Castor Oil and meconium?

Question

Of women who have taken Castor oil to induce labor, how many of their babies actually passed meconium in the womb?

Answer 1

I took it 3 different times when I was overdue. It did nothing to me (except as a laxative) - or the baby. It is not a recommended practice now. When I took it was almost 40 years ago. Don't take it.

Answer 2

There are conflicting reports on the safety of castor oil. Some reports were shown to show a correlation between meconium in the amniotic fluid and castor oil. However, many others believe that it is more a co-occurring symptom of overdue babies. Castor oil is used most frequently in overdue pregnancies. Since overdue babies have an increased chance of having meconium in the amniotic fluid, many believe the overdue baby is the cause of the meconium and not the castor oil.

Answer 3

I did this with my first one on the advice of my grandmother and we did end up with meconium. I don't know if the castor oil had anything to do with it though. I was in labor for 19 and 1/2 hours so that could have been the issue as well.

Answer 4

Castor oil has been known to cause contractions that are stronger and longer than normal ones and can thereby cause stress on the baby. Usually when babies are stressed they pass meconium while still in the womb.

I don't know if there are any official studies or statistics on castor oil and meconium- but if you are worried don't do it. Besides it tasting disgusting- it will give you a severe (and I mean severe) case of diarrhea. Not fun.

Answer 5

my aunt drank a whole bottle of castor oil the week after my cousin was due and it didn't induce labor at all. Thats an old wives tale and from what my aunt said, it tastes horrid

Answer 6

JUST HAVE SEX! I did and went into labor within an hour after.... UGH! lol