My daughter in law asked if I could put this question out to you Mamas. She is 40 weeks pregnant and so ready. Has anyone tried castor oil to get labor going? Was it successful?
Thanks ladies, my feeling was not to do it. She was just wondering.
I tried it with one of my pregnancies and it did give me contractions. However, they weren't enough to throw me into labor and it gave me awful diarrhea.
the reason it can work is because it cause lots of cramps and diarrhea. Those 2 things could help kick start labor But if I were her I wouldn't want to go into the hospital and try and push a baby out while having diarrhea. Also if diarrhea is going to kick start labor than something else would too, like spicy food, walking up hill etc.
I've heard it can work and that a little goes a long way. Like other posts say, it causes abdominal cramps which is why it can kick start labor. I also have a few friends that used it and it was very unpleasant - lots of cramps, poop, discomfort. The whole deal. I would proceed cautiously and try everything else first - lots of walking, spicy foods, sex, ect...
Used it with my second daughter.... took it that morning and I had her that evening.. worked for me!!!! My mom used it with me as well and I was born that day!!!
It worked! I did it once with my first and had to try 2 nights with my second. I figured he wasn't ready to come out the first time.
I took it with number 8 as she was a week over due and my doctor told me to try it. That was many years ago and I took it and a few hours later started having to go to the bathroom and then labor started and she was born hours later. It wasn't a big deal and not any pain other than regular labor so I would do it IF you are at your due date or past. The doctor told me if you are not actually 'ready' it will only do the diarrhea and cramping but if you ARE really ready it will work. I'd do it again if I was past due and had swelling ankles, etc.
I tried it with #4 when I was 5 cm dilated already, and ready to go! All I got was diarrhea! Can't hurt anything though...don't overtake on the dose. The amt recommended by midwives is sufficient for inducing labor if labor is ready to go. If you take too much, hoping more is better, you could dehydrate yourself.
Wow, that's crazy--my SIL & I were just talking about this last night! She is a labor & delivery RN, and she said she sees women all the time come in who have taken castor oil; they are having contractions due to being dehydrated because it causes diahrrea, not real labor, and they are sent home. Don't do it!
