celebrity writers

Castor Oil to Induce Labor

How using castor oil can help you induce your labor.

Feb 2, 2007

Orange Smoothie as Castor Oil Induction, Samuel Ascaso

Using castor oil is an effective way to induce labor. Yet castor oil induction can have negative side effects for some expectant mothers. Find out how to avoid problems.

How does castor oil work to induce labor?

When the bowels are stimulated, your body makes prostaglandins. These hormones are helpful to contract the smooth muscles of your body including the uterus. Some people also think that castor oil may work by causing dehydration, which is also known to stimulate contractions.

What is the best way to take castor oil?

Castor oil has a very unpleasant aroma and taste, so mothers might find it easier to take castor oil mixed with something else. There are also brands available which are flavorless and odorless. Recipes include mixing castor oil with orange juice, or into a smoothie or mixing it with eggs and then scrambling them. The recommended dosage can vary anywhere from 2 T to several ounces and then sometimes repeated. It is very important that you get the appropriate dosage amount from your midwife or obstetrician before trying any castor oil induction.

Are there disadvantages of using castor oil?

While castor oil can work very well to stimulate contractions, it can mean cramping, diarrhea and therefore having to stay near a bathroom for many hours. You can easily become dehydrated so it is important to increase your fluids if you plan to do a castor oil induction.

Another disadvantage is that you can have all the negative side affects (diarrhea and cramping)and still not go into labor. Or you go into labor quickly but continue to have loose bm's even hours after you give birth.

Be sure you check with your provider and prepare for the downside of this type of induction. You may need to weigh the pros and cons of a castor oil induction versus a pitocin induction, since neither is ideal and they both can have disadvantages.

Have you thought about a castor oil induction? Or did you have success with using one? Tell us.

See the series for other methods to naturally induce labor.

The copyright of the article Castor Oil to Induce Labor in Pregnancy & Childbirth is owned by Brenda Lane. Permission to republish Castor Oil to Induce Labor in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Comments

Aug 30, 2008 11:35 AM

Guest :

ITS GOOD STUFF!

Aug 31, 2008 8:54 PM

Guest :

what are the advantages of castor oil?

Sep 2, 2008 11:12 AM

Guest :

it's been 2 hours and i just have some cramping. i've been having prodromal labor for a week now...i just want it over with!

Sep 4, 2008 10:04 AM

Guest :

IT WORKS! I went into labor within about an hour after taking it, before the diarrhea started! I mixed it with orange juice.

Sep 5, 2008 1:26 PM

Guest :

I took castor oil about 2 hours ago... I feel absolutly nothing... no diarrhea no labor no cramping no nothing... now what do i do i'm done being pregnant!

Sep 10, 2008 6:50 PM

Guest :

I wanna do this again with this pregnancy because it worked last time and i dont wanna do pitocin as of this tuesday...

Sep 11, 2008 9:06 AM

Brenda Lane :

I cannot recommend castor oil because for some people, the side effects are brutal and they still don't go into labor. It comes down to making a personal decision, i.e. what is worse - hours of pitocin or hours of going to the bathroom?

It is always a good idea to check with your care provider before you take anything medicinal during pregnancy.

Brenda

Sep 11, 2008 12:32 PM

Guest :

I just took it 30 minutes ago. Nothing so far, and I'm a bit skeptical that it will do anything besides cause diarrhea, but I'm past due and desperate and not scheduled for induction until Weds.

Sep 11, 2008 1:41 PM

Guest :

i took it i got contractions for 5 hrs then they stopped never got dihria at all so im going to try it again since im 38 weeks gestation and seriously in alot of pain n pressure so yep we are going to try an get this kid out

Sep 16, 2008 4:36 AM

Guest :

i used Castor Oil for my 2nd child, i had 5 tablespoons over 6 hours, 2 at first then 3 more.. i had my last dose at about 10.30pm and went to bed woke up at 5.30am in full labour and had my son at 11.27am...Castor Oil is the go if you really want the bubs out!!!!
it really does work!!!

