How to Use Evening Primrose and Flax Seeds During Pregnancy
Evening primrose and flax are plants found in North America that have been used medicinally for hundreds of years. Oil can be extracted from their seeds and used in a variety of ways, including lowering cholesterol and combating heart disease, eczema and dry skin. Both oils contain fatty acids similar to ones obtained through consuming fish or seafood. Women may find that using evening primrose and flaxseed (or linseed) oils during their pregnancy will not only benefit them before, during and after their delivery but may also have a positive affect on their baby.
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Things You'll Need
- Evening primrose oil capsules or tablets
- Flaxseed oil capsules or tablets
- Family medical history
- Personal medical history
Instructions
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Evening primrose and flaxseeds during pregnancy
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Talk to your doctor. Depending on a variety of factors, including your age, health and family medical history, you may be advised not to take evening primrose or flaxseed oil or may need to be monitored more closely during your pregnancy.
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Purchase primrose oil and flaxseed oil tablets or capsules. There are many organic and botanical Web sites that carry them. However, make sure it is an accredited site that is under the laws and regulations of the Food and Drug Administration. Otherwise, a local vitamin and supplement store, such as GNC, should carry them.
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Take the recommended dosages that are listed on the bottles of the oil capsules or tablets during pregnancy. Or follow your doctor's guidelines.
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Reduce discomfort. Primrose oil can reduce hormone fluctuations and breast tenderness during and after pregnancy. This will be especially beneficial should you choose to breast-feed your baby.
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Decrease labor pains. Primrose oil helps lubricate the cervix, possibly reducing the amount of pain and length of time during delivery. It may also help you deliver by your due date.
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Regulate your hormones. Flaxseed oil contains phytoestrogen (estrogenlike chemicals) that can help regulate hormone fluctuations in women and fetuses during pregnancy.
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Promote healthy brain development. Flaxseed oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which may be beneficial for fetus brain development and continued development during breast-feeding if you continue to take the capsules.
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Tips & Warnings
Some women may experience an allergic reaction to either or both of the oils, so take note of any unfamiliar feelings or rashes. Consult your doctor before beginning any treatment or medication even if it's a natural botanical. Inform your doctor of any personal and family medical history that may affect your health during your pregnancy. Studies on animals have shown that too much flaxseed oil has caused reproductive complications. There has not been much research done on the complete effects of these oils on fetuses so be cautious and talk to your doctor before deciding to take them.
