s/o on castor oil post: what is wrong with castor oil?

laurenrobbie

I am sure I can google this but meh. I have heard of it but don't really know what it is and why it is thought to help bring on labor...or why people don't recommend it.

ETA: possibly nevermind, I am seeing some explanations now in the other post below.

juliejb

From what I understand, it is a heavy-duty laxative which can trigger labor, of course, you run the risk of becoming severely dehydrated and sick. ??

AbsoluteLM

Castor oil has been used as a laxative because it causes strong cramping of the intestines. The belief is that if you take castor oil, the cramping of your intestines will trigger contractions and labor. It does work sometimes, but it also causes vomiting and diarrhea at the same time as the contrax. If it works, you'll be dehydrated and so weak for labor and if it doesn't work... you'll just be dehydrated, weak and sick!

SLOmama

From the research I have done, I have seen that just like it makes you empty your bowels, it can make your baby do the same and then you have the issue of possible meconium aspiration.  Not to mention dehydration, discomfort, etc. 

diana.filipi

My OB would have had me try it if I wanted to before the induction scheduled for tonight except that my cervix is still closed.  Without the cervix being open it posses no benefit to try the castor oil.  

 

Anniekins214

Feeling like I have to poop and?puke?at the same time holds no appeal for me.?

luckyu522001

I was talking to one of my friends mom's today. She told me that she tried it and it didn't do anything to her. Her SO tried it and had explosive diarrhea for like 3 days. LOL Soooooo not gonna try it!