Sep 19, 2008 11:46 AM

Guest :

I took 2 tbs. about 5 hours ago so I just took another 2 tbs. I still feel absolutly nothing I have 9 days until my due date & I am so miserable right now being pregnant I just want it over with

Sep 20, 2008 8:04 PM

Guest :

I took castor oil last night. I am 38 weeks pregnant and I did not experience diarrea, however I did have contractions most of the night but then they stopped.

Sep 24, 2008 5:06 PM

Guest :

all you woman who are taking it before your expected due date are really idiotic.
i don't think you should even attempt to take it before at least a week overdue.
if at all, it's dangerous for the baby, because not only will you have numerous bowel movements, but your risking the baby having one as well while in the womb. getting the feces in the babies eyes, mouth, ect is EXTREMELY dangerous.

Sep 25, 2008 6:10 AM

Brenda Lane :

Do you have any literature or research to support that taking castor oil increases the chances of meconium?

Sep 25, 2008 9:32 AM

Guest :

there are no reasons to associate castor oil induction with having an affect on baby passing meconium. heres some people taking about it on this link
http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/coMec.html

Sep 25, 2008 9:35 AM

Guest :

http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/coMec.html
this links shows that there is no proof to castor oil making babys bowels move.

Sep 25, 2008 6:03 PM

Guest :

I've been reading up and there isn't a connection between taking caster oil and meconium, there is a connection between going past your due date (usually 41 weeks or more) and meconium.

Sep 26, 2008 6:01 AM

Brenda Lane :

Yes the association between postdates and meconium is well-documented. That is why it is always good to be sure you have research to support what you say. Not to mention if you hear something that you aren't sure about - look it up yourself!

Oct 1, 2008 10:26 PM

Guest :

it is a proven fact that castor oil will not affect the baby because it has a nutritional value of 0 so you stomach does not absorb it into your blood stream witch we all know is where the baby gets all of it nutrients and oxygen from so there is no reason for a baby to have a bowel movement

Oct 2, 2008 6:19 AM

Brenda Lane :

That is why it is important to back up your comments with research or proof.

Oct 5, 2008 12:36 PM

Guest :

Having read a number of toher articles then all thse comments it seems to me that the likelihood of the foetus passing murconium is probaby more closely related to foetal distress due to maternal dehydrtion than the castor oil itself. However, dehydration is a recognised way of inducing labour and castor oil is known to cause dehydration, so general caution and drinking plenty of water whilst using castor oil would seem sensible to me.

I've given birth twice, once following ptosin induction due to being postdate and preclamptic and the other spontaneously at 37 weeks.

I'm on here for a friend who is getting desperate with 36 hours to go before induction in a hospital she hates, but my thoughts are with you all going through the same frustration.

Oct 6, 2008 1:14 PM

Guest :

i am due in 3 days i drank castor oil about 1 hour ago am having really bad diarrhia but no contractions anyone ever had that happen?

Oct 8, 2008 6:39 PM

Guest :

I am almost 38 weeks. I was wondering if anyone could suggest when it is safe to take castor oil.

Oct 9, 2008 3:33 PM

Guest :

i drank it about hour and 1/2 ago i am 38 weeks 3 cm dialated and her head is right there i have been haveing contractions on and off last 2 days just want this laybor to start!!!!

Oct 21, 2008 1:31 PM

Guest :

I'm about a 3 now and have been having contractions on and off now... I tried about 2T castor oil bout 30 min ago and so far nothing. I just really want to get this all over with and fast!!! Maybe in a couple of hours I'll try another dose. I'm beginning to feel skeptical.

Oct 23, 2008 4:18 PM

Guest :

I agree with most of the comments on taken it and feeling nothing. I took 2T and feel asleep. Woke up to make dinner for husband and 2 other children, so far nothing. I have now taken another 2T for the max of 2 oz recommended....NOTHING. I am 50% effaced and dialated to a 3-4, contractions 1 min apart for 3 days....will this really work cause right now I say it is crap.

Oct 24, 2008 11:50 AM

Guest :

well im 36 weeks im 2cm i have bin that way for a mth im on bed rest i have two kids this is my 3 kid last night i took castor oil for the first time last night i took one 1tp and another at 12 noon and nothing has happen but diarrhea i will keep you posted

Oct 24, 2008 12:41 PM

Guest :

Castor oil can not only make you have a bowel movement, but also make the baby pass its meconium in the placenta, which can cause infections and problems for the baby. I've also heard cases where castor oil causes the placenta to slip from the uterus, which leads to hemorrhaging. Some people use castor oil to cause miscarriage. SO use with caution.

Oct 28, 2008 2:28 AM

Guest :

iam havin twins and 36 weeks is it ok t take castoroil now plec help i cant do with the pain anymore

Oct 28, 2008 11:48 AM

Guest :

Here's another bonus to Castor Oil: With my second baby, during delivery, I actually pooped on the delivery table. Mortifying! However, with my third, I took Castor Oil. The diarhea cleared my bowels, so there was no chance of that happening again, and yes, the castor oil worked within 6 hours. But the baby arrived before the doctor did.

Oct 29, 2008 1:06 AM

Guest :

tried it and nothing happened!! oh well she's lazy like her daddy!lol.

Oct 29, 2008 8:52 AM

Guest :

I need to know how much castor oil to take? I am 2cm dialated, 50% effaced and she's at a +2 station. Contractions off and on for days. I have been walking, havng intercourse and taken evening primrose oil. Still nothing is making them regular. Can someone please help?!!! Oh yeah, I have been drinking red raspberry leaf tea also. I feel castor oil is my last hope.

Oct 31, 2008 2:41 PM

Guest :

I am officially due tomorrow and I plan on taking castor oil within a few hours. I used it with my son and I had him 12 hours after taking it (was only in labor for 5 hours). I was 3 days past due at that time. However, I am taking it a few days earlier this time because my doctor wants to induce me with synthetic oxytocin on Tuesday due to a grade 3 placenta and that is the last thing that I want to take place. So I am claiming that my baby will be born tomorrow on it's EDD. Tomorrow is also my grandmother's bday, so it will be very special for him/her to come on that day. Please keep your fingers crossed and send prayers up if you happen to read this today!!!
I plan to take 1 ounce of castor oil in 6 ounces of OJ, I may do it again around midnight, but I hoping one dose will get the job done. I have my bags and camcorder at the door, I'm so ready to go!!! I will post again to let you all know how it went. IA

Nov 1, 2008 7:54 PM

Guest :

i took castor oil just over an hour ago, i was very nerves taking it becuase you read good and bad things about it, i am almost 38 weeks with my third child and so fed up with this pregnancy i want it over, however i have not had any side affects with takeing the castor oil i put 2 tablespoons in with a glass of orange juice. fingers crossed that something will happen.

Nov 1, 2008 7:54 PM

Guest :

Nov 3, 2008 12:10 PM

Guest :

I mixed it with icecream like a milk shake. I took it at 5pm. 11pm my water broke and my daughter delived at 2am. No side effects at all.

Nov 6, 2008 10:01 AM

Guest :

I am 37 and a half weeks pregnant.This is my third child.I went to the Dr. and she told me that I was 2 cm dilated. I decided to take castor oil at 8 at night.Had a bowel movement but nothing took another dose at 8 in the morning and still nothing how could this be? Any advice?

Nov 7, 2008 12:44 PM

Guest :

Ok, so Im curious about this oil? I am so ready to be done that I would like to try it. I am not to sure on how much to take though. I am in alot of vaginal pain, 2 cent. dialated & only 37 weeks & 1 day. I've been taking baths, walking & having sex w/my husband, but no contractions, no water break..NOTHING. Is it safe to take now or should I just let it take its course? Can someone please fill me in..Email me at candr_dawson@yahoo.com, Thanks.

