5W by Natures Sunshine and EPO

[zem7]

I know I have a lot of time till the end of my pregnancy (Due date Nov 28th). Just wondering has anyone used these in the end of pregnancy? Did it work or not? How much did you take of each. My midwife said that she may start me on this twards the end. I think she said at 35 weeks.

[RKT Mama]

I have used 5w in my last 2 pregnancies after my first ended in a Caesar for poor progress. I don't really know if it works or not but didn't seem to do any harm. Both labours were quick and efficient and both came before my due date which was nice.
I am just on 35 weeks so I am starting it again although I read somewhere about starting slowly at 1 then 2 then 3, etc tablets per day which I thought also made sense but I am not sure the science around it.
Took first tablet today and felt horrid but not sure if that is just trying to do a stressful job or linked.

I have never tried EPO because it sounds a bit messy but it is unlikely to do much harm

[Mrs_P]

what are these tablets and what do you do with them? sorry i'm being thick but it sounds interesting and i am 34 weeks tomorrow

[RKT Mama]

5w is a herbal supplement that is supposed to prepare your uterus for childbirth which makes your labour quicker and more efficient. Some midwives swear by them, others say they are a waste of time. You are supposed to take 2, 3 times a day from 35 weeks but even that seems controversial.
I have been taking them just over a week, its hard to know if they are doing anything except making me constipated(sorry, tmi) but certainly having lots of Braxton hicks.

EPO is evening primrose oil that some people swear by to induce labour as they contain prostaglandins. The capsules are inserted next to the cervix, usually at night and allowed to melt

[NCBeachyGrl]

I used EPO with DS2 and DS3 (along with frequent BD'ing). They were both born at 37 week swith VERY fast births. I don't know if EPO really had anything to do with it, but I would use it again in a heartbeat!

[Mrs_P]

I always used to take EPO but never knew about inserting it, i'm presuming its not as effective to swallow it then? Are there any risks to the baby or infection etc?

[NCBeachyGrl]

I only inserted vaginally (2 softgel pills) at night and used a pantyliner. I read it is safe as long as your water isn't leaking.

[zem7]

All my last pregnancies I used the EPO, I liked it. I also put it up in there, just make sure to wash your hands well before putting it in. Also make sure you have a liner or pad on at night or when ever you are using it, it can make a big mess. lol. I am thinking about adding the 5W this time. Thanks for your input!! Oh thought I would add. My longest labor was 8 hours, that was with number 3. Number 1 was 6 hour labor. I have never pushed for more than 17 min, my shortest pusing time was 2 min. Good luck all!