Though the evening primrose oil is not recommended during pregnancy it can turn out to be quite helpful at the end of it by helping in the labor inducing process. Beside the fatty acids, the oil also contains a large amount of prostaglandins that stimulate the uterine contractions and encourage the dilatation. The body already produces prostaglandins in high quantities, especially at the end of the pregnancy, but the oil also helps in softening an opening the cervix, so it's recommended anyway.

Evening primrose oil labor inducing proprieties are known for quite some time now, and older women always recommend it to their younger pregnant siblings. It is also a common remedy used by midwives, but not so much by doctors who don't yet agree that the oil does help. There haven't been any studies made on this matter, but when people talk from their experience is hard not to believe them.

Due to the fact that is not an invasive method and it doesn't trigger the labor directly, a pregnant woman can start taking evening primrose oil capsule as early as the 34th week of pregnancy. Just remember it can't induce the labor by itself as long as the body isn't ready for it, it just helps in preparing the ground.

From the 34th to the 36th week, when the pregnancy is considered to be at full term, the oil capsules should be taken orally, in two rounds of 500 mg per day.

Between the 36th and the 38th week, the capsule can be inserted directly into your vagina. The dosage is the same as before. If you want to use the vaginal insertion then you should insert one just before going to bed to allow it more time to dissolve during the night. The other capsule you can take it orally.

From the 38th week you can increase your dosage up to four capsules per day. The vaginal insertion seems to be more effective, but if you're not comfortable with it then it's ok to take them orally. If you're experiencing any side effects like nausea, headaches or stomach problems decrease the dosage immediately.

Besides taking the capsules you can also use the oil in a perineal massage that done daily during the last month of the pregnancy will reduce the like hood of an episiotomy.