WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for September, 1998: Re: A Crevix That is so tough to dialate?

Re: A Crevix That is so tough to dialate?

From: Suzanne (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 07 Sep 1998 09:05:19 -0400

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At 12:27 AM 9/7/98 -0500, Mrs A.A. wrote: >she told me that very sported people
>have a hard time dialating from that? true?
>I would like to know if there is anything I can do before labor to help
>soften my cervix?

I have not heard that those that are more athletic have stronger cervixes, and don't really see how that could affect anything. More athletic women do sometimes have stronger pelvic floor muscles (the muscles surrounding the vagina, etc), but that wouldn't have much to do with the cervix dilating.

As Dr. Ind said, sex with penetration and male ejaculation is good for helping soften the cervix. There are natural prostaglandins in semen that work on the cervix. You could also try Evening Primrose Oil, or GLA, both of which contain Borage Seed Oil. You can use the EPO/GLA in the last few weeks of pregnancy, orally AND vaginally. There are no known negative side effects. The EPO/GLA works on softening the cervix (when used vaginally), and helps tone the uterus (among other things) when taken orally. During labor, when you have vaginal exams, the EPO can be massaged into your cervix.

The herb Black Cohosh, taken orally, also helps with "ripening" the cervix (softening, preparing it to dilate). It may be that using it in the last weeks of pregnancy, and especially during labor, would help you. However, I would not recommend using it without supervision by an herbalist. There are possible side effects (none too terrible, just possible), and as with all herbs and medications, supervision by an expert is highly recommended.

Of course, some women just take longer to dilate than others, and it's normal for them. This may be your case. Did you deliver vaginally with all your children? And how did you labor with them? Were you mostly in the bed, or up and moving around? Did you get in the water while in labor? Did you use medications? What kind of support did you have during labor? We know that all these things can affect how quickly your labor progresses.

**************************************************** Suzanne S. Powell, ICCE Childbirth Educator & Doula; aspiring midwife

-- Women's Heatlh Forum advisor @ OBGYN.net

Ringmaster of The Christian Birth Webring http://www.mindspring.com/~suzannep/CBW.html

Partum Me! Educational & Support Services Peachtree City, Ga. Visit my WWW site at http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/6926/index.html ****************************************************

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