Castor oil

[mymary]

What are the indications for castor oil?

I am 41 weeks tomorrow and have been having mild contractions for about a week and a half that are not painful, just feel like pressure, some of them definately go down to the cervix and feel like they could be doing something. But, they are NOT progressing.... they refuse to get stronger or turn into something. I dont remember this happening with my other two labors. They started this way, but did turn into labor within a day or two.

It is making me think I need something to get over the hump? What do you think?

[Gray's Mommy]

Castor oil will definitely clear you out. If you are ready for labor, the bowel movements can irritate your uterus & assist with contx. It won't make you go into labor though.

I've had a few clients that have used castor oil with mixed results. The preferred method is to make a smoothie of some sorts over straight.

[trekkingirl]

Worked for me

I used castor oil to self induce. I mixed it with orange juice and chugged away. I was rather determined and ended up using half the bottle! Not a good idea! Yes it did the job, but I have never been so rapidly cleared out of my bowels in my life! It was worse than food poisoning. By the time I ended up delivering I was soooooo dehydrated. I took the mixture around 3pm and by 8pm I was in good enough labor to have my husband come home from work. Although I was still composed enough to drive there and pick him up. My son was born 7pm the next night. I think you should use it if you want to self induce but just know that you'll be shaking things up a bit, KWIM? Drink plenty of liquids and plan it right. I should have timed it right so I wasn't up all night with the runs. Than I would have been rested for the marathon of labor I endured the following day!

[sunshadow]

I started to nibble on black licorice on Wed night (39w6d) and went into labor on Friday. My husband loves the stuff, but I never touched it until I read it could induce labor so I started stealing from him. i don't know if it helped or not, but I'd try that before castor oil.

[juliettep]

hey there,
castor oil can make you feel pretty lousy especially if you get a bout of diarrhea and cramping. Also it can make you feel really tired before you get going into your labor. I would suggest acupressure as it de-stresses you and makes you feel positive and able to cope as well as helping with pain relief.

[Helensmom]

Mymary did you try castor oil yet?

My OB gave me this recipe, but I haven't been able to buy the castor oil yet plus I'm stalling. I've been reading things online about it and it makes me nervous. I'm 41 weeks tomorrow.

Here's what my OB gave me:

2 tblsp (1 oz) of castor oil
Mix with 3-4 oz Orange juice
repeat in 3 hours
go for a walk, stay active

When you start cramping get into a warm tub until you have to move your bowels. You will experience some loose stool.

-Linda