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570399 tn?1224296128

Has anyone tried Castor Oil to Induce Labor?

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.
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Avatar universal
Took castor oil lastnight around 9:30 pm had mild diarrhea and mild cramping throughout the night but I slept through most of it . Today did some walking but have been feeling a stomach ache all day . I have depression from this pregnancy and haven’t consulted with my dr about it so I’m trying castor oil again tonight hoping I’ll get this baby out . I am 38 weeks as of today I honestly wouldn’t survive another 2 weeks .
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1 Comments
Hi there.  Here is the thing I'm concerned about.  Depression during pregnancy means you are likely to have post partum depression and delivering the baby isn't going to cure the depression. Hormones surge and wain and all that change can create mood instability.  So, PLEASE talk to your doctor about your depression that you had during pregnancy and let them help you once you deliver.  Many a mom has her time with her newborn ruined due to post partum depression or anxiety.  You would survive another two weeks, you are stronger than you think but you're also full term so if baby comes, it's okay.  Hope you deliver soon but please watch that depression as it can get worse once baby is delivered.  We're here to help!!  Talk to us about how you are feeling!
Avatar universal
It didnt work for me:(i wanted my baby but mind bad ill just wait
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Avatar universal
Update:

Mild contractions started at 4:30ish, but thought i'd be false labor cause they were short, yet so close together, around 2-3 minutes apart. By 5pm, they were got more painful. By 6pm, they were strong and consistent, but still a little short, around 30 seconds, but very frequent. We decided to head to the hospital and i spent the entire ride screaming in pain. Got there and i was 4 cm dilated, as opposed to 1.5cm that very same morning, so I was admitted. I went from 4cm to 10cm in less than 45 minutes!!!!!! Healthy 7 lbs Baby girl was born early that evening.

So it took less than 8 hours from the moment I took castor oil to holding my baby in my arms.
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Avatar universal
I'm 39w5d. I tried castor oil 2 weeks ago at around 7:50pm. Took 2 tbsps. Took another dose at around 9:00pm. I woke up at 0:30am with bad diarrhea cramping andcontractions mixed together. Contractions were strong and frequent (3 to 6 minutes apart) so we headed to the hospital. This is our second child and was told that labor could go very quickly with a second baby. I was only 1 cm dilated so they told me to walk around the hospital for
2 hours and checked me again and I was still at 1 cm. I was sent home, contractions stopped as soon as I had breakfast.

I've been on theinduction list for 6 days now do to low fluid. They are so busy at the hospital that my induction keeps being posponed. As i mentioned, I am 39w5d today. After my doctor appointment this morning, I took about 2 ozs of castor oil again, thinking it should work this time. So far, i had mild diarrhea and mild cramping. I went to the store, walked around, did some chores at home, and all i get are Braxton Hicks. I really hope castor oil works for me this time. It's been 4 1/2 hours since I took it. I'm starting to feel hopeless...
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5265255 tn?1375320805
I took it yesterday around 7:39 pm by 5 am I was having contractions every 1-2 minutes .. They were really hurting ( I've been 4cm since 34 weeks) they checked me and I was still 4cm but I am now 100% effaced. They sent me home =\ I didn't have any diarrhea just gas now I feel constipated.. Lol
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Avatar universal
I used it with my daughter 2& 1/2 weeks before my due date I started having contractions two hours after words but I also took a long walk rightafter I took it but my water didn't break until.like 12 hours later
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Avatar universal
do caster oil help u?
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Avatar universal
I was so eager to get my first daughter here I tried it at 38 weeks. It made me have horrible cramps n diarrhea but no baby for another two weeks! It wasn't worth trying it in my second or even this pregnancy. Made me feel that awful!
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Avatar universal
So after a long night of ******** ever hour, on the hour, and taking 2 hot baths last night to help with the cramping-- I've almost reached the 12 hour mark and must say my son is locked and loaded and ready to come. I am having a ton of pressure. Yesterday the doc said I was 3 cm and 80% effaced. This morning it feels like he is now sitting lower causing tremendous pressure 24/7 and my stomach is rock hard. I am still pooping so I really don't wan't to take another dose--Instead I will go for a walk and keep everyone updated.
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Avatar universal
Well Ladies I am 39 weeks and just had 2-3 tablespoons of Castor Oil and yea it was gross! I'll let you know if it works!
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Avatar universal
Im 37.5 weeks pregnant I tried castor oil laxt night(12-11-12) not even a hour later I thru up and fell asleep and 40mins later woke up to really bad contractions they lasted a hour but I didnt feel as if they were there strongest they stoppd a hour later I feel asleep nd now its 10:12am and im have n bad cramps so far I feel like it didnt work
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Avatar universal
I was 38 weeks pregnant with my daughter (1st child) and used castor oil to induce labor. The taste is extremely awful but right after I drank a bit of soda so it wasn't that bad . About 2 hours later my contractions started and not even 7 hours later my daughter was born. I did have the runs real bad at home before reaching the hospital but then again it was thanksgiving night and I had eaten like a cow ... My daughter was born 6lbs 8oz and healthy she is now 2 years old and driving me crazy Lol I'm now 26 weeks pregnant with my son and will most likely use it again ! My best friend also did it with her 2 kids. And they also turned out fine hope this helps goodluck :)
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Avatar universal
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!!
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Avatar universal
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!
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2137220 tn?1340741325
I do! Just to see what comes out of it!
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Avatar universal
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
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Avatar universal
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...
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2104408 tn?1334323891
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?
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2104408 tn?1334323891
Did it work?
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Avatar universal
I'm 39 weeks 2 days, have an apt tomorrow and am going to check with my Doctor to see if it's ok to try castor oil. Judging by the comments below it has about a 50% success rate which gives me hope because the thought of possibly having to wait 2 more weeks to deliver makes me want to cry. The one thing that surprises me is the amount of women that admitted to trying the oil in their 36 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. Just seems a bit dangerous to try almost a month early. Most of the women stated that the oil didn't work so I guess if your body isn't ready then the baby is staying put ) lol
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Avatar universal
YES IS does work my sister in law had some and 5 1/2 hours later she was in labor.,,,, i know im about 3 years late lol
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Avatar universal
I am 39 weeks today! I have tried primrose oil and red rasberry leaf tea for the past week.  having  irregular contractions that are not getting stronger  for the past two weeks now. went to the doctor a week in a half ago and was 1cm and 70%. so today i tried 2 TBSP of castor oil in some orange juice we will see what happens. Hopefully it ends with my lil man in my arms.
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Avatar universal
really bad cramping feeling in stomach and feel like i have to have a bm but i cant going to try to go to sleep but these cramps hurt really bad will keep u updated
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Avatar universal
i tried it again but if nothing happens this time i dont thank i was try again its too hard to drink down lol but so far 1 bm but i took it at 7:40 so pray for the best will keep you updated
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