Nov 9, 2008 11:04 PM

Guest :

I took 4oz with OJ at 9pm...had some diarrhea and a few contractions so far (it's now 11pm). To be honest...it really "cleansed" me and I feel really good. So even if I don't go into labour...I'm happy.

Nov 10, 2008 6:18 PM

Guest :

Here goes a mini blog. See if this works. It is now 1820 on 10 Nov 08. I have taken 2 tsp of castor oil. I also have not had a proper BM since wed. So i hoping this will help with that as well. I am due 20 NOV but this baby is a lil big... Well I will post every once in a while to let yall know what is up and if this works!

Nov 11, 2008 12:27 PM

Guest :

Ok so I posted my mini blog last night and omg now there is blood!! I had a few light but very consistant contractions!!! and now at about 1200 i lost what I am thinking is my mucus plug. but there is lots of blood!!! I will post if I had him as a result of if this is just a false alarm. Good luck ladies!

Nov 12, 2008 9:55 AM

Guest :

Can you take castrol oil if you have to have a c section. My doctor will not take the baby unless I go into labor. I am due the week of the 24th and hava a c-section scheduled the 24th. This is my third and I am desperate to have this baby now or very soon.

Nov 14, 2008 10:37 AM

Guest :

I took 2 tablespoons of castor oil about 2 hours ago and dont feel any different...another 2 hours and I will take another 2 tablespoons!!! Im soooo ready to be a Mummy!!!

Nov 16, 2008 2:14 PM

Guest :

I tried castor oil last night~~i couldnt get it all down cuz it wuz just gross!!!...but i did wake up with VERY strong contractions, but they eased down some since then...so i tried something a friend suggested...just do a little at a time with some root beer...so, at 3:30 this afternoon i took some root beer, poured it in a glass, and added a teaspoon of castor oil...right after i downed that, i did another teaspoon, and then one more...some people say to take 3 teaspoons, while i also hear 3 tablespoons from others...which is more better??...how long should i wait before i try more??...i definitely dont want to over do it...but should i try tablespoons next time if the 3 teaspoons dont work??...thanx for any advice!!!

Nov 17, 2008 8:03 PM

Guest :

Just took some about 4 to 6 hours ago, had some potty problems solved but thats it so far.
ah was wondering how early is to early to take oil?

Nov 17, 2008 9:16 PM

Guest :

well girls my daughter is due over due 1 week i took castor oil with her and had her that same night the dr wants too to induse on thurday she had her first son nateral and wants the same for her new baby girl she is 100 efast and 2cm we well try the oil in wed we well let you know how it went every body well have a different experance we wish you all the luck yolie and yaya from santa barbara

Nov 18, 2008 6:24 PM

Guest :

I did the Castor oil thing Friday morning. After about 4 hours had diarhea. Nothing to severe. I also made surwe to drink plenty of fluids. Saturday felt terrible, like I had the flu, lots of vomitting. Same situation on Sunday, except now I had a headache that would not go away, and on Monday was in the hospital receiving two liters of IV fluids due to dehydration. Never has a single contraction. I took two ounces. I really don't reccomend it, but if you do it maybe try a lower dose.

Nov 18, 2008 6:24 PM

Guest :

Nov 21, 2008 6:17 PM

Guest :

I just took 2-2.5 Tbsp. about two hours ago, and already had a whole lot of diarrhea (sorry to share the details). I've started having some mild contractions, just waiting now to see if they become more "regular". It seems like the general concensus of people who have tried is that it either did nothing, or started doing something pretty quickly, which it has for me. I've got my fingers crossed!

Nov 22, 2008 7:21 AM

Guest :

im 39 weeks and want baby out but dont no if to take castor oil or not?

Nov 22, 2008 4:22 PM

Guest :

Nov 24, 2008 2:16 AM

Guest :

well im 37 weeks on fourth baby and soooo over this pregnancy. i took 3 oz at 845pm with sum oj and have had sevier poop action wich is great cause havvent in a few months regularly its now 417am and have been having good contractions for 2 hrs now.. waiting dont want to go to early to hospital hope it works...

