Drinking Castro oil?

How long does it take for the castro oil to take affect?? I drank it last night with oj, I went to the restroom, experienced the cramps, but.. no labor yet... i'll be 39 weeks on wednesday...

[Clysta]

It varies with different people. If your body isn't ready for labour yet it won't work anyways. From the few people who said it worked for them, it generally will start within a few days.

[spade22]

Did the doctor recommend drinking castor oil?  This can be quite dangerous and should only be done if under supervision by a medical professional.

[AnnieBrooke]

If you don't go into labor, don't take the castor oil again,  It can give your baby some real problems.

[BTS1022]

I did castor oil with my youngest...he will be 2 in Oct. I tried the castor oil 4-5 times and he came out perfectly healthy. Only real worry is that the baby poops in the uterus before birth, other than that it has not been proven to cause any real significant issues.

Anyways, Castor oil doesn't always work. It is thought that the cramps from having diarreah (diarrhea)(sp) will bring on contractions by aggravating the uterus. If the castor oil has not sent you into labor yet....it more than likely won't be effective at all.

There are no real ways to naturally induce labor, baby will make that call on his/her own when he/she is ready.

[Bana1160]

I agree, my girl friend took it a week after her due date and she didn't go into labor for another 5 or 6 days after that so I don't think it works all that well! Good Luck, and Congratulations!!

[AnnieBrooke]

The worry is not that the baby poops in the uterus, it is that the baby poops in the uterus and breathes it in, in the amniotic fluid, and can get a severe pneumonia from it.  I wouldn't try it again if it didn't work now.  39 weeks is not 40 weeks, you're not even due yet.

[LauraB78]

Why are you trying to induce labor if you are only 39 weeks? I have never used castor oil, and I never would. I have never heard any great stories about it and it is has no evidence to support that it is safe & effective. I would just wait until your next appointment and maybe ask your OB to do a membrane sweep. Good luck, and hang in there! You are almost there!