Has anyone tried Castor Oil to Induce Labor?

[ramseyh17]

I was just wondering if anyone has tried drinking castor oil to induce labor? I have been doing research on this and I am considering trying it if labor doesn't start on it's own soon. Just thought I would see what you ladies thought about it. I have heard a lot of good stories and then some that say that it doesn't do anything but make you have the runs. So I would love to hear your opinion about it.

[Cosma10]

My first baby was 41 +1 and over 10 lbs. This time I wanted labor to start earlier so that the baby would be smaller as everything looked to be going in the direction of my first.

I had already been doing a ton of natural stuff to help encourage my body; RRL tea, EPO, walking, sex, stairs, etc. but when baby still had not come I decided that I had had enough and to try castor oil.

At 39 weeks and 3 days I took 12 castor oil capsules (equivalent to 1 tablespoon) in the evening at 10pm. At 2am I started having diarrhea - not too bad but enough to give me cramps (which was the point). During the night I was able to sleep but did feel uncomfortable and had to go to the bathroom about 4 times. By the end it was definitely a bit sensitive down there (although I did not get hemmroids etc- it was more like having a case of the flu).

Then at 6 am the stomach issues were pretty much over and contractions started. The contractions were irregular and super easy for me to deal with, in fact I was pretty sure that labor wasn't actually starting! However we decided to head to the hospital at 1pm and I learned I was already at 8cm. I had my baby at 3:45pm (only 8.9 pounds!!! -would definitely have ended up as big if I had waited as length was the same) without meds and overall it was a GREAT birth!!! I had no issues with the diarrhea,etc once labor started and if we have a third I would definitely use castor oil again.

I think using a small dose ( 1 tablespoon) and waiting until your body is close to labor- (after 39 weeks ideally) is key for it being a good experience :) Good luck ladies!!

[tarag1]

DO NOT TRY IT... It hs worked for a lot of girls but it can b very unsettling and dangerous! U will get very sick, puking,pooping and horrible stomach pains not to mention it can cause ur baby to have its first bowel movement which can cause serious problems that u dont want. Its not worth it!! Stick wit nipple stimulation, walking, squating and sex (or do it urself) sperm and orgasm helps! i gave myself an orgasm every night sometimes twice for four days and went from 1cm 60%thinned to 3cm 80% thinned. Its worth a shot and totally safe! Good luck!

[babyinJuly]

I do! Just to see what comes out of it!

[TJcab08]

I'm 38 weeks and just tried 2tbsp of castor oil with coke....I wouldn't have if the contractions would just stop...I don't think it's gonna work but hey of it doesn't I won't be constipated anymore...anyone wanna know what happens? So I can keep updated

[giselleleanne1516]

Well, my mom was told by her doctor to use castor oil to induce labor when she was 38 weeks pregnant and it worked. I don't have any health problems. She also used it with my sister at 38 weeks as well and it worked. I just don't see how that could be a coincidence...

[mizzelle91]

I am 36+5 and I am desperate to jumpstart labor. My doctor who I seen Monday says that I am dilated 1cm, 50% effaced, and -2 stationed. He says he wants to see me back at 38+2 (Mar 18) to strip or sweep my membranes and from there if I haven't gone into labor but I'm at least 2.5 cm he'll induce me at 39wks (Mar 23). If I am not 2.5cm by then he plans to just induce on April 30th. This is my second baby and I had to be induced with my 1st  but this go round I'd like it to happen naturally so would any of u advise castor oil? I've already bought it but I'm a lil nervous and I want more opinions. What do u think?