BEFORE YOU CONSIDER ATTEMPTING NATURAL INDUCTION WITH CASTOR OIL.
1. Never take more than 1-2 tablespoons in a twenty-four hour period.
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2. Drink lots of water, as castor oil is a laxative and will dehydrate you.
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3. It’s best to take castor oil in the morning, as it can take 6-12 hours to work.
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4. If your body is not ready to go into labor it will not work. Unless you have a good reason (discomfort is not a good reason!) don’t attempt this before 40 weeks.
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5. Do not take it as a means to speed up labour – it can make it quite painful on top of contractions. Only take it to induce.
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6. Do it at your own risk and talk to your medical professional if in doubt.
How It Works
When you’re overdue with baby, chances are that you’ll be willing to try almost anything. The first few days after you go overdue you might promise yourself that certain methods of natural induction are out of bounds, but after a few more days you’ll just be desperate to get baby out.
Castor oil is a liquid laxative that you can find in most chemists and health food stores. Because of its forceful emptying of the bowels which can cause cramping and diarrhoea, castor oil is frowned upon by some people.
However if you do plan to try it or just want to know about it, this guide has the basic information you’ll need – both the good the bad and the plain messy. Having spent many hours reading all I could on it, as well as naturally inducing labor with it myself, this is what I learnt…
Meconium & Castor Oil
Meconium Stained Liquors (waters) occur in 10-20% of births and are not usually an issue. Out of this group, only 2-4% of babies experience complications caused by MAS (meconium aspiration syndrome).
If you research castor oil induction thoroughly, you’ll find that there are two camps – one claims that castor oil labor induction increases the chance of meconium being passed during the labor due to foetal distress. The other group claims that castor oil labor induction has no relation to passing meconium. I’m no medical expert so here are the facts I’ve found. You can research and decide for yourself.
• Babies born postdate (40 weeks and over) have a higher chance of passing meconium in the womb due to more mature bowels.
• Babies born without using castor oil to induce labor can still pass meconium in the womb.
• Babies born after castor oil labor induction are still often born without passing meconium in the womb.
• No well documented study has linked meconium and castor oil labor induction or shown that these types of laxatives can pass through the placenta.
• One theory is that anything that effects the mother in a certain way during pregnancy has the same effect on the baby. Diarrhea is one of the main side effects of castor oil.
• Approximately 57% of women who take castor oil go into labor. Remember this is a statistic only and may not take into account how far along they were or other conditions.
But Isn’t Castor Oil Used for Abortion?
This is another common argument about why castor oil should not be used to induce labor. However it’s a redundant argument – abortion and induction share the same basic goal of evacuating the womb. Many medical induction aids (including pitocin) are also commonly used in abortion.
Medical Opinion
Even medical opinion on the subject varies widely. Some obstetricians and midwives regularly recommend the use of castor oil to induce labour once a woman passes 40 weeks while others discourage or strongly warn against it.
Until the last few decades, castor oil and soap enemas were commonly used in hospitals to induce labor. However doctors discovered other methods of induction that had higher success rates because they were more forceful on the body.
If you do have a high risk pregnancy or are ill, it’s a good idea to either seek medical advice or avoid castor oil as an induction method.
What Does Castor Oil Taste Like?
Castor oil is a thick liquid which some people do not like the taste of at all. Others say is nearly tasteless.
It is a thick, clear, oily liquid similar in taste and consistency to cooking oil. It also has a taste comparable to plain soap.
Can You Eat After Taking Castor Oil?
Yes, there is no reason you can’t eat after taking castor oil. However it’s best to eat light food only, as castor oil can make you feel nauseous or throw up, so a big meal will likely make you feel worse.
Castor Oil Side Effects
• Diarrhea – Since castor oil is a laxative, this is a very common side effect.
• Vomiting – A small number of women also vomit due to the strong effect of the oil.
• Cramping – The bowel will usually cramp due to the laxative effect of the castor oil but not everyone will feel it. Some women will experience violent cramps however.
