Evening Primrose Oil During Pregnancy. It contains prostaglandins which can help ripen the cervix. Evening primrose oil can have a blood-thinning effect which could make it harder for blood to clot. Always consult with your midwife or doctor before using evening primrose oil to induce labour. This is used in the body to make hormone-like chemicals such as prostaglandins which are important for many body functions.
Its believed that EPO acts as a cervical ripening agent and may help shorten labor duration. It has been known to relieve pre-menstrual symptoms and skin disorders. You may have heard that taking evening primrose oil during pregnancy can reduce the risk of developing pre-eclampsia. The study group consisted of 54 women who took oral evening primrose oil in their pregnancy 500 mg three times a day starting at 37 weeks gestation for the first week of treatment followed by 500 mg once a day until labor ensued and the control group was composed of 54 women who did not take anything. There is actually very very little research evidence on using evening primrose oil to induce labor. Evening primrose is known for its yellow and white flowers that bloom at night.
The National Institutes of Health reports that the oil can relieve mastalgia or breast pain which is a very common problem during the first trimester of pregnancy.
What Evening Primrose Oil Does NOT Do. Studies have shown that this is not case. How Evening Primrose Oil Works. There arent any proven safety issues with evening primrose oil. It gets less beneficial by the third trimester and should be avoided completely. It contains prostaglandins which can help ripen the cervix.