About Elayne Glantzberg Expertise I can answer questions on a wide variety of childbirth topics, including natural childbirth, c-sections, VBACs, and more.
Experience I have six children. My triplets were born by c-section, my fourth child was an attempted VBAC turned c-section, and my fifth child was a planned, unassisted birth center VBA2C. My sixth child was born in 2008 at home. I have done extensive research on pregnancy and birth, and I have dealt with a wide spectrum of interventions and complications.
Education/Credentials I have the ability to do my own research and gather data to make an informed choice.
Question I am 38 weeks, and began using EPO both vaginally and orally. My Dr. said it shouldnt cause any harm. This is my 4th baby and none of the others came on their own, I was always induced. This time I am trying to have this one come naturally. How many capsules should I use vaginally to achieve a maximum effect without overdoing it? In addition I am walking even though it can be painful in my back at times. I just want so badly for labor to begin on its own since this is my last child and since with the others i stayed so thick and undialated until the very ends. Please help me if you can. thank you.
Answer EPO can help encourage labor. EPO contains prostaglandin precursors, which allow your body to more easily make the prostaglandins that help soften the cervix and prepare it for labor. Semen also contains prostaglandins, making sex another good choice for encouraging labor; as they say, what got the baby in will get the baby out!
If you were induced before 42 weeks with your other children, you haven't given yourself a full chance to go into labor. 40 weeks is only an average; a full 50% of babies NEED to cook a little bit longer. Dilation and effacement don't mean anything, either; you can be hard, tight, and high, and have a baby within hours...once the baby is ready. So to give yourself the best shot at natural labor, negotiate this with your doctor if he/she is wanting to induce you before 42 weeks without a clear medical necessity.
