SupplementDEX

Cervical Ripening

Supplements studied for cervical ripening.

Overview

Evening Primrose Oil is the primary supplement studied for cervical ripening, with eight trials. Most research suggests oral or vaginal use in late pregnancy may soften the cervix, shorten labor, and lower cesarean delivery rates at studied doses and schedules.

Typical regimens ranged from 500 to 4500 mg daily starting around 37 weeks for 7–10 days, or a single pre-labor dose. Effects on later labor stages, need for induction drugs, and infant weight are less consistent across studies. See the evidence reviews below for dosing and outcome details.

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