Does mineral/Castor oil really work to induce labor?

Question

How long does it take to actually bring on contractions?

Answer 1

No it doesn't!

Answer 2

Mineral Oil To Induce Labor

Answer 3

Castor bean oil was noted by the ancient Egyptians to stimulate labor, and it is still used by some conventional physicians and midwives to induce contractions — as, for example, in cases where labor does not occur spontaneously after the waters have broken.

A recent controlled trial in 100 pregnant women compared oral castor oil to no treatment and found that 57.7% of those given castor oil began labor within 24 hours, compared to only 4.2% of those without treatment. Other preliminary studies also suggest that castor oil may help. Unfortunately, castor oil is a strong laxative, and diarrhea is a nearly universal side effect — not a particularly pleasant experience for any party during childbirth.

In addition, an observational study of South African women found that those self-administering castor oil and/or other traditional herbs had a higher incidence of meconium (fetal feces) in the amniotic fluid, an indication of fetal distress

My best friend's cousin swears that it works, but has a horror story to go along with it! The only thing being pregnant and due myself (I work at a baby store), I've asked around and hear a lot of women complain about how uncomfortable and messy it can get, and how not only can it endanger the baby but that it's not the way you want to start labor, so I don't know that I would try it. I HAVE HEARD POSITIVE STORIES ABOUT IT BUT THEY ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN.

Mineral oil isn't a good choice because it causes poor vitamin absorption in pregnancies

Please be careful with your efforts to induce labor. Nipple stim produces oxytocin which is the natural form of pitocin used medically to induce labor. Ideally you should be monitored to be sure you aren't stressing your baby with too much oxytocin. Just be patient. Let you baby decide when he (or she) is ready to join the world.

Answer 4

Never use castor oil. It does NOT induce labor, it stimulates your GI system. This comes with extreme risks, more so to the baby than to you. Anyone who claims castor oil worked was either already in labor and didn't know it, or they coincidentally went into labor after taking it. You're 38 weeks, why are you trying to induce anyway? You have four weeks before you're even overdue. "False labor" can happen weeks before actual labor, as can dilation. Is there a medical reason the doctor's inducing you in two days? If it's merely because of your "false labor" then your doctor needs to be better educated. You can refuse the induction as well. Walking, spicy food, sex, etc... none are ways of inducing labor. That's why they have to induce labor at the hospital. By the way, if your doctor did give the okay to use castor oil, run in the opposite direction and report him/her. No educated doctor would even consider approving of the use of castor oil.

Answer 5

It only works if your body is ready to have the baby any day. I would really be cautious. How it works is that it stimulates your bowels. The thought is that the bowel spasms will irritate your uterus and cause it to contract. The only problem is that if you take too much you will just end up on the toilet with heavy diarrhea and bowel cramps. Also, if you take too much, your baby can have a bowel movement inside of you and get stressed.
Even worse, you could end up with bowel contractions, heavy diarrhea and labour all at once. Not fun.
I have seen it work with success, but only in small doses, as prescribed by a midwife or health professional and with care.
There are many other ways to bring on contractions such as nipple stimulation which can cause really good strong contractions. Roll the ball of your nipple between your fingers, "hand express" (don't worry if you see colostrum come out) or use a breast pump. The nice thing is if you do it for an hour and the contractions are pretty strong you can stop for awhile. In fact it is good to take a break after an hour so you and baby don't get stressed. Try sex. Try walking, eating spicy food or get your hubby to give you a good belly massage with a nice oil.

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Does mineral/Castor oil really work to induce labor?
How long does it take to actually bring on contractions?

Answer 7

Yes, but be extremely careful. This brings on very violent contractions, more violent than if you had waited for the baby to come on it's on. i suggest you contact a medical professional before trying any at home remedies. You know what may work that's alot safer. Sex. There is an enzyme in sperm that brings on labor. This made my son come 1 day earlier in the world.

Answer 8

Tried it, didn't work. Tried EVERYTHING, from hot baths, to long hikes (climbed a 30' ravine at 41 weeks), to cross-country driving in the back of a Jeep. I was running a farm at the time, hauling hay, 50 lb. sacks of grain, etc. I was 2 weeks late and desperate. Finally the Doc just induced me. Nature says when and only the Dr. can outsmart her.

Answer 9

all castor oil did for me, was make me sit on the toliet. best advise i give, just wait your baby is not going to come until he/she is ready. i learned the nasty way:)

Answer 10

no that baby will come out when he/she is ready please dont try to induce it yourself by drinking that crap if you really want to go into labor quicker try a long walk or have sex

Answer 11

Didn't work for me - just gave me diarrhea and made me sick as a dog!!