Should I give castor oil a try?

[aimsach]

I have been doing a lot of reading on this subject, but still I am uncertain if it is worth it to try to induce my labor with castor oil.  I am 39 weeks and 1 day, dialted to 2  as of Mon. and about 60% effaced, as far as I know. My doctor swept my membranes, which gave me cramps and contractions for about 3 hours on Mon, then nothing came of it.  I have taken the RRL tea, EPO, and had sex daily.  Nothing is working.  I am ready to give this a try today!  I am afraid mostly that it will make my actual labor unbearable and that I will have to go to the bathroom the entire time I am in labor; this I do not want!  I just want to move things along, actually start labor.  Anyone, advice?  (My doc does not recommend it).  

[Kimberlee_20]

Trust me I've thought about it PLENTY of times, I'm just SO sick of being pregnant, but I've been trying lots of walking, sex, stuff along them lines, and hopefully something will happen soon!

[aimsach]

Well, I have not tried it yet, but I have bought it.  I have done a lot of research on it, it is pretty much 50/50 at this point from what I have read.  I am mostly concerned with the health of my child and would never want to do anything to harm him.  I have not consulted my doc yet, she did not recommend it when we spoke at my last appt.  I know my body is ready, I just want to move things along.  Thank you for posting your thoughts, I will probably NOT do anything until my next appt on Mon. and see where I am at.  

[LauraB78]

I definitely would advise AGAINST trying castor oil. I have NEVER heard of a good experience with the women on this board, and that I know personally that have tried it..Dont do it! Hang in there.. Good luck!

[ArmyPrincess819]

I asked my dr about natural ways to induce labor and before I could finish he was shaking his head saying no way. He told me body is doing wonderful on it's own dilating etc and that all of the natural ways could actually make me sick. I have learned by being a member in this forum for 9 mos now that in fact every dr and every state seems to vary from one to another. Did you ask your dr what did he or she say? Good luck and if you choose to use it let me know what happens!

AP

[YvetteY]

Be patient...just wait.   Castor oil is disgusting and it will give you diarrhea and probably not even work.  Honestly none of those wives tales work.

[Sasha80]

I agree with the above 2 ladies.  I wouldn't try it. There are inducing pressure points that you can find online.  Keep in mind that any "inducing" techniques won't necessarily work until your body is ready to go into labour.  Castor oil could cause a heap of problems for you and the baby.  Best to wait it out.

[Mumita]

Kimberlee is absolutely right.  trying to induce labor with castor oil can be disastrous.  The castor oil makes you have bowel contractions and then uterine contractions so you will be going to the bathroom a lot.  The same thing that Kimberlee said can happen or it can distress the baby because he/she isn't ready and so heart rate can drop OR he could poop meconium which can complicate  his birth if he breathes it in when he's  born.
Just not a good idea at all. Let your baby come on his own.

[Kimberlee_20]

Definitely do not try to induce yourself! My sister took castor oil and 5 hours later her water broke, but since her baby wasn't ready to come yet, when her water broke it shot her baby into the birth canal and wrapped the cord around his neck 3 times, and he almost didn't make it. Let your baby come when he/she is ready - it'll be soon enough!