyBelly fan helpfully suggests inserting the capsules at night before bed, so that it's absorbed during the night while you are sleeping. Information and clinical data on the use of evening primrose oil for cervix preparation and labor induction are lacking. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Reply Spoke to my midwife about it who says that we should do nothing to intervene, no raspberry leaf tea, no EPO and no sweeps. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. You can take EPO orally from 35 weeks and vaginally from 37 weeks. Curious about evening primrose oil and raspberry leaf tea! Even if you are inserting the capsule vaginally, you can still take up to three orally, with meals, daily. I am due in December but I wanted to hop on here and check with you ladies :)So I have just started inserting vaginally evening primrose oil 1000 mg at night. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'oilswelove_com-leader-1','ezslot_16',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oilswelove_com-leader-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'oilswelove_com-leader-1','ezslot_17',119,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oilswelove_com-leader-1-0_1');.leader-1-multi-119{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}, if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'oilswelove_com-leader-2','ezslot_18',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oilswelove_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'oilswelove_com-leader-2','ezslot_19',120,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oilswelove_com-leader-2-0_1');.leader-2-multi-120{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Evening primrose oil content:1300 mg, Daily dosage duringpregnancy: 1 capsule starting at 38 week. ** Start inserting evening primrose oil vaginally at 38 weeks. Evening primrose oil is an oil derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. Wash your hands and make sure your nails are trimmed before attempting. They play important role in the contraction of the smooth muscle of the uterus and are associated with cervical ripening. She made it sound like I could do more but 2 seemed good to me. These are tips and tricks women have found to work for them in the past, but each birth is different and you success cannot be guaranteed. For a moisturizer that calms redness, inflammation, and itching, combine Evening Primrose Carrier Oil with equal parts Shea Butter and apply the mixture to the skin nightly before bed. Evening primrose. Tree Hut Sugar Scrubs are infused with Certified Shea Butter, and an array of natural oils, including Evening Primrose, Safflower Seed, Sweet Almond, Avocado, and Orange Oil. Started 3 days ago - lost some mucus plug after 2nd night. think twice before sharing personal details, foster a friendly and supportive environment, remove fake accounts, spam and misinformation, delete posts that violate our community guidelines, reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts. I only take the vitamins during the week giving my body a break on the weekends.4 stars . Doctor wants me to start inserting evening primrose oil vaginally at night before bed cuz she said it can help to start contractions thus getting me to dilate. This is my first pregnancy and I went to see my midwife this week and she told me to start taking epo orally asap because it takes weeks for your body to react to it. Learn more about. In addition to the studies on inducing labor, evening primrose oil has been studied for a variety of women's health issues, including: The results of these studies have been mixed, with primrose oil showing the potential to benefit premenstrual syndrome, mastalgia, hot flashes, and gestational diabetes, but showing no effect on fribroadenomas. I tried this with my 3rd baby at 39 weeks with the approval of my midwife and nothing . if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'oilswelove_com-box-4','ezslot_1',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oilswelove_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'oilswelove_com-box-4','ezslot_2',109,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oilswelove_com-box-4-0_1');.box-4-multi-109{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Therefore, taking evening primrose supplements may be of great help. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. ", Nursing Practice Today: "The effect of vaginal evening primrose on the Bishop score of term nulliparous women.". Some women start to increase the daily dosage to 2 capsules (1000 mg in total) at 36-37 weeks, and to 3 capsules (1500 mg in total) starting at week 38. They may also give you more specific instructions on proper use and dosage, especially for inserting the capsules vaginally. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Put it in right before bed and wear a pantyliner to catch the drip. In addition to the studies on inducing labor, evening primrose oil has been studied for a variety of women's health issues, including: Premenstrual syndrome Mastalgia, or breast pain Hot. Rich antioxidant to rejuvenate and moisturize the skin and hair. The idea that it takes a while does make a lot of sense. More research is needed before evening primrose oil can be recommended for inducing labor. UPDATE--- this stuff works! Little things like uploading a profile picture make the community a better place. by Botanical Beauty How & When To Take Evening Primrose Oil You can take EPO orally from 35 weeks and vaginally from 37 weeks. Is it possible my mucus has "thinned" to the point of disappearing? Often used as a health remedy, women have long taken it to relieve breast pain, PMS and menopause symptoms, as well as to induce labor . This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Doing my research online webmd and other boards are saying to not take it before 34-36 weeks. This website is strictly for the purpose of providing opinions of the author. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Also been taking Raspberry Leaf religiously since 35 weeks. Yes, 3 !! At 36 weeks, I took 2 1000 mg orally, 1 vaginally. the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. It can be taken orally as soon as 34 weeks, and can be applied directly to the cervix at full term (36 weeks). I wash my hands before and after obviously. momma3tobe - July 30 : I used it with my first two and within a week of inserting it (starting at 36 weeks) I had begun to soften and dilate. What is Evening Primrose Oil's dosage for labor induction? That could make it seem like the oil triggered the womans labor, but really, theres no way of proving that for sure. Disclaimer:The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice; the content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The women were divided into two groups: one group received 1000 mg of primrose oil in the form of a vaginal capsule, and the other group received a placebo. Probably 37 weeks? So, where is the common ground here? She told me to cut the top off or poke a hole for the vaginal ones. Note that once you confirm, this action cannot be undone. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. Heating breastmilk to 63.5 degrees C reduces the concentration of linolenic acid by about 22%. These terms refer to the opening and thinning of the cervix. I'm 35 weeks pregnant and SO ready for baby to be here (it's number 2!). Still pregnant but its definitely been helping, Im 39+3 and pretty sure baby will be here right before or right on time due to other signs of labor Ive had recently, no Im a FTM so effacement is apparently my biggest thing my body has to do at this point according to my MW. However, there's just not enough evidence to suggest that raspberry leaf tea or . Is It Safe to Drink Red Raspberry Leaf Tea When You're Pregnant? Just say you read something different online and were wondering why she wanted you to start earlier. Mine just came in the mail! We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. Create an account or log in to participate. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. So why do some women and providers swear by it? Taking evening primrose oil by mouth appears to be less effective. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'oilswelove_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_27',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oilswelove_com-large-billboard-2-0');report this adJoin our mailing list! Now is the perfect time to start your Baby Registry! PUUUUUSH! are long gone. 100% Pure / Natural / Undiluted / Unrefined /Certified Organic/ Cold Pressed Carrier Oil. The group that received the primrose oil showed significant signs that labor was about to begin, such as dilation and effacement, the thinning of the cervix.. Thanks! SNOO REVIEW (NOT-SPONSORED), 10 Postpartum Essentials & Necessities Youll Regret Not Buying | Mom Care, 5 Ways To Avoid Tearing During Childbirth, 13 Ridiculously Fun Games To Play Sitting Down. The mechanisms involved in the initiation of humanlaborare largely unknown. Today, I tried to put 2. It is supposed to have the same effect as prostaglandins. Be prepared and hope for the best but know it is very likely to happen. This is my first pregnancy and I went to see my midwife this week and she told me to start taking epo orally asap because it takes weeks for your body to react to it. It might be hard to do yourself (with the big belly in the way) but what you want to do is hook your thumb about an inch inside your vagina, and gently press to the sides, and toward the anus. (Make sure to do it at night and wear a pad cause It can leak), my doctor mentioned one a night but from what I read online its definitely safe to do more than that so Im going to be sticking 2 up there and praying it works!!! National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine,Medline Plus. https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-using-evening-primrose-oil-for-natural-labor-induction/. The oil from evening primrose seeds contains omega-6 fatty acids, including gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The oil, which is considered an herbal supplement, is usually sold in capsules. My 40w appointment was yesterday and she did a cervical check and I was only 2 cm and too firm for her to sweep. There isn't enough research to know for sure whether it's safe to use evening primrose oil during pregnancy. So, this thing must be working, right? This post is giving me motivation. Youll thank yourself later. Starting around 37 weeks insert 1 capsule (500 mg) vaginally every evening before going to bed. 0.5 Fl.oz.