Nearing the very end of my pregnancy, I am feeling the need to talk about Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera Biennis). Look how pretty and delicate it is. The flowers open in the evening and close up during the day (I wonder if my labor will start at night, it’s obviously on my mind) and are strongly scented with a wonderful perfume. The oil is extracted from the seeds which contains 9-10% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that is used to relieve pain and inflammation. Some of its many uses for women include breast pain associated with the menstrual cycle, menopausal symptoms and PMS.

There doesn’t seem to be truly conclusive evidence that Evening Primrose will bring on contractions but it will help to tone the cervix. From everything I have read, it appears the oil’s gamma-linolenic content does act as a precursor to prostaglandin production in the body. In this case, the prostaglandins (messengers in the body that help to perform numerous important functions) help to ripen or soften the cervix, increase the flexibility of the pelvic ligaments and prepare the body for labor. It may also assist with helping the baby to deeply engage in the pelvis which in theory should result in an easier birth.

Evening Primrose oil can be taken orally as soon as 34 weeks, and by full term (36 weeks) it can be applied directly to the cervix. Take two 500mg capsules a day until week 38, at which time you can increase it to 3-4 per day. For optimal use (although rubbing it on your skin or taking orally are fine too) try inserting the entire capsule vaginally before going to bed (it will have dissolved by the first trip to the bathroom). You can also use the contents of a capsule for your perinneal massages.

I really like Nature’s Sunshine products, and I just found this site where you can order the oil.

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January 23rd, 2007 | Permalink