Castor oil

dangott · March 2015

For the non FTMS what are your thoughts on castor oil? Does it work? I haven't read anything anywhere about it being "dangerous" but my mom just told me not to use it for that reason. Just curious on your opinions. I didn't plan to use it really but I'm at my due date and anxious lol.

Sharon&Paul · March 2015

I have not used it personally, but have heard that it can cause significant cramping and diarrhea. I think the dangerous part is if you become dehydrated from the diarrhea.

chelseaa23 · March 2015

It is dangerous. If youre going to do it, it needs to be monitored by a ob/midwife.

Ive read it can lead to baby passing meconium in the amniotic fluid, which can cause serious problems.

lilmama041215 · March 2015

^I heard the same thing! I would talk to your dr before taking it.

rochellekellyy · March 2015

I used a tiny bit in orange juice with my first the night before I was due. I only took a tablespoon and I went into labor that night..I didn't have any problems but I also think that my body/baby was just ready too. I was nervous to do it but I made sure I didn't take too much.. Totally your choice!

guinevereis · March 2015

Don't do it! The efficacy is unpredictable at best and dangerous at its worst. You'll have better luck with walking, sex, or nipple stimulation with a breast pump.

Flowerstar1023 · March 2015

Just don't do it. It sounds absolutely miserable and why be miserable right before delivery?

Unknown · March 2015

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Unknown · March 2015

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kjuryfl · March 2015

I tried it with my first. It was absolutely disgusting (even with orange juice) and did nothing but give me a bad case of the shits. I wouldn't try it.

n0soup4u · March 2015

Don't be stupid. Wait until your baby is ready.

taahira · March 2015

Hang in there, baby will come when it's ready.

ashdasch · March 2015

I second what kjuryfl said. Tried it with my first and spent like 6 hrs with contractions that produced nothing more than me running to the toilet over and over with diarrhea. I ended up carrying my son for two and a half more weeks and having to be induced. It tastes completely awful and dehydration from excessive diarrhea is a serious concern. I know it's tempting to try things to get baby out and in your arms sooner but this is not a good option to try. A walk might help...

dangott · March 2015

Like I said, wasn't planning to do it, simply asking for opinions. Thanks ladies for sharing your helpful opinions!
.... Even those who feel the need to be rude about it!

Pix3lle · March 2015

I find it interesting but I wouldn't do it personally, but my mother and grandmother both used it at about 2 weeks before the due date and went into labor very shortly after with no issues (9 kids between the two of them).
That being said i've heard other people talking about only getting the runs and pains in regards to it, so baby safety aside, i doubt it's pleasant or worth it really. Probably coincidental regarding my mother and grandmother!

I would assume by default that liquid laxatives would have a similar effect, but they don't seem to say anything about not taking them! Wives tales are odd.

kcolleylussier · March 2015

I took some after my water broke with my first baby. It helped to get the contractions stronger when things kept slowing down. I took a litte with my second baby again after labour began. Both times, the midwife was with me. Im not sure about taking it earlier even though I would love to get the ball rolling with #3.

tdart14 · March 2015

I wouldn't do it unless you feel like sitting non stop. Not really a safe or practical way to encourage labor imo.

gracie21145 · March 2015

I took about 3 maybe 2 ounces (over two days) like my boyfriends mom did and it put her into labor a week later. But all it did to me was contractions for a little and diarrhea 24 hours later. Zander isn't here yet. But it depends on the person

cheshyrecatt · April 2015

From experience, it works. It is a very strong laxative and you will end up evacuating your bowels. I used it with my first (1-1/2 weeks overdue) and my third (we are a military family and it was the only way to try to ensure my husband would be around for the birth.). I strongly advise you to eat foods that don't clog your body's plumbing for a few days before you try the Castor oil & then keep drinking water while it cleans you out. Dehydration would be very easy to follow if you don't be sure to keep drinking water. And, as another mom pointed out, it only takes a little to do the trick. I think I only took maybe 2 teaspoonfuls, mixed with juice in a small glass, downed it fast and followed it with more juice. You may also want to hold your nose while taking it & brush your tongue and teeth afterwards. It worked very quickly for me. No pooping all over the place or sickly babies, either. That goes for both times I used it. It has been safely used for a very long time. Don't let the unknown and speculation scare you. (I have it on hand this time just in case.). It is awful tasting, by the way, so be prepared for that as well.
Hope you have a healthy child. Good luck.

mimi&stella · April 2015

If you are not dialated (body isn't ready) then it isn't going to work. If your body is getting ready 3+ dialaton, your chances are much better. Worked for me and I was completely cleaned out before labor. Was also OK with Dr.

Coco118 · April 2015

Well at 40+5 I finally got desperate enough to try this... No luck. Absolutely nothing happened other than a couple episodes of diarrhea. I have officially accepted that babies really don't come until they're ready and any old wives tale method is just coincidence.

babs3137 · April 2015

I used it at 39 weeks with my second child. I was afraid of having a c section so I took a tablespoon the night before and actually called my nurse after doing so. Who was not happy with my choosing to take it into my own hands let me tell you. Anyways Nothing happened except I got horrible cramps that night. Which in turn sped up the labor the next day with contractions.. but once I got to hospital I had to be induced right away. So the next day I had him. Plus having bowel movements before It was embarrassing ... but everything was fine. Everyone has a different experience and everyone's bodies takes differently so there really isn't a clear answer for you. It's so easy to be impatient and anxious at this stage but hang in there:) ♡

ejz98ric02 · April 2015

I wouldn't! Wives tales are just that. Today my OB said take it if I want greasy diahrea. He said he dreads births where women have taken it. Ugh. Can't imagine his view.

thing3ontheway · April 2015

ejz98ric02 said:
I wouldn't! Wives tales are just that. Today my OB said take it if I want greasy diahrea. He said he dreads births where women have taken it. Ugh. Can't imagine his view.

Gag: ^#(^

hipmommee · April 2015

I did this with my last 2 pregnancies and wouldn't advise it . It gave me bad cramps in my back and diarhea and did not jump start labour . I spent the whole night on the toilet and also was given a few hemroids from it . There is no way if it had put me in labour that diarhea wouldn't of come with it which would be so embarrassing at the hospital . I don't recommend it . It also took all i had to drink it I felt like I was going to vomit even with it in orange juice . Just aweful experience and I never went into labour doing it . I am definitely not doing it again for this pregnancy

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