Castor Oil?

[micah_mae_]

Hey everyone, I am 39-41 weeks (depending on who you ask). I was 3 cm and 80% last week and I have been having prodromal labor for a month! My midwife said my cervix is "very favorable" and gave me the OK to try Castor oil. She said to put 1-2 oz in some juice, then shake it up until the oil is dissolved into the juice and drink it real quick. Then do it again a few hours later if labor doesn't kick into high gear.
I am weary to try this, but I am becoming exhausted by this prodromal labor. Today I started having random pains lasting only a few seconds in random places all over my uterus, not symmetrical and I've been having constant back pain. What do you ladies think I should do?

[nerdymom]

I know how wearing the contrax are, but still I'm holding off on the castor oil myself. Have you tried a glass of wine or a warm shower to help with the backpain? I had a shower at 1:30 this morning for that very reason. I'm sure you've heard all the suggestions already, just offering my two cents and a and some : for labor to start soon!

[micah_mae_]

Thanks, I've been taking baths daily to help with the back pain and general uncomfortable-ness of everything...I'm thinking of doing the castor oil on Thursday though, maybe the full moon will help.

[titania8]

i think i would have a glass of wine and try and get some rest before going for the castor oil. oh yea, and sex.

[ma_vie_en_rose]

Personally, I would try other things before the castor oil. Be sure you are well hydrated if you try it since it will clean you out on the bottom end.

[OkiMom]

I would also try practically anything else before Castor oil.. I don't know about anything else but the last thing I would want to deal with is being in labor and having severe diarrea..

[Erlaine]

My friend did castor oil when her water broke and she didn't progress...and she swears it kicked her labor into overdrive, making it way more painful and intense than it had to be. I want to have my baby soon but I'm super wary of induction methods because of this...if you do decide to do castor oil, good luck to you. You're in my thoughts!

[~Charlie's~Angel~]

A woman my mom works with SWEARS by it. But I am so leary of it. I am afraid it wouldnt do anything for my labor, just cause me to have to sit on the toilet for hours on end. Who has time for THAT when you have little ones running amuck?

[nznavo]

Yeah, I've heard way more bad stories than good and it would be a last resort for me.

I am 41+1 today and everyone has been telling me to do it - but then has a horror story to go along with it. So no, I don't think so thanks.

[MRJmama]

I tried it with my last PG and all it did was send me to the bathroom for awhile.

[BundleFishMama]

Yeah, not a big castor oil fan here.... It's different for everyone, though. With my last baby, I was nearly a week overdue and my DH was leaving to go overseas, so I was desperate and decided to try it along with a DDC-mate. We both posted when we took it - before long, it worked for her and she was in labor. Not me....I felt like HELL and spent hours moaning and in pain, alternating between the toilet and the bathroom floor. UGH, it was awful. I made mine into a root beer float on the suggestion of some friends (2 oz. of castor oil mixed with root beer & vanilla ice cream) and for about a year after, I could not even SMELL root beer (which I'd always loved!) without feeling sick!! And no labor.

There's also some evidence that inducing with castor oil, even if it works, can cause complications, mainly meconium in the fluid (which my DS did have, when he was finally born 2 or 3 days later). I personally wouldn't risk it again. Being an LLL Leader, I've seen too many cases of oral aversion from deep-suctioning leading to latch problems, so I'd rather not risk meconium aspiration.

OTOH, it works great for some people. You just never know.

[micah_mae_]

Hey everyone, I decided (after reading y'alls responses) that I will wait on the CO. Today at my appointment I was 3 cm and 90% effaced. Baby is at 0 station and my cervix is anterior. She stripped my membranes and started me on caulophyllum to try to get things started. Hopefully all these things together with the full moon will get things started!

[~Charlie's~Angel~]

Originally Posted by micah_mae_

Hey everyone, I decided (after reading y'alls responses) that I will wait on the CO. Today at my appointment I was 3 cm and 90% effaced. Baby is at 0 station and my cervix is anterior. She stripped my membranes and started me on caulophyllum to try to get things started. Hopefully all these things together with the full moon will get things started!

Whoa baby! If you dont have that kid in the next 24 hours, I dont know WHAT will make it happen. You sound riper then bright red apple! Good luck, I am jealous you are so ready to go. I keep torturing myself with internal exams and no changes. But i cant help myself, i just HAVE to know.

[ambotchka]

I'm glad you asked about CO because I was curious...even though I'm only 39 weeks, I'm in pain and can hardly walk. My back is killing me today and I pulled a muscle in my groin yesterday during a long walk. I got checked today and am still at 2cm. Ugh. I think that at the 40 week appt, I'll not get checked.

[micah_mae_]

Originally Posted by Barbie64g

Whoa baby! If you dont have that kid in the next 24 hours, I dont know WHAT will make it happen. You sound riper then bright red apple! Good luck, I am jealous you are so ready to go. I keep torturing myself with internal exams and no changes. But i cant help myself, i just HAVE to know.

Oh I hope so, I was cramping real bad for a few hours but they've stopped for now. Maybe my body is getting rested and ready for labor?
I hope things start happening for you soon!

[titania8]

Originally Posted by Barbie64g

Whoa baby! If you dont have that kid in the next 24 hours, I dont know WHAT will make it happen. You sound riper then bright red apple! Good luck, I am jealous you are so ready to go. I keep torturing myself with internal exams and no changes. But i cant help myself, i just HAVE to know.

great analogy!!

i do hope you go soon. all that readiness and the full moon---SOMETHING'S got to give, right? rest up mama, you have work ahead of you, and soon!

[nerdymom]

good luck! : labor

[emc03]

i'm holding off on the castor trick for a while, especially since it appears that if i did have a tear, it's healed itself. but mw did tell me if i decide to go that route, i should take 1 tablespoon when i get up for my middle of the night pee break then another an hour or so after i get up in the morning if labor hasn't started by then. that way i'm less likely to spend time suffering on the toilet. fyi for anyone considering it.