Side effects or dangerous?

just bought some evening primrose oil, im 36 1/2 weeks pregnant is it ok to take? any dangerous side effects? A friend took it at 37 weeks and an hour later she went into labor.

Side effects or dangerous?
I would avoid any type of medications unless the doc approves, check first.



You aren't trying to go into labor early are you? You didn't say why you wanted to take them.
Reply:Ok, thanks for waiting to talk to the dr. first. No messing around with herbals, pregnant or not, without dr. knowledge.
Reply:Absolutely!



I took it when my doctor told me he was going to induce. My baby was big and they didn't want to wait any later than my due date. So, I bought it and used it off and on for a few days. Then, on my due date I started having contractions. They came every 7 to 8 minutes. By the time hubby came home from work (8:30 am) and we were in the hospital I was 3 cm. But, I didn't want to labor the whole time in a hospital bed.



So, I talked to the nurse telling her about my primrose. She said, yup that is the best thing to do to put yourself in labor. That and walking and lotsa sex (who wants sex when in labor).



I took the highest dose in gelcap form as a suppastatory (vaginally). That day I took them every 3 to 4 hours and by midnight I was 7 cm. And, at 9:55 am my son was born.



I would have had him much earlier, but my OBGYN was in surgery. And, the staff doc and nurse left me alone as my son crowned!!



This stuff is magic. I will definately use it this next time...



To increase the effect to pelvic rocks on your excersize ball, don't have one...have hubby get one. Walmart has for $10! It's great post pregnancy and easy exercising. Just rock back and forth. Go on a nice long brisk walk. You'll be in labor in no time!



SIDE EFFECTS:



My doula/midwife told me there are no side effects. It's perfectly safe. In fact, it's much better than castor oil. Castor oil causes diaharrea that's what induces your labor. Who wants to be in labor with diaharrea? YUCK!
Reply:The only thing I've heard of evening primerose oil being used for was to aid in the effects of pms. My daughter's GYN recommended it because she was getting migraines and had a horrible time with PMS. The evening primerose oil has helped a great deal especially with the headaches. I've never heard of it being used during pregnancy though.
Reply:It could just be coincidence that she went into labor after taking that. I don't think any of that stuff works..the baby will come out when it's ready. All pregnancies are different too so say it really did do the trick for her that doesn't mean it will for you and in fact could harm the baby. Don't take that chance. I know it's rough and you probably want that baby out (Im 31 weeks and feel that way lol) but I wouldn't do anything that could cause my baby harm. Just wait it out. Good luck.
Reply:Personally I would wait until you hit the 37 or 37.5 week mark just to be sure that the lungs are developed enough.



There really aren't any side effects that I've heard of from women who took it, other then nothing happening.

I suppose it depends on if you are taking tablets orally or vaginally though as well. I know some women do take it vaginally.