Nov 25, 2008 6:58 PM

Guest :

I am 38 weeks and 3 days, with lots of pressure and contractions for the last two days. I read about castor oil in a friends book of mine and it said to take 2tablespoons with orange juice. One hour later take another tablespoon and another half an hour after that. So I got home and tried it right away, with evening primrose oil and raspberry leaf tea... it is now 4.5 hours after I took the first dose... and NOTHING. Not one bowel movement and no contractions... I totally give up and figure just waiting it out is the only wany to meet my second baby girl.

Nov 26, 2008 9:22 PM

Guest :

Wow, I am past due and I am a labor and delivery R.N. I am really disturbed by how many 37 weekers are drinking castor oil to induce labor. Term is 37-42 weeks. Most hospitals consider it 38-42 weeks, because the risk of respiratory problems is greatly increased at 37 weeks. Babies generally come out when they have finished developing,... its nature. At 37 weeks, there is a chance your baby could actually need 5 more weeks to develop. This is awful...I actually feel a bit sick.

Nov 28, 2008 12:17 PM

Guest :

I am 39 weeks and 2 days. I have always had to do pitocin with my other 2 and do not want to go thru that again, So here goes, I am going to try this in a few days, but I want to say something to the moms who try this before 38 weeks, Please don't. you could be putting your baby in danger. I had my son @ 38 weeks and he was not ready yet so I know there is a reason they say 40 wks, because thats what it takes, just try and be patient. I have had 2 and am ready 2 deliver 3rd one so I know how hard it is.

Nov 28, 2008 1:03 PM

Guest :

I am 39 weeks and having contractions for one week I am dilated to 3 but nothing yet. Was wondering if anyone could tell me if it is really worth it to take or just wait it out

Nov 30, 2008 9:23 AM

Guest :

I am considering taking castor oil...I'm 41 weeks +1, 4th child, 1st and third children went one day over due date and were 7.5 pounds, second daughter was 3.5 weeks overdue (yes, she was...I knew when I was fertile) and 10 pounds...no GD either. Not wanting to birth another ten pound baby, or go 3 weeks overdue, I am trying it. I am not sleeping and am pretty much ready to have this baby. I think my ten pounder would have been fine coming on time.

Nov 30, 2008 8:29 PM

Guest :

I am 37 weeks today...took castor oil around 3 or 4pm. 4 onces all at once chased it with Pepsi. it tasted awful but I am desperate. I'm a mom of 5 and my youngest was born Dec 28th. Its hard trying to make Christmas "happen" like you want when your are expecting any day. Since the "cocktail" I've had 3 0r 4 "bathroom experiences none too-too bad and the diarrhea cramping seems about gone. Now I am having contractions I would say on a scale to 10 they're about a 5. I guess I will be waitng to see what happens... I am most curious because I have tried the castor oil with 2 previous pregnancies and it didnt even work as a laxative much less a labor stimulator. Soooo this is already different. I will keep posting.

Dec 3, 2008 11:29 AM

Guest :

im 4 days overdue and losing my mind! I have tried everything from sex to running on a treadmill, nipple stimulation - nothing worked! i have 2 friends who were due after me and had there babies already! I feel like i will have a nervous breakdown if this baby dosnt come out today! i just tried the castor oil and i had about 2 tsp with oj! it was disgusting and slimy! Keeping my fingers crossed that it works!

Dec 4, 2008 3:43 AM

Guest :

im 38wks+6 tried 2oz of castor oil with oj at bout 4.20pm y-day. at 6.30pm had to nip to the loo then at 8.30pm i had some cramps. fell asleep at bout 9.30pm and woke up 2hrs later with severe cramps, thot i was going to die! couldnt sleep at all the whole nite! feel normal today but nevr tryin it again! dnt confuse these cramps with contractions, they eventually go away! when buba is ready to make an appearance he will, just let him be until then!

Dec 4, 2008 5:49 AM

Guest :

how long does it take to work?

61 Comments