Only 4. Evidence from this study suggests that castor oil may help induce labor. However, one study found no connection between taking castor oil and inducing labor. This study included over participants in week 40 or above of their pregnancy. The study concluded that castor oil had no effect on the time of birth. It also did not seem to have any harmful effects.
A study found that castor oil induction is more effective in women who have had babies previously. The researchers reported no adverse effects from their sample of 81 pregnant women. Another study looked back on women who had used castor oil while 40—41 weeks pregnant under the care of their doctor, and they found it to be effective in inducing labor within 24 hours for most of the women.
However, the mother may experience side effects from ingesting castor oil. Some potential side effects could include:. Women with sensitive stomachs or other gastrointestinal conditions should avoid taking castor oil. Also, those who have had a cesarean delivery in the past should never attempt castor oil ingestion while pregnant. Learn why below.
In most cases, the body will induce labor when it is ready to give birth. Some women may go into preterm labor, while others may go into labor later than their expected due date. Importantly, women who have had a cesarean delivery should never attempt to induce labor. This is because it can cause uterine rupture. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine describe the journey to full term in the following ways:.
If a woman is at full term or beyond and yet to give birth, a healthcare professional will likely consider inducing labor or possibly scheduling a cesarean delivery. There are no proven ways to induce labor at home. A doctor or healthcare provider can induce labor in a hospital or other clinical setting.
Anyone concerned about going into labor should speak with a doctor or healthcare provider before attempting any methods themselves. People should avoid using castor oil to try to induce labor, as there is no scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness for this purpose.
It is much safer to work with a doctor if it is time to induce labor. Inducing labor before 40 weeks poses a risk to the fetus. You may have heard about some old wives' tales or so-called natural methods for inducing labor, such as drinking castor oil. Your healthcare provider is the person you should ask about safe ways to induce labor.
Castor oil is made from the beans of the castor plant. The oil contains ricinoleic acid, which, after your body absorbs it, is then released by the intestines, creating a laxative effect. This is why castor oil is sometimes prescribed for relieving constipation.
It can also be prescribed for emptying the bowels in preparation for an examination or surgery. Castor oil has been suggested as an alternative method for inducing labor in the past by some midwives. The biggest risk was maternal tolerance, which means how well the mothers tolerated the castor oil. Additionally, as noted above, there is also a risk of dehydration if you have excessive vomiting or diarrhea. If so, be sure you are getting enough fluids either by drinking water or, if, in a hospital, you may get IV fluids, if needed.
Never attempt a castor oil induction without working with your practitioner. It is always wise to talk to your midwife or doctor about any induction method before using it.
Additionally, induction before your due date is not a good idea if there is no medical reason. Plus, remember that even if you are a good candidate for induction, a castor oil induction may not be the best option for you. There are reports of having the baby within hours of a castor oil induction or the induction taking days if it works at all. Of course, there are many of the same reports labor happening suddenly and quickly as well as delayed or prolonged labors from women who do not take castor oil.
However, a five-year retrospective study found that low-risk pregnant women over 40 weeks gestation who were given castor oil were significantly more likely to go into labor within 24 hours than the control group.
When labor has yet to start and there is no medical reason to induce, the reasonable alternative recommendation to castor oil or using any interventions is to do nothing and simply wait for labor to begin on its own. If there is a medical need for induction of labor, there are many options available, including:. The decision to use one of these methods or a combination of them should be between you and your practitioner.
In the end, the medical literature on castor oil induction is unclear, and much of the evidence is anecdotal. If you are interested in trying this induction method, talk to your healthcare provider to ensure that there is no known reason for you to avoid it. That said, chances are they may have a more efficacious induction method to offer if needed.
Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Women Birth. Methods of Induction of Labour: a Systematic Review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Castor oil for induction of labour: a retrospective study. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Induction of Labour. Non-hormonal Methods for Induction of Labour. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol.
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