Castor Oil??

Wed Jan 16, 2013 12:22 pm

I'm 38 weeks+4 today but baby has always measured a week ahead on my sonograms. I've had history of preterm labor and I'm already at 4CM dilated 80% effaced and at a 0 station. All that progression happened before I was considered "full term" and now that I am full term I haven't been progressing. I just have a lot pain and cramping and it's to the point where I can't sleep, literally. Dr said it is safe to try to induce naturally now and I've tried sex, spicy food, yoga ball, walking, more walking, and acupressure. I keep hearing that castor oil is a great way to induce if your body is ready. My question is, since I'm already 4cm dilated do you think it would work? Has anybody tried castor oil? I'm interested in hearing any of your stories/opinions.

Wed Jan 16, 2013 1:04 pm

I've only really heard negative things about it. That's why I won't try it. Have u tried nipple stimulation?
Castor oil apparently can make u really sick. That it causes vomiting and diarrhoea and that's what causes the labour to start. I just really wouldn't like being sick then having labour and birth to contend with. Xx

Angel babies, 6/11, 7/11, 1/12.

Wed Jan 16, 2013 1:15 pm

Yeah I've seen a lot of negative posts as well but then I've seen some positive ones. Most of the negative posts I've read are from women who weren't much dilated or effaced. I read this one post of a lady trying it at 35 weeks! I'm shocked she tried so early. My DD was born at 38 weeks exactly and I assumed I would have delivered by now with this LO (I know I shouldn't assume especially with pregnancy being so different each time). We've tried lots of nipple stimulation and I would get maybe 3 contractions and then nothing. I'm just terrified of getting a medical induction so I'm trying everything else that's considered natural right now. I just bought some so I'll let you know how it goes... I know I have a huge chance of getting nauseous, vomiting, and diarrhea but at the moment it sounds better than a medical induction (I think/hope).

Wed Jan 16, 2013 3:51 pm

I haven't/won't try it. With my luck I'd just end up having a really bad case of the runs. I know someone who tried it with their last baby and it didn't work, she just ended up pooping a lot.

Have you thought about evening primrose oil? It seems a lot safer.

Wed Jan 16, 2013 5:18 pm

Lurker: please do not use it. It can make mom and baby both ill. The jury is still out on the effects on the baby. I have had friends use it. With 2 friends both the babies had a bowel movement in the womb . I would not use it and all my doctors said never use it.

Steph. Mother of Eva-15,Jordan-10, Christopher-9, Abigail-6,and a angel son Joshua. Host of Pregnancy and Infant Lose board. Mummieeva@yahoo.com

Wed Jan 16, 2013 5:40 pm

I tried a small dose of it. 1oz mixed with OJ at 1130am (before I read the last two posts). I don't feel sick at all. It just basically softened my stools which I'm kinda glad about since I felt constipated all week. I've had some contractions but nothing consistent or major. I spoke with my Dr before doing it and he gave me the dosage. I don't think I'm going to try another dose even though I've been told to. I just feel like I've tried it, and if I don't go into labor today then oh well. I'll just have to hope and pray to go into labor before having to be medically induced. Thank you ladies for your advice/opinions.