Thread: EPO

When have you been told to start taking EPO and how much? I've searched online, but I've found varying answers. Some articles/websites say as early as like 32 weeks and others say wait until 38 weeks.

I started using the oil as a perennial message at nearly 36 weeks and at 38 started putting some up inside. Orally I think you can start at 32-34 weeks. I personally never used the pills I just went straight for the regular bottle of oil. I had no interest in taking it orally so I have no idea how much. I just used a small syringe with about 2ml in it and at 38 weeks started inserting that.

My midwife said if you've had children before, wait until 37 weeks (if a first time mom, 34 weeks is ok) so I'll prolly start then and just use it vaginally.

I started at 36 weeks, 2/500mg orally per day. At 38w I bumped it to 2/500mg orally and 2/500mg vaginally per day. DD1 was born at 39+3 with very easy dilation. DD2 was born at 39+1 with also very quick and easy dilation.

But like other things, it's not going to be the same for everyone. I've also read that it's not so much a labour induction method as it is a cervical softener for when the body and baby decide they are ready, be that at 37 weeks or 43 weeks.

Originally Posted by JorgieGirl

But like other things, it's not going to be the same for everyone. I've also read that it's not so much a labour induction method as it is a cervical softener for when the body and baby decide they are ready, be that at 37 weeks or 43 weeks.

I've heard the same thing.

Originally Posted by JorgieGirl

I started at 36 weeks, 2/500mg orally per day. At 38w I bumped it to 2/500mg orally and 2/500mg vaginally per day. DD1 was born at 39+3 with very easy dilation. DD2 was born at 39+1 with also very quick and easy dilation.

But like other things, it's not going to be the same for everyone. I've also read that it's not so much a labour induction method as it is a cervical softener for when the body and baby decide they are ready, be that at 37 weeks or 43 weeks.

I did just about the same but bumped up at 37 weeks. I've also read that EPO is a cervical "ripener" more than a labor inducer. I was on the fence about using it. I had my cervix frozen when I was 19 after an abnormal pap. When I read that that can lead to difficulty dilating I jumped on the EPO bandwagon. DD came at 38+3. I don't know how dilated I was before I went into labor (my MW didn't do checks). My water broke and contractions started immediately. I dilated pretty easily once things really got going. I'll likely use it again for my next baby.

Thanks for the advice! I know it doesn't induce, but I wanted to be cautious about taking it too early.
I was considering starting it now, but I may just wait a week or two to start taking it orally. I started it a 36 W with DD, but I was taking 500 mg/day (I think). She was born at 39 W 5 D, so I'd be happy with that again. Since I have an OB, I wanted to know what the MWs normally recommend. THANKS!

I've used EPO with my last 3 (same dosage & timing as Jordan) and will do so with this baby as well. My last two babies came at 39+3 - Since using it my labors have been very quick & dilation has come easily.

So when you say vaginally, you insert with a syringe? How far up? I'm interested in doing EPO cause I was medically induced with my first two (pit w/#1, cervadil w/#2) after going over and I'm hoping to avoid that this time.

Nope - I used the capsules - pop it with a sterile push pin (using rubbing alcohol) and then I insert it up in as far as I can reach.