The Truth About Primrose Oil

Primrose oil (oenothera biennia) or evening primrose oil like black currant or borage oil contain gamma linolenic acid (GLA).  GLA is a fatty acid that the body naturally converts to prostaglandin E1 (PGEI).  Prostagliandins are thought to naturally stimulate labor which is why many midwives recommend taking primrose oil in the last 4-6 weeks or pregnancy.  Most midwives recommend 500-1000mg daily either orally or vaginally or both.

Primrose oil is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and can act as a blood thinner and vessel dilator, so it's a good thing. Using primrose oil vaginally is best done in two ways:
1) when the cervix is tight and closed
and
2) during a vaginal exam when a woman is in active labor. 

**Always check with your provider before taking primrose oil either vaginally or orally, as each woman is unique and has different reason why she should or should not take it.

Taking it orally: Simply take one or two pills in once a day 500-1000 mg. With or without food. It may interfere with other medications, so again, check with your provider.

Taking it vaginally: It is easy to get in pill form or oil form at any health food store or the Vitamin Shoppe. Taking it vaginally, take the sharp clean end of a never been used safety pin and poke a hole in the top of the gel capsule and insert it into the vagina as high as you can.  You may insert 1-5 pills that are 500-1000 mg each.

The Dos & Don'ts of Pregnancy

The internet abounds with Dos and Don'ts of Pregnancy. This list was complied with the advice of experts. Always check with your provider regarding activities in pregnancy.

Activities to Avoid in Pregnancy

X-Rays and CT Scans - unless absolutely medically necessary.
Sonograms and MRI's are the imaging technique of choice in pregnancy.

Amusement Park Rides

Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding

Scuba Diving

Surfing or Intense Water Sports

Waterskiing

High Intensity Contact Sports: hockey, water polo, football, rugby

Gymnastics

Flying after the 35^th Week (earlier in some cases)

Extreme Sports: mountain biking, hang-gliding, rock climbing, kayaking, sky diving, etc

Horseback Riding

Saunas, Steam Rooms, and Hot Tubs

Extreme dieting in Pregnancy

Gardening without Gloves

Changing Cat Litter

Retinols or Retin-A creams

Botox sorry :(

Activities that are Safe in Pregnancy

Jogging and Running*

Swimming*

Low Impact Aerobics*
Snorkeling

Body Waxing

Intercourse - at any point in an uncomplicated pregnancy unless membranes are ruptured

Dental and Eye Exams - inform your provider you are pregnant

Manicures and Pedicures

Massages

Vacations at High Altitudes

Attending a Rock Concert

Prenatal Yoga & Pilates

Acupuncture, Chiropractics & Alternative Medicine Techniques - most are safe, inform the provider you are pregnant 

*It is always advisable to discuss your daily activities or planned activities during your pregnancy with your heath care provider. 

Walcher's Position

 

Walcher's position is a technique used in labor to open the pelvic brim. It's a great position that can be held through 2-4 contractions for maximum effect.  This technique can do wonders for a baby that may be need a bit of assistance rotating and getting into the birth canal.

It is very helpful with a baby that is not coming into the pelvis such as an asynclitic presentation or in the OP (occiput posterior aka sunnyside up position) and may need to be held longer than 4 contractions for maximum effect.

It can easily be done with a woman with an epidural by dropping the feet of the bed and putted a rolled up blanket, sheet or mat under her hips just at the pelvic brim.  The woman should feel like she is arching her back.

Click here for some photos and more about Walcher's technique.