Is it safe to take castor oil when your 38wks and dialated 3cm?

Answer 1

Castor oil was used to induce labour for many years by UK midwives. However, results were pretty varied.

The castor oil method works by stimulating your bowel, which, in theory, should stimulate your cervix due to it's close proximity. The castor oil WILL cause diahorrea and possibly abdominal cramping and you must be prepared to deal with this.

The best way to take castor oil is to mix it with Orange Juice to mask the taste. You should start with 2 tablespoons of oil in a glass of juice. You can up the dosage to around 6 tbsp safely but be aware that the more you use the more dramatic the diahorrea!

As a response to the answer below, it has not been proven that walking will start labour. It may speed up labour once labour has started but it will not start labour. Labour may last from a few hours to a couple of days so it is definitely not a wise move to make yourself too tired beforehand.

AnswerIt is a myth that castor oil starts your labour. The only medically proven "wives tale" is sex and walking. Semen has been found to have dilatory properties on the cervix (ie the cervix will dilate slightly and you may go into labour).

Otherwise walking can start your labour.

I know you want that baby out of there, but consider what is best for him. You will go into labour when he is ready. Be patient.

Answer 2

I used castor oil when i was 39 weeks and it did nothing but make me vomit severly and pee in my pants and cause my stomache to cramp realy bad but no labor. just give it time the baby will come .oh ya sex helps and walking helps!

Answer 3

i took castor oil 2 days ago it didnt work though take 3 tablespoons with orange juice be prepared to go to the toilet though it may or may not work it did for my neighbour but not for me mores the pity..... im 38 weeks 3 days

Answer 4

I wouldn't do it. You only have about 2 weeks to go anyway. Gutsy up.