• Nothing – some women will not experience any side effects at all.
Preparing To Take Castor Oil
• Make sure you have plenty of water available to keep you from being dehydrated.
• Be close to a toilet.
• Have your hospital bags ready.
How Long It Takes
It takes from 2-6 hours for side effects to begin. Side effects can last from 1-6 hours. It can take from 5-24 hours for castor oil labor to begin, if it’s going to.
Reasons To Take Castor Oil
• You don’t need to be dialated or engaged for it to work.
• Your system is clean so that it’s unlikely you’ll have any “accidents” while pushing during labour, except in the rare cases where labor begins very fast or was about to begin when you took the castor oil, anyway.
• It produces prostaglandins which can aid in dilation.
• Although more forceful than other natural induction methods, it still will not put you into labor unless your body is ready – unlike a medical induction.
Quantities & Drinking Methods
Many places online will recommend taking half a cup or more of castor oil. Personally I’d only recommend taking 1-2 tablespoons at most. As long as you take enough to make the castor oil do it’s job, you don’t need to overdose on it –taking too much can lead to severe dehydration.
There are plenty of ways you can take castor oil, it’s completely up to you. Here are some suggestions:
• Mix with orange juice or a strong flavoured drink to cover the taste.
• Take as a shot then chase it with something to remove the taste.
• Drink over ten minutes either mixed or in small straight amounts.
Do You Need to be Dilated or Effaced to Use Castor Oil?
Castor oil promotes the release of prostaglandins which can help soften and efface the cervix. It’s possible for castor oil to work even if your cervix is not dilated, effaced or ripe. Some cervixes (especially in first time mothers) do not begin to change till after labor begins.
Castor Oil for VBAC.
There is no medical evidence that castor oil is safe or dangerous for VBAC. The main risk with VBAC is that it may result in precipitate labor (very fast labor) which can put more stress on the uterus. Anecdotally this may increase the risk of RCS or uterine rupture. Check out Birth Without Fear for some amazing VBAC stories at 42-44 weeks gestation. Just because you pass a certain gestation doesn’t mean you can’t VBAC!
Studies and Medical Links Regarding Castor Oil Induction
A quick run through of the findings of the following studies:
• Castor oil does not increase the risk of meconium stained liquors.
• In one study, castor oil increased the risk of c/section, but this was a small study and has not been backed up across other studies.
• One study found no increase in the rate of onset of labor, but this is not backed up across other studies.
NCBI – Castor Oil Study (2000) – Study found an increase of over 50% labor onset with use of castor oil.
NCBI – Castor oil for induction of labour: not harmful, not helpful. (2009) Study finds no risks OR benefits of castor oil for induction.
Castor Oil for Induction Study – Noting changes in meconium levels and induction rates compared to a control group.
Castor Oil & Soap Enema Study – Does not cover meconium, but does show statistically rates for inducing with castor oil on its own.
Castor Oil & Other Labor Induction Methods Study – One finding was “The incidence of meconium stained amniotic fluid, Apgar scores, and birth weights was similar in both groups”.
According to a 2012 research paper in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,scientists have discovered that ricinoleic acid, a key component of castor oil, targets prostaglandin receptors on smooth muscle cells in the intestines and uterus to stimulate contractions,
The well known guide “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” simply says on the topic of Castor Oil induction:
Castor oil. Hoping to sip your way into labor with a castor oil cocktail? Women have been passing down this yucky tasting tradition for generations on the theory that this powerful laxative will stimulate your bowels, which in turn will stimulate your uterus into contracting. The caveat for this one: Castor oil (even mixed with a more appetizing drink) can cause diarrhea, severe cramping and even vomiting. Before you chug-a-lug, be sure you’re game to begin labor that way.
My Experience
I decided to try castor oil as a last ditch effort when I was 41 weeks. I was scheduled for a medical induction at 41+3. According to the doctor just three days before I was undilated and the baby wasn’t completely down in the birth canal.
