Hit desperation... castor oil

sstrom22 · May 2012

So I'm a week overdue and scheduled for induction tomorrow. I am SO scared of inducing and so today I bought a small bottle of castor oil. Not sure if I am brave enough to try, but have it on hand incase I get brave tonight.

I've tried every other method of inducing, so this is my last resort. Walking every night, DTD, nipple stimulation, EPO, eggplant parmesan, RRL tea... I even played volleyball (which caused LO to drop last week - finally!).

Has anyone had POSITIVE experiences with it? I realize the risks... but I also know the risks of inducing...

gatogrrl · May 2012

I have no experience with it, but it is recommended as a natural way to induce labor in my hypnobirthing book, so I assume there are no bad side effects. The book says 1/2 tablespoon every half hour for 3 doses, chased by orange juice.

Good luck!

moonfaerie · May 2012

This is my third time around on these boards, and the only thing women report who have tried it is horrible diarrhea. I think you're better off waiting (a little more) patiently for the induction, rather than spending the night cramping and running to the toilet and then being induced anyway!

sammylee007 · May 2012

Hope something works for you! Even if you have to get induced keep smiling, your little one will be here very soon

bellelamb · May 2012

moonfaerie:
This is my third time around on these boards, and the only thing women report who have tried it is horrible diarrhea. I think you're better off waiting (a little more) patiently for the induction, rather than spending the night cramping and running to the toilet and then being induced anyway!

This! I don't want to be induced but I know dehydration and diarrhea is not how I want to go into labor.

melrrr · May 2012

I did it. First thing in the morning and had my first contractions around noon. I did have diarrhea but not a ton and it was no longer an issue when we headed to the hospital around 5:30. I was dehydrated though, despite drinking lots of water all day. As a result the nurse had to call the anesthesiologist to put in my IV.

She was born just before midnight after 2.5 hours of pushing. Unfortunately there was meconium even though she was only 2 days past her due date. I was running against a tighter induction schedule due to scheduling availability at the hospital. That, alone, will keep me from using it again. Luckily she did not aspirate any of it, but so much I'd read said the meconium with castor oil is more likely due to being so far past the due date. I was charting so I was spot on with my dates too.

k8edgerton · May 2012

If anything you will get all of your poop out before your induction tomorrow...

I just read that you can have pain because it makes you cramp. If you try it -- Stay close to the toilet.

wheelsonthebus · May 2012

My cousin swears by castor oil. She was over due with her son and went into labor within a few hours of drinking it. She actually had no stomach issues either. That being said, I'm still not sure if I'd be brave enough to try it. :-)

Megloveshim07 · May 2012

Stuff tastes AWFUL the consistency made it hard to get down! The diarrhea really wasnt that bad though, it does clean you out though LOL

melrrr · May 2012

Megloveshim07:
Stuff tastes AWFUL the consistency made it hard to get down! The diarrhea really wasnt that bad though, it does clean you out though LOL

I took some with OJ and baking soda and some with an ice cream shake. That helped!!