I am over a week overdue. Are ther any risks to taking castor oil to try to induce myself?

Answer 1

Yes, the Castor oil can make the baby have a bowel movement in the uterus called meconium and it could be very serious if the baby inhales it with their first breath. All that said, my first was overdue and I did it. It did not work and I ended up having a c-section because she was in distress. I know you don't want to hear it, but the best advice my sister gave me was to enjoy being pregnant while it lasted, for all you know, this could be the last time! My hubby and I went out to a nice restaurant where kids wouldn't be so welcome and had a romantic dinner. Then we went to Babies R us to look around, that night I started having contractions. Just relax, the baby can't stay in there forever!

Answer 2

I have heard mixed results with castor oil, so it depends. Make sure you are taking it correctly, check my link in the sources, their information is very accurate and solicited by midwives. My sister in law took castor oil and her baby was born in 4 hours with no complications whatsoever, she is really happy with her experience. I do have another friend who took it and had problems with it but apparently she was already in labor but didnt realize it.

The problem with it is, it causes your bowels to spasm as well as contractions. And it can be challenging handling labor contractions along with anything else (ie. bowel contractions). There is also the theory that whatever mom is taking, baby is taking - so baby could be experiencing some of this as well (of course to a lesser degree) but this info is not backed up, just stipulation. But it could also cause baby to empty the bowels while still in utero (which could also cause complications)

Of course, the benefits vs. risks to castor oil and induction are very different. Induction comes with its own set of risks, mainly that the contractions it induces can be so strong that almost all women who are induced request epidural - and it leads to a long road that too often ends in cesarean, forceps or vaccum births. (the cesarean rate in the US right now is 30% - which is way too high if you ask me).

Personally, I would go with castor oil over pitocin.
I am also wondering though, why doctor is inducing at 40 weeks? Are there complications and baby needs to get out? I would try and let it wait until at least 41 weeks before trying to induce.

Also, remember - lots and lots of sex (get it while you can cuz you probably wont' want to for a long time after baby's born) - nipple stimulation, and a balance of rest and exercise.

And if its not too late and you know one, a doula can be absolutely invaluable to a laboring mother. Having a woman there who has been in your shoes and knows what to do to make the pain feel better is absolutely priceless.

Answer 3

Yes, Women eager to stimulate labor often ask about taking castor oil. It is thought to be effective by increasing bowel activity, which can promote contractions. There are many concerns with this method of induction. While evidence is lacking to support this practice, research has demonstrated an increase in meconium (fetal stool) passage with women using castor oil. A more common side effect is diarrhea or gastrointestinal distress, which can lead to dehydration. Based on these considerations the risks appear to outweigh any potential benefits. It is encouraging to know that there are other non-invasive measures which can stimulate labor. Be sure to talk with your health care provider for some safe and gentle alternatives.

Answer 4

go for walks and have LOTS of sex...and If you do eventually end up having to be induced, it really isnt all that bad. I was induced with both my children. Whatever you do, if you go to the hospital to be induced, if they try to give you cytotec, say NO!!!!! They gave it to me with my youngest. When she was 3 months old, I found out it was the same drug used in some abortions. There is a safe does, but please dont take any chances. I almost lost my daughter because of this. I never did the castoer oil thing, but I've heard that it doesnt really even work. Just relax and let things flow. If you are induced, just think, you'll be holding a beautiful new baby when it's all over

Answer 5

its not a good idea at all. i know you are anxious to get the baby out of you but you are better off letting it happen naturally or having a doctor induce you. most doctors will induce you when you are 2 weeks over due. if you take castor oil it will make you really sick to your stomach, so not only will you be having painful contractions but you will be thowing up or even worse crapping all over. it will make the whole thing 10 times worse. the best thing to do is to walk, walk, and walk some more. and have sex, that will really help.

Answer 6

First of all it tastes terrible and makes you throw up. Try something like Green Tea, it also softens the placenta for an easier after birth. Eggplant is a good one too, so go to an Italian place and eat Eggplant Parmesean. Scalini's in Atlanta is FAMOUS for putting women into labor. A lot of walking and sex helps. But castor oil is a bad tasting way to try to enduce and you make yourself miserably sick. Massaging the feet and the webbing between the thumb and forefinger are recommended too. The nerves in both are linked to the uterus and will help spur contractions.

Answer 7

1 Week is nothing. 2 weeks befor and 2 weeks after the due date is normal. Do you know, when you got pregnant???? If you know the day, then count 9 months and not 40 weeks. I know, sound stumit. If your baby is ready to come then you will have the labor "pain". Take very warm baths, if someone is arround, can be that the labor starts. Walk a lot, and if it doesn't hurt have carefully sex. The Sperm makes the way (I mean the exit of the whomb) for your baby soft. Sorry I don't know, how the english word for it is.

Answer 8

Castor oil doesn't work! I was an idiot, and tried that too; all that happened was I ended up on the toilet all night long! Do yourself a favor, and just let the baby come when it's ready. Your doctor won't let you go over by more than a couple of weeks; he can induce your labor, please, don't try things yourself!

Answer 9

Just be sufferer, I did the identical factor! It honestly took a pair hours for some thing fairly to occur! I believe probably the most you're think to take is a tbsp. BTW watch out in view that you'll crap your brains out while the youngster is popping out until you have not eaten in a even as, what ever is on your intestines will pop out in view that of the castor oil. lol I was once having contractions a pair hours after I took it and I did not even detect i used to be having contractions, my document. referred to as and requested if i used to be doing good enough and that i mentioned ya, she began asking questions and advised me to visit the health facility instantly. My son was once born that night time! Good good fortune!

Answer 10

I don't think there are any side affects besides massive diarrhea that was the thing to do 30 years ago but just for the poop factor i wouldn't. Try going for a long walk or a bumpy bus/truck ride that might move things along. Good Luck!