I drank one tablespoon of castor oil at 3pm in the afternoon. I was running to the toilet from approx 5.30pm to 7pm and then had no more side effects. I cleaned my house so it was ready, just in case, and about 11.30pm I decided that it was time for bed.
I lay down on the bed and immediately had my first contraction. This was followed by a second contraction two minutes later. We arrived at the hospital and my baby girl was born 4 hours later, a healthy 8lbs 4oz and with no complications. She had an almost perfect apgar of 9 followed by a 10.
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I took castor oil at 38+5 around 18:00 hours I had a few niggles in the night but nothing to keep me awake, I then took one more spoonful the following morning to which contractions started stronger straight away. I had bad diarhoea and my little boy was born the following night at 00:28 hours at a healthy 8lb 13oz, it was a perfect home birth.. I did poo in labour and I was very aware and embarrassed about it.. I’m currently 36 weeks with my third baby and contemplating trying it again in a few weeks
Thank you for this article. Every forum I stumbled across had the negative posters. I love that your article details the good and bad that could happen as well as facts-supported by studies.
Take care!
Sorry to jump on but I’ve been in hospital for 5days due to induction my induction started on Tuesday and I’ve had 3 pessarys. But had contractions for 2nights but not dilated just softened my cervix a little I now have to wait 48hours on bed rest cause of the hormones of the tablets before I can start my next dose but if that doesn’t work they want to discuss c-section which I really don’t want to happen not with my first anyway due to it been a major operation and having a scar on my uterus if I take castor oil have I got a good chance of having my little girl shortly to avoid c-section?
I am 36 weeks pregnant, I haven’t been checked to see if I have dilated any. I am looking to try castor oil on my 37 week. Any recommendations. This is my second baby, I am really over this pregnancy already I been in n out of the hospital with contractions. I am just ready to have him already.
did you end up drinking it at 36 I am 36 now and want this baby out as well it worked with my daughter but i was 41 weeks hope you can help me out thanks
I’m 40 weeks 2 days. I took castor oil at 9am and I’ve only gotten up 3 times to go to the bathroom. I was constipated my entire pregnancy so this actually kinda helped my problem. I’m currently having contractions and cramping but nothing too significant to be able to go in. My OB won’t induce me til I’m 43 weeks so my husband and I decided we would try everything. I’m still within the 24 hour time frame so I’m hoping it works. We tried just about everything else so this is our last resort or I’m carrying til I’m dangerously over due. Contractions started at midnight for me, but they are just kinda annoying nothing I can’t handle. I’ve been in labor 4 times and the doctors medically stopped it because I wasn’t 40 weeks so now I’m desperate to start it again. I never see posts about using castor oil that is recent so I wanted to share my experience so far with it. I hope this helps someone who is in the same situation as me. I’ll update as soon as something more happens if it does but I do know it dosent work on everyone.
Hi you guys! I am currently 39weeks 3days pregnant. I am dilated 1cm barely effaced. Do you think castor oil will work for me?
Did it ever end up working? I’m 39w4d and I’ve taken it about 5 hours ago and have gone to the bathroom twice already with diarrhea, but no contractions every 3-5 minutes or anything. Did you ever do it? How quickly did it kick in? Please share your story with me if you did it then.
Hi I’m 40+4 and very uncomfortable 🙁 I’m about try castor oil for the second time in this pregnancy, tried at 38 weeks to no avail unfortunately. Going to try 2tbsp this time, just hoping it works this time round as I’m booked in for my membrane sweep on Wednesday and really don’t fancy having that done! Basically I’m just wondering if any other ladies have tried earlier in pregnancy for it not to work but then tried again once over due and it has worked? Tia 🙂
im 36+6 weeks pregnant i want to try castor oil is it safe
I’ve had 3 previous births with midwives and one of them I took castor oil with. Never had any complications.. This pregnancy I wasn’t able to have a midwife due to a limitation placed on them by area hospitals but also now this pregnancy I was also hit with gestational diabetes which I found out 2 weeks ago I had. I’m now 37 weeks pregnant got checked today cervix is very soft but no dilation, are there any studies showing an negative side effects for women with gestational diabetes and it Pre eclampsia and inducing labor with castor oil? I’m so ready to be done with this, I feel the longer he’s inside the harsher the environment is for him. Any help?
Hello I have taken Castor oil to induce my labor I have taken 2 table spoons at 6 p.m. no poo just gas and burping a few contractions baby moving a lot…It’s been 24 hours no baby just gas and cramping. Should I take more ?
38 weeks scheduled for my c-section in 12 days. Have seen so many ups and downs to castor oil that I had to try! Just took about two table spoons mixed in with a little soda. Held my nose and other than the oily feeling didn’t taste much at all. Dr. Said the baby was full term and healthy, so I’m ready. I’ll let ya know how/if anything works for me
Well nothing happened last night I didn’t even have to use the restroom. Ate breakfast, had a glass of water and finally at least used the bathroom. Took another dose of about two able spoons mixed with oj this time….. Waiting again now
I am 38 weeks and 3 days. I tried Castor Oil, taking 2-3 tablespoons mixed with orange juice. I had minor cramping about 6 hours later. Other than that it did not work for me 🙁
I am 38 weeks pregnant with my third child and im so tired. I’ve been really sceptic about the castor oil and have been reading alot about it. so today around 4:30 this evening. I took 2 tablespoons. So now i’m just sitting and waiting for the outcome. I’ll get back to you later and let you know the status.
Im 38+5 weeks i took 2 teaspoons last night at 8pm and nothing not even using the bathroom so today ive taken 2 tablespoons and still nothing a little bit of gas but nothing else and baby is moving alot what else can i try my midwife told me that the baby was engaged.
Carrot cake worked for me (and is MUCH more pleasant than castor oil)! Here’s my recipe: http://www.lucymyerz.com/2015/06/week-past-your-due-date-carrot-cake.html.
Good luck!
I’m 34+4 weeks and Iv been in and out of hospital with irritable uterus contraction. For the past month n half mybaby girls head is engaged. And she cause quite intense pain. I’mlooking at taking castor oil. Will this help speed things along bbecause I can’t stand the pain any longer.
Hi there..im here to say it works great. My mom came to see me at almost 38wks. The doc wanted to induce me but i did not want it. So my mom brought the castor oil and wow..great stuff. I took the whole little bottle at 12pm, showered, did my hair and make up then went for a 20min walk. By 2pm my system was completely cleaned out and contractions where 10min apart. I got to the hospital at 5pm and my baby was born at 10:15pm. 3 pushes and he was out. Doctors look at you like you are crazy for doing it but i find the idea of being hooked up to machines and posible surgery crazy. Maybe its just me. Lol.
I am almost 39 weeks and my midwife told me to take 2 oz.s of castor oil. After an hour I threw up very violently the whole day’s food. Apparently some stayed down because I have had diarrhea for several hours, the bottle said it would take 5 hours to work but that was not the case for me. I haven’t had any bad cramping from the oil but I thought it smelled bad like a boat engine. I drank it without mixing it with anything and the thickness made it hard to get down my throat. Hoping I go into labor soon!
I am 40 weeks + 5 days . Both my previous pregnancies were born at 38 and 39 weeks naturally so decided to give in and try castor oil. Had a stretch and sweep yesterday and only had spotting and lost m ucus plug but nothing . Had 2 tablespoons of castor oil with orange juice today at 2 pm now 845 pm and nothing but few bad farts so hoping the side affects missed me and put me into labour once going to bed . Also going to insert a primrose oil capsule into cervix overnight because will help ripings cervix. I was 3cm dialated yesterday hoping this works any one else have progress after 24 hours as nothing happened yet and i am getting impatient.