Expectant moms have often heard that using castor oil will help induce labor but few understand the connection between the two. Using castor oil to induce labor causes intestinal cramping, bowel stimulation and leads to diarrhea. This in turn will stimulate the uterus to produce prostaglandins, a natural hormone also commonly found in a man’s semen. The prostaglandins will cause the uterus to contract, preparing your body for labor. This method is most effective only if the body is ready for labor. Trying this process anytime before 37 weeks of pregnancy may not produce results and may lead to pregnancy complications. Always consult your physician before beginning any methods of at-home labor induction.

Risks

For the baby A theory exists that using castor oil to induce labor may cause your baby to pass meconium in the womb. Meconium is your baby’s first stool, made up of materials ingested in the womb, and is normally passed after birth. If it is released in the amniotic fluid, the baby may inhale the fluid and be subject to respiratory distress and pneumonia.  However, this is still just theory, as medical research has yet to prove if using castor oil will have this type of outcome.

For the mother Due to the persistent diarrhea that accompanies a dose of castor oil, the mother is at risk   of dehydration and exhaustion. She may experience a lack of normal physical energy which will be needed if the oil is successful in beginning her labor. Castor oil can also cause contractions to be irregular and quite painful, which can put stress on the mother’s body.

Dosage

The normal recommended dosage of castor oil is no more than 2 tablespoons per dose. It may be taken more than once per day however, it may not be needed more than once and many women won’t be willing to take it twice or more. It is suggested that you not take castor oil in the evening or just before bed, as the resulting diarrhea will keep you from getting a full nights sleep. Castor oil is tasteless and odorless, however because it is like any other oil, its consistency may make you think twice about taking it on its own. It is suggested that you mix it well with food or beverages to make it easier on the palate. If you take it in the morning, mix it well with eggs or juice or blend it into a smoothie with some fresh fruit and juice.

Castor Oil Alternative

If you find you are not up to trying a dose of castor oil or have previously tried it with no success, you may want to try evening primrose oil. Primrose is another great source of prostaglandins and will help naturally soften the cervix so it can dilate. Evening primrose is a great alternative because it is available in a soft gel capsule that can be taken orally or inserted vaginally. If used vaginally there is a greater chance of the cervix thinning and opening, as the primrose will be resting on top of it.

The recommended dose of evening primrose oil is two 500mg capsules per day. Side-effects of primrose are very mild, including stomach upset and headaches. As with castor oil, do not take more than the recommended dose for the safety of you and your baby.

Remember to consult your doctor or midwife before trying this.

Labor will not begin or progress if you are stressed so don’t try too hard to bring on contractions. Expectant moms should instead treat themselves to a warm bath with aromatherapy, a relaxing pre-natal or belly massage or even acupuncture.  Meditation can also help relax the body and mind while visualization techniques help you get in touch with your baby, as you envision her being born.

These techniques will help get your body and mind ready to try other methods of inducing labor at home. Doctors will warn however, to use caution with any home method of inducing labor and to only begin these techniques when you have reached at least 37 weeks in your pregnancy.

Physical Stimulation

Sexual intercourse is the most commonly known method of inducing labor at home. A male’s semen contains a hormone called prostaglandins, which is known to aid in the onset of labor.  The longer the semen stays on or around the cervix the better it will thin the cervix and help cause it to dilate. When the expectant mom has an orgasm, this can also cause the cervix to dilate and can stimulate the uterus to contract.

Nipple stimulation releases the hormone oxytocin which will prompt contractions. Rubbing the nipple between your fingers or placing a hot towel on your breasts can trigger the release of oxytocin.  Doctors will recommend that you only use nipple stimulation sparingly in a day so as not to bring on such strong contractions before you can reach the hospital.

Walking has also been recommended by physicians as a way of naturally and safely inducing labor. Walking or gentle bike riding will put pressure on the cervix and help the baby “drop.”

Diet Changes, Herbs, and Oils

Spicy food has been known to help some women naturally induce labor. Eating spicy food will stimulate the bowels which will in turn stimulate the uterus and help it to contract. Some tropical fruits such as kiwi and pineapple contain enzymes that can trigger the uterus to mildly contract.

Evening Primrose Oil and Castor Oil can also be used to naturally induce labor. Mixing a dose of Castor Oil with another liquid, such as juice, makes it easier to drink and digest. Like spicy food, the oil will help stimulate the bowels and uterus.

An herbal specialist can provide you with special plant roots called cohash. Blue and black cohash have been said to aid in inducing labor at home though there are few studies or fact to prove their effectiveness.

Once again, you should always consult with your physician before experimenting with any of these home
methods of inducing labor. They can tell you what is best and safest for you and your baby.

Sounds odd, isn’t it? Yeah that’s true and you read it right, Castor Oil for labor induction. You may remember using Castor Oil as a laxative and yes, the same action may induce labor naturally!

Natural labor induction is something you would want to have instead of getting it induced with the administration of medicines. Especially, if you are a true follower of natural therapies! Labor in simple terms is the process during which the baby is delivered. For this to happen you must have reached your term, which is about 37 to 42 weeks from the day of your last menses. The baby is grown and ready to come out by the time you complete the term of your pregnancy.

Now let’s come back to the wonder oil, Castor Oil! Castor oil is known to be a potent laxative agent that is generally advised in people suffering from constipation. It is known to stimulate bowel movements and also lead to cramps of the intestinal muscles. The second action is the one which can be beneficial for you. The cramps arising in the intestinal region can also spread to your uterus and induce labor. Now how successful can it be? Not sure. It has worked in many, while others have said it is useless.

Next question, how much to have? Not much, just about 2 ounces. Beware if you haven’t tasted it before, it may taste awful! You can try your imagination here and mix it with any food or beverage (referring only to fruit juices or milk shakes here!) so that the taste gets masked. You can get Castor Oