Written by Editorial Team
When you are pregnant, your family and friends will be full of advice for you on what to do and what not to do during this pregnancy period. This can be very overwhelming. But remember you are not alone. A lot of new moms and mothers to go through this situation. One such confronting view is the use of evening primrose oil during pregnancy – is it good or bad? Read on to know more about the evening primrose oil during pregnancy.
In This Article
Evening primrose oil is a herbal oil that comes from the evening primrose plant, a variety of herbaceous flowering plants that is mostly found in North America. Evening primrose is known for its yellow and white flowers that bloom at night. For a long period, it has been hailed for its medicinal properties. It has been known to relieve pre-menstrual symptoms and skin disorders. Evening primrose oil during pregnancy is safe or not.
Some of them recommend evening primrose oil during pregnancy to induce labor in a natural way. The oil is to help thin the cervix, which can encourage it to dilate and jumpstart labor.
When it comes to the question of whether it can be safe or not during pregnancy time, there are confusing opinions regarding using it. Though it is believed to be helpful in the first trimester, as the pregnancy progresses into the last phase, it is best avoided or used with precaution.
Many doctors recommend that if you have been taking evening primrose oil during pregnancy, it is best to find an alternative when you’re pregnant for your daily dosage of essential fatty acids and other benefits that this oil offers.
If, however, you decide to take evening primrose oil during pregnancy, you should be aware of the quantity and dosage. Let’s take a look at the recommended levels or take suggestions from the known ones.
It is recommended to start using evening primrose oil orally after 35 weeks and vaginally after 37 weeks; the ideal time is somewhere between 38-40 weeks.
If you are thinking of trying a DIY option to get your labor started. Whether it is evening primrose oil or any other natural remedy. To get permission or advice from your doctor or midwife before taking it. He or she can help you to figure out what type of labor induction remedies are safe, and when it is ok to start trying them.
Evening primrose oil is the most popular natural option for trying to kickstart labor. But there is not much research to support to use of it, and it could have some potentially harmful side effects also. You are considering giving it a try, be sure to talk with your provider first.
Even though there are contradictory opinions regarding consuming evening primrose oil by pregnant women, its benefits cannot be refuted.
Though it is believed that evening primrose oil can prepare the cervix to induce labor, some studies show that women who take it in the final week of pregnancy might have “arrest of descent”. This means that the baby stops descending into the vagina in the final stages. Moreover, as already mentioned earlier, it acts as a blood thinner, and therefore complications might arise if you are planning a C-section. This might necessitate the use of a vacuum extractor to pull the baby out, which is quite risky. Other side effects associated with its use are usually mild, which include are given below:
Evening primrose oil can be easily found at most health food stores in the form of capsules. These capsules can be taken orally or slit open and used for the purpose of massaging. It is easily absorbed through the skin.
Going by the pros and cons, it is sensible to avoid evening primrose oil during pregnancy, if possible. Remember, it prepares the cervix, which makes dilation easy. It may not induce labor and will not be of much use until your body is ready to go into labor on its own.
Instead of opting for self-medication, make sure that you consult your doctor before you decide to take evening primrose oil in the later stages of pregnancy since there is little evidence to guarantee its safety. Don’t take chances and get into complications during the pregnancy period.
Stay safe and ask your doctor for instructions when you decide to take something out of your regular diet. Pregnancy is a phase of indulgence and enjoyment. Could you not go overboard to spoil it?
If you have anything to share on this, please leave it in the comments section given below.
With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.
Spicy Foods During Pregnancy – Benefits, Side Effects and Precautions
Sheehan’s Syndrome – Excessive Bleeding During Childbirth
Stuffy Nose During Pregnancy – Causes and Home Remedies
Vitamin B12 During Pregnancy – Importance and Vegetarian Sources
Steam Inhalation During Pregnancy – Is it Safe?
Black Salt During Pregnancy – Is it Safe, Benefits and Side Effects
Get regular updates, great recommendations and other right stuff at the right time.