- 15 ml. Pure tamanu oil benefits for skin: meet the miracle! The effect of vaginal evening primrose on the Bishop score of term nulliparous women. Overall studies are very limited. How to insert evening primrose oil capsules: Simply use a sterilized needle to puncture a small hole in the capsuleand insert it. Diabetic neuropathy. Please specify a reason for deleting this reply from the community. Anyone Use Evening Primrose Oil And It Worked . ", Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology: "Evening primrose oil and labour, is it effective? You are now responsible not only for your life but also for the life of your child. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. Another study from Iran involving 60 women studied the effects of applying evening primrose oil vaginally during labor induction. I was told 34-36 wks- 1000mg- one orally in the am and one vaginally in the pm.. Evening primrose oil and labour, is it effective? Be cautious, if you previously had problems with thin blood, if you are prone toblood clots. All articles on this website are the opinions of their respective authors who do not claim or profess to be medical professionals providing medical advice. He or she can help you figure out what labor induction remedies are safe and when its okay to start trying them, if at all. ", National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: "Evening Primrose Oil. (One capsule during each meal, not all three at a time)Using evening primrose oil to prevent tearing during childbirth is one of the best things you can do to prevent tearing. Evening primrose oil contains essential fatty acids like omega-6 and lots of gamma-linoleic acid. Learn more about. The Convenience of Daily Nutritional Support: All-in-One Supplements, 10 Easy Keto Chicken Recipes for a Delicious Low-carb Diet, 5 Best Essential Oils for Headaches and Migraines: How to Use Them Safely and Effectively, The Benefits of Chia Seed Water for Constipation, Gift Guide For Immunity Support This Winter, 150 self-care ideas to help you relax and de-stress, 5 Easy 3-Ingredient Keto Desserts to Try Today, primrose oil contains essential fatty acids, Evening Primrose Oil Dosage for Acne, Menopause, Pregnancy, Evening Primrose Oil for Acne: Before & After. 14 Of The Best Christmas Books For Little Kids, 20 Cute & Simple Christmas Crafts To Do With Kids. Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ** . The researchers found no differences between the groups in the length of labor, or in the number of complications. Hey yall my OB told me to insert 1 of these tablets in my vagina before I got to bed at night to help soften my cervix. Tell your doctor and midwife you want to go slow.Work on your breathing beforehand and try to breath the baby out instead of pushing. I'm planning on picking some up today 39w4d and wanna go into labor without an induction, @mcmom2023, yes I did! In the middle of it all, breathing, pushing, screaming; I didnt notice any additional pain from the tear. I agree with the above poster. Im only laying down at night for bed so I do three every night. Like olives and nuts, evening primrose oil is rich in Vitamin E. . Group Owners uphold the core values of the brand by reporting content that violates the community guidelines. Should You Buy Baby Shower Gifts Not on the Registry? yes with my first I did. At 35 weeks I started taking 1000mg 3 times a day. Like all herbal supplements, experts dont fully understand the risks that evening primrose oil might pose to pregnant women. Any advice on why vaginally or why orally? Dates have been shown to help ease the labor process, primarily helping with cervical ripening. The capsules can be taken orally, but some women insert them directly into their vaginas. This is baby #5. One randomized clinical trial found it had no impact on the cervix or on labor duration. I will see my mw at my 32 week appointment which is still early so I can probably even start taking it after that. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Some midwives recommend evening primrose oil supplements to induce labor naturally. Make sure you get natural primrose no synthetics anything ending in ide or ate leave it on the shelves! Also, it may interact with some medicines. ", Evidence Based Birth: "Evidence on: Evening Primrose Oil (EPO). Hi everyone! This pregnancy Im not taking it. I had to have my husband help me bc I couldn't reach high enough the closer to the cervix the better it will be at softening it. Mrsmum4. The general recommendation is two 500mg capsules per day until week 38 . Of a night time is generally easier, insert 1-2 capsules and put on a pad and go to bed and be caution the next day of leakage. There is no guarantee that you wont tear during childbirth. However, another small trial found that evening primrose oil did appear to help prepare the cervix for labor, and increased the participants' chances of having a vaginal birth. You can purchase evening primrose oil capsules from many chemists and health food stores. I am having an elective induction at 39 weeks.