Castor oil contraindications

[olive&pimiento]

My sister-in-law is a week past due on Sunday and will have a hospital induction on Tuesday if labor does not begin before then. She has white coat syndrome and her pressure has been up during prenatal visits, around 140/90, but normal at home. Her doctors have wanted her to be induced since 39 weeks, and she is worn down. She bought some castor oil to try tomorrow. My preceptors do not use castor oil inductions if there is a HTN issue, but I have searched and have not found any information on this. Anyone have any resources? Thanks!

[jengacnm]

Not a resource other than my experience-

Castor oil only works of a woman's cervix is already ripe. Like most induction agents-it only works if the body is ready for it. In that way, htn is not a contraindication, it just isn't likely to work and VERY likely to make her miserable.

Contraindications to castor oil would include contraindications to vaginal birth-like previa, for example.