Does primrose oil induce labor?
If you're nearing or past your
due date, you've probably heard a lot about different ways to induce labor.
While some methods may work, others can be dangerous. A common home method for
inducing labor is to use primrose oil.
Many people believe that primrose oil can induce labor by taking it orally or
vaginally.
Primrose oil is obtained from
the primrose plant, a yellow flower native to the Americas. It also grows in
parts of Asia and throughout Europe. The oil is obtained from seeds and
contains omega-6 fatty acids, including gamma-linolenic acid. Primrose plants were used by Native Americans
to treat wounds and skin irritations. Today, people use primrose oil
supplements for chest pain and other conditions.
In 2019, a study was conducted
on 84 nulliparous mothers who were 38 weeks pregnant and who were not in labor
to compare the effect of primrose oil on cervical maturation. The women were
divided into two groups: one group received 1000 mg of primrose oil in the form
of a vaginal capsule, and the other group received a placebo. In the primrose
oil group, there were significant signs that labor was about to begin, such as
dilation and flattening, and thinning of the cervix.
Another study was conducted in
2018 at 40 weeks of gestation. They were given 1000 mg of primrose oil orally
twice a day. A group of 40 women received primrose oil capsules, while another
group of 40 women received a placebo that looked and smelled similar but did
not contain the active ingredients. This study found no difference between the
two groups of women in labor and delivery.
While research on the vaginal
use of primrose oil to induce labor looks promising, all studies have been done
in women without health problems and low-risk pregnancies. The studies were
also small, so more research is needed. You should always check with your
healthcare provider before using any method to attempt to induce labor.
Health benefits of primrose oil
In addition to labor induction
studies, primrose oil has been studied to treat a variety of health problems in
women, including:
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Mastalgia or breast pain
- Hot flashes as part of menopausal symptoms
- Fibroadenomas or benign breast tumors
- Gestational diabetes or diabetes that occurs during pregnancy
- Preeclampsia, a dangerous complication during pregnancy
The results of these studies
have been mixed: primrose oil has shown
potential benefit for premenstrual syndrome, mastalgia, hot flashes, and
gestational diabetes, but has shown no effect on fribroadenomas. There is not
enough data to know if primrose oil helps with preeclampsia.
Primrose oil has also been studied for:
- Eczema. These studies have
produced mixed results, but have not shown that
primrose oil, taken by mouth, helps with eczema.
- Diabetic neuropathy.
This is a type of nerve damage caused by diabetes. Research on primrose oil for
this condition has been inconclusive.
Is primrose oil safe during pregnancy?
Studies have found no harmful
side effects for pregnant women. However, there is no strong evidence that it
is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Some people have reported
headaches and indigestion after taking
primrose oil. It may also increase the risk of certain pregnancy
complications. You should not take primrose oil if you have epilepsy or
schizophrenia, as it may increase your risk of seizures. In addition, it may
interact with certain medications.
You should always check with your doctor before trying any method of labor induction to make sure it is safe for you and your baby.