Is evening primrose oil recommended for inducing labor?

Whether massaged on the cervix or taken orally, evening primrose oil is not effective at inducing labor, according to FOX News. Additionally, the use of evening primrose oil can cause seizures, and pregnant women who use the supplement are at a higher risk for arrest of descent and membrane rupture.

According to Mayo Clinic, breast massage and nipple stimulation may cause a release of the hormone oxytocin, which leads to contractions. As of 2014, however, further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this labor induction method. Other home labor induction techniques, such as having sex or eating spicy food, are not backed up by scientific evidence.