will rubbing castor oil on belly work to induce labor?

Question

i was told that if i rub castor oil(warm)on my belly it will be obsorbed as if i took it orally..is that true?

Answer 1

No, rubbing castor oil won't induce labor.

Whoever told you it will work -- don't listen to them again on any medical issue. I can't believe this superstitious old story is still being told.

Answer 2

These remedies will not work unless the cervix is ripe and ready to dilate.

Do not try to initiate labor unless the fetus is at least 37 weeks gestational age.

Castor Oil:
This has been a favorite remedy for birthing moms and midwives for a very long time. It is used INTERNALLY and EXTERNALLY to stimulate the uterus, soften the cervix, and help initiate labor.

Rubbing Castor oil on the belly and covering with a warm towel will help initiate labor if the cervix is ripe.

The use of Castor oil as a stimulating purgative may be used. The dosage and procedure for starting labor with Castor oil varies greatly with each midwife, but almost everyone uses some form or method of this treatment. WARNING: The effects of taking Castor oil INTERNALLY can be intense. Forewarn your mothers as this will cause bowel cramping (which stimulates labor) and colon cleansing with diarrhea action and possibly nausea or vomiting. Be sure to keep the mother well hydrated and offer lots of support.

Answer 3

No. Rubbing castor oil on your belly will not induce labor. As far as taking it orally, make sure you talk to your doctor about how much to take, and the side effects of it. It's also a laxative, so I'd only recommend taking it if you REALLY have to. Otherwise, you could be in for a very unpleasant day.

Answer 4

First of all, castor oil will make you cramp from having to go to the bathroom....thats all it will do. It will not do that if you rub it on your belly. Either way, it won't induce labor. Sex, walking, and nipple stimulation will work! Either way, the baby won't come til she's ready! I used the breast pump trying to induce my labor and it did cause me to start contracting but it still was a few days before I went into active labor.

Answer 5

castor oil does not speed labor along, the stomach cramping asociated with castor oil is just diareaha, like you need that added complication! The only tried and true methods for inducing labor are..... walking, sex, nipple stimulatation (or warm compresses on your nipples works too, but anything with the nipples must be done in excessive amounts to see results), sex, and more sex. Accupressure is an arguable alternative method. Some people swear by it, but it can't be proven.

Answer 6

The castor oil works in the intestinal tract. That's on the other side of the baby from your skin. I don't think it'd have any effect. My mother took castor oil w/ me (2 weeks late, 4th childin 5 yrs) & I took it w/ one of my 5 who was stalling. Worked both times. It irritates the bowels which starts labor. Doesn't taste bad really, just kind of oily.
It won't work if the baby isn't ready, just clean you out. That might be a good thing.... I certainly needed it when I was pregnant!

Answer 7

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RE:
will rubbing castor oil on belly work to induce labor?
i was told that if i rub castor oil(warm)on my belly it will be obsorbed as if i took it orally..is that true?

Answer 8

rubbing it on your belly no but drinking it might. My obgyn told me that it will either work as a laxative or induce labor if not both. How it works is. When it ingested. the intestine contract which can cause the uterus to contract. it is a stimulant. I tried it but it didnt work for me and I drank a half of a bottle in 2 days. so you might as well let nature take its course or if the doctor is willing ask to be induced. you can also try nipple stimulation which cause contractions in the uterus. try massageing you ankle and the bottoms of you feet. good luck

Answer 9

I've never heard that It would just give you the runs if you took it orally. I know this sounds weird but having sex can make you go into labor so can stimulating your nipples which sounds sick but the nurse told my sister to do that so that her contractions would begin

Answer 10

No and it will only make you sick if you drink it.I tried drinking it mixed with orange juice when I was pregnant with my son.The doctor ended up having to start my labor.