Evening Primrose in Early Pregnancy

Evening primrose is an herb that is processed into an oil for medicinal use. Evening primrose oil, or EPO, has an active ingredient of omega-6 essential fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), according to Medline Plus. While evening primrose oil has been used during pregnancy, the effects of use during pregnancy are not known, therefore the U.S. government does not recommend using evening primrose oil during pregnancy.

Uses During Pregnancy

• While trying to conceive a child, some women use evening primrose oil to increase the quantity and quality of cervical mucous, which assists sperm in reaching the egg during ovulation. There have been no studies regarding this supposed effect of evening primrose oil.

  During pregnancy, evening primrose oil is also used to treat breast pain, asthma and stomach upset. In late pregnancy, evening primrose oil is taken vaginally or orally to induce cervical ripening to hasten labor.

FDA Involvement

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not oversee the production of herbs, such as evening primrose. Because of the lack of regulation, the strength of the oil may be inconsistent and side effects can vary.

Safety Issues

• Women who take evening primrose oil may experience an allergic reaction if they have sensitivity to gamma-linolenic acid. Evening primrose oil can cause side effects such as an increase in seizures in patients with seizure disorders, according to Medline Plus. Other side effects include gastric upset, diarrhea and headaches. Evening primrose oil may interact with other drugs and herbs, especially blood thinners and medications used for mental illness.

Contraindication During Pregnancy

• Evening primrose oil is contraindicated during pregnancy, therefore a pregnant woman should not take evening primrose oil during pregnancy as the health risks outweigh potential benefits. Medline Plus states that there is not enough evidence to support the use of evening primrose oil during pregnancy.

Future Use

• In the future, evening primrose oil may be found to be safe to take during pregnancy. Additional research studies are needed to determine the safety and effects of the oil during all stages of pregnancy.