Although German and Australian clinical studies were of first time mothers, EPI-NO is used by many women for a subsequent birth. It is estimated that 30-40% of EPI-NO use is by second and third time mothers. EPI-NO is also used by VBACs (Vaginal Birth after Caesarean).

EPI-NO should ONLY be used with a water-based lubricant such as KY Jelly, or Ansell Water Based Lubricant. Non water-based lubricants must NOT be used. Essential Oils, Fragrant Oils, Almond Oil and petroleum based lubricants will damage the balloon over time.

The EPI-NO balloon is produced in Germany of non-allergenic medical silicone. Damage to the balloon is extremely unlikely provided the balloon is not over-inflated or misused. Each balloon has been individually burst tested to stringent EEC safety standards for medical devices. (similar to the testing of condoms). EPI-NO should be stored safely in the pouch provided, and the balloon protected from risk of damage.

EPI-NO is covered by a two year manufacturer’s warranty by Tecsana GmbH. Munich Germany. EPI-NO has a recommended Product Life of five years, or two births, whichever is the lesser and should not be used beyond this date.

EPI-NO Delphine Plus and EPI-NO Delphine are “Dual Purpose” Childbirth Trainers.

a) Pelvic Floor Training during pregnancy. It is recommended to commence using EPI-NO Delphine Plus EARLY in the pregnancy to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. A strong pelvic floor supports the added weight of pregnancy and assists in control during the delivery and in bladder control. In these exercises the minimally inflated balloon acts as a sensor. 

b) Exercising the Perineum. This is a set of stretching exercises in which the balloon is gradually inflated at the vaginal os. These exercises commence after 36 weeks of the pregnancy up until the time of delivery. The exercises are progressive and will result in a stretch of between 8.5cm and 10.0cm. Women who achieve 8.5cm will reach 10.0cm during the crowning of the baby’s head at delivery. EPI-NO is used again following the birth to re-tone the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor muscle exercises are important for all women following childbirth.

The size of the balloon is not measured on the hand pump gauge. The gauge only measures the pelvic floor muscle strength when EPI-NO is used to exercise the pelvic floor. The size of the balloon is measured against a template in the Instructions for Use. Hold the balloon above the template and note the balloon diameter.

No. EPI-NO is a Single-User device and not designed, or registered, as a medical disposable product. For hygiene, and warranty reasons EPI-NO should NOT be passed between women. Under no circumstances should EPI-NO be purchased from any source unless in the original manufacturers sealed package.

No. In the EPI-NO clinical trials there were no indications whatsoever for any premature initiation of contractions or of premature birth. EPI-NO training should be undertaken under the guidance of a clinician, and any questions of a medical nature should be directed to a medical professional with knowledge of your medical history.

There are no indications whatsoever from the clinical studies or from the observations made by obstetricians and midwives that it is possible to puncture the amniotic membrane during EPI-NO training. The balloon is inserted 2/3 into the vagina and sits at the vaginal os. The balloon does not come into contact with the cervix.

EPI-NO perineal training is facilitated by the natural hormone Relaxin produced by the expectant mother in the late third trimester. Relaxin enables a elasticity of the perineum essential for a vaginal birth. EPI-NO gradually and gently stretches the tissue increasing the elasticity uniformly at the perineum. During childbirth the opening of the vagina must expand to 10.0cm to allow the passage of the baby’s head. The EPI-NO training accustoms the vagina to the stretching required in childbirth and facilitates its return to normal. Perineal injuries are generally the result of spontaneous tearing or of an episiotomy, often both. Clinical evidence shows EPI-NO training reduces this risk.