Castor Oil to Induce labor

The theory behind using castor oil to induce labor is that it causes intestinal cramping and diarrhea, which stimulate the uterus, thus producing prostaglandins, which then cause contractions. Another example of this type of irritation is seen in the connection between urinary tract infections and preterm labor. As with the other methods, this will not be effective if your body is not already close to labor.

Are there risks in using castor oil to induce labor?

There has been much debate over whether castor oil will cause the baby to pass meconium, or its first bowel movement.   If the meconium is aspirated, or inhaled into the lungs, it can lead to aspiration pneumonia, which can be fatal or lead to serious developmental delays.

Meconium is deemed a signal of fetal distress. However, research has been conducted that has found no increased occurrence of meconium staining with this type of induction.

The mother, however, can be at risk of dehydration due to the resulting diarrhea. This tires the mother and less able to endure through physical activity. It could also potentially endanger her milk supply.

How do I take it?

The usual dose is 2 tablespoons.  However, I strongly advise against taking it straight-you may not get it down. It's pretty nasty stuff. I would also recommend that you keep a paper towel or rag handy to wipe out your mouth afterwards.

No, I'm not exaggerating. It can be that bad. If you do pursue using castor oil for labor induction, take it in the morning after a good night's sleep. If taken at night, you most likely will not sleep due to the resulting diarrhea.

Here are some recipes to make it more palatable:

•     Put it in 3-4 oz. of root beer, shake vigorously, and then gulp it down.
•     Add a couple of scoops of ice cream to the castor oil and orange juice.
•     Scramble it with 3 eggs.
•     Drink the oil straight followed immediately by hot apple juice.

As an alternative to using castor oil to induce labor, you may use evening primrose oil to naturally ripen the cervix. It is an excellent source of prostaglandins.

It comes in a softgel that can be taken orally or inserted vaginally before bed. Oral use can start as early as 34 weeks and cervical application at full term.

The recommended dose is two 500mg capsules per day. At full term you can add two capsules vaginally before bed, at which time the entire capsules will dissolve.

References

Kelly AJ, Kavanagh J, Thomas J. Castor oil, bath and/or enema for cervical priming and induction of labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2001, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD003099. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003099.

Roberts, Tracy, Peat, 2000 Rates for obstetric intervention among private and public patients in Australia: population based descriptive study Christine L Roberts, Sally Tracy, Brian Peat, "British Medical Journal", v321:140 July 2000

Vernon, David, Having a Great Birth in Australia, Australian College of Midwives, 2005, ISBN 0-9751674-3-X

Harman & Kim. "Current Trends in Cervical Ripening and Labor Induction" American Family Physician 1999; 60:477-84.