In this article, we look at how people use evening primrose oil for inducing labor, what the research says, and other natural methods that may help.
Evening primrose oil comes from the evening primrose plant, known as Oenothera biennis. Evening primrose oil is a popular folk remedy.
Traditional societies and practitioners of herbal medicine have used this oil to help with many health concerns, including breast pain, premenstrual syndrome PMS , eczema , and the symptoms of menopause. Researchers have conducted some studies on the health benefits of evening primrose oil.
So far, there is no high-quality evidence to support its use. In folk medicine, pregnancy support groups, and online chat rooms, many people claim that evening primrose oil can start labor, either by inducing contractions or helping to soften and thin the cervix. Some people may find that this method works for them, but scientific research has not shown that evening primrose oil has any substantial effect on how quickly someone goes into labor.
More research is needed to know for sure if evening primrose oil works. Some research studies have looked at the effects of evening primrose oil during labor, with the following results:. The current body of research suggests that more evidence is needed before people use evening primrose oil as a natural labor induction option. The NIH state that evening primrose oil may increase the risk of bleeding in people who are taking a blood-thinning medication called warfarin.
This could mean it also increases the risk of hemorrhage during birth. It could also endanger people who give birth via cesarean delivery. No formal studies have assessed what dosage, if any, is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This means that even if evening primrose oil does improve pregnancy or labor outcomes, there are no current guidelines about how much people should use for an effective dose. Though evening primrose oil may be safe for most women, there is no evidence to suggest that anyone needs to use this natural remedy.
There are other methods to induce labor, and those who have gestational diabetes may find greater relief from more mainstream treatments, such as dietary changes and insulin therapy. People can try various natural remedies in the last stages of pregnancy to help induce labor.
Many traditional remedies have not yet been tested scientifically, so their effectiveness is not yet known. However, any drug, food, or herbal remedy a woman uses to induce labor can affect the baby. It is therefore essential to look at a range of research and talk to a doctor or midwife before trying to induce labor. Traditional remedies for which the evidence is limited or contradictory include :. This position provides immediate help for low back pain and lets gravity help a baby to turn, if needed.
It has the additional benefit of being THE BEST maternal position for good blood flow to the placenta, bringing lots of oxygen to baby. Gentle, rhythmic pelvic rocks or side-to-side swaying of the hips might help, too. If desired, you can roll the ball back and forth slightly, creating a gentle movement. Having a labor support person apply pressure with their hands to your lower back during contractions can ease some of the pain.
You will need to guide them as to how much pressure feels right and just where they need to push. Two tennis balls in a sock with a knot in the top can be a handy tool to massage and to apply counter pressure at the same time.
The sock just keeps the balls from rolling off the bed and bouncing around the room! A warm or cold pack being pressed against the sore area may feel good. Helpers can reach your back easily when you are on hands and knees. Getting in a tub can provide buoyancy to a pregnant belly that is soothing for a sore back.
If only a shower is available, you can get on hands and knees with folded towels to cushion the knees and let the water fall right onto your lower back. Leaning over a birth ball in the shower is another option. Induction means starting labor with physical techniques or medication or a combination of these.
Cervical ripening medication may be given as an initial step, if needed. Intravenous pitocin is the most well known method of stimulating contractions. Medical or prenatal complications, however, may make it safer to induce labor earlier. Your doctor or midwife will review the evidence-based recommendations for your individual circumstances.
We want you to be involved in developing the safest plan of care for you. Even so, not all elective inductions progress as anticipated. Prenatal visits are an opportunity to thoroughly discuss risks and benefits with your doctor or midwife. Labor Preparation. The following non-medical website has reasonable directions: Perineal Massage Water-soluble lubricants like KY Jelly are fine to substitute for oils.
False Labor or True Labor Some normal physical changes are not labor at all. Here are some hints: False Labor Contractions may be irregular in how often they are and how intense they are. Contractions do not get closer together over time. Contractions may be short, less than 40 seconds. That could increase the risk for postpartum hemorrhage , especially among women with pregnancy conditions like placenta previa.
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. But it has been tied to a few potential positives:. Anecdotally, some claim that taking evening primrose oil during pregnancy can help strengthen the uterus for childbirth. Inducing labor. Some women and providers also say that taking evening primrose oil can help trigger labor. Reducing gestational diabetes symptoms. One small study found that taking evening primrose oil plus vitamin D during pregnancy helped reduce symptoms of gestational diabetes.
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This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Registry Builder New. Medically Reviewed by Tarun Jain, M. Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Learn whether taking evening primrose oil to start contractions is a safe, effective way to bring on labor. Back to Top. In This Article.
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