Anyone used Castor Oil to get things started?

Question

First, is mineral oil the same as castor oil basically?

Im thinking about trying this since Im now 41 weeks, and waiting and waiting on the induction list... please only serious help. Does anyone know the shake or orange juice way of making it? Is it really gross? I know it basically cleans you out first then you go into the contractions and labor correct. Please leave details on this.

Answer 1

I wouldn't do it unless you have been told to by your doctor or midwife, and have someone there to make sure you don't have problems.

Castor oil is a laxitive, so it will clean you out, but it can also cause really bad stomach cramps and vomiting. It doesn't always work, sometimes it just makes you sick.

There are some things you can try to help start your labor. The first is walk, walk, walk!! Walking helps the baby move down into position for birth, which can put pressure on your cervix allowing it to start dialation and effacement. It can get the blood pumping, which can help get contractions going.

Have sex. I know this sounds weird, but it really works. There is a hormone in males semen that helps soften the cervix and can cause the uterus to start contracting. Orgasm for you will help with contractions too.

Raspberry leaf tea can sometimes help. You need to drink 2-3 cups a day and make sure it is the Raspberry leaf, not just raspberry.

There are some pressure points you can try also. Between your thumb and first finger, where you have the webbing of skin, take your thumb and first finger of the other hand and squeeze it. Don't squeeze hard, just enough to put pressure on it. You will know you hit the spot because it will be sore. Press and hold of 20 seconds and then release. Do this for 20-30 minutes every couple of hourse.

There is also a spot two finger widths up from your ankle, where the indentation is between your ankle and cafe. If you feel right there, you will feel the tendons that run down your leg. Pinch the skin so you pinch behind the tendon. That spot will be sore also. Do the same for this one as the one above.

Evening primrose oil is an excellent source of prostaglandins, which we already determined readies your cervix for labor. It can be taken orally as soon as 34 weeks, and can be applied directly to the cervix at full term (36 weeks). The general recommendation is two 500mg capsules per day until week 38, at which time you increase to 3-4 per day. The entire capsule can be inserted vaginally (inserted just before bed, it will dissolve before the first time you wake to use the bathroom), or you can use the oil on your fingers for your perineal massage, then also rub on your cervix (assuming you can reach it). Applying directly to the cervix is optimal, but the beneficial ingredients are absorbed through the external skin or the stomach also.

I hope some of this help you!! I would stay away from caster oil and nipple stimulation, both of which can cause nasty side effects that you don't want.

Answer 2

I was a month overdue and I started try to "induce myself" at 38 weeks. The Castor Oil is nasty and doesn't work!!! I tried everything and nothing got it started. I came to the conclusion that when other woman go into labor soon after doing these "home remedies" it's just coincidence. Take from someone whose been there and get a lot of sleep and enjoy yourself, have your partner take you out for a nice dinner, get dressed up and put on make-up and do you're hair. Go to the movies. You won't be doing either of those for a long time once you're little comes!

Answer 3

I think it does. I used it a few months ago to get things going with my son...under the advice of my midwife. You need 6 ounces of castor oil. Get up early and eat a big breakfast full of protein. Pour yourself 2 ounces of castor oil. Drink it strait and then immediately chase it with orange juice or soda pop. The castor oil itself does't actually have a taste, but it feels gross. Wait four hours (probably most time will be in the bathroom) and take two more ounces. Then in four more hours take two more ounces. The castor oil works in three ways: it has prostaglandins in it, it cause sympathetic contractions, and it dehydrates you. All three of which cause labor. If you start getting contractions, go ahead and stimulate your nipples to intensify contractions and release some oxytocin.

Answer 4

I used castor oil twice, it worked the first time, was in labor within 4 hours, the second time all I did was **** myself...lol alot. I mixed it with orange juice, 1 part casor oil to 3 parts OJ. I also drank the whole 6 oz bottle of castor oil too. It is very nasty tasting but I held my nose so I wouldn't taste it so much. Good Luck and Congrats.

Answer 5

WOOHOO!!!! Your gag reflex is better than mine. OMG smelling it would have made me puke! I think it may be partially the castor oil and partly your communication with your body which is communicating with your baby. You know, when you are upset and your body reacts or you are serene and your body reacts.. same thing. You have been nervous about this for quite some time now, perhaps it has caught up. YAY!!!!!! I'm so excited for you! What hospital are you using? I live here in ORL too!

Answer 6

One time I put mineral oil in my lawn mower because I did not have motor oil. The mower ran fine for about five minutes, then it blew up. A piece of the connecting rod bearing tore out through the engine block like a bullet. So, it's always best to use the recommended type of oil.

Answer 7

My mom used castor oil mixed with orange juice when she was pregnant with me because she had passed her due date and was desperate. She said it took several hours, but suddenly things started to happen...good luck!

Answer 8

Caster Oil is an old wives tail. It will clean you out. Enemas can do the same thing. Ask your OB before you do anything.

Answer 9

Your due date is not exact it can be off by a few weeks. Dont try home remedies and take a chance on harming your baby or yourself. Check with your Dr about inducing.

Answer 10

I know my wife tried it when she was 5 days late and all it did was give her really bad diarrhea and bad cramping. However these weren't contractions. She said it also tasted nasty and she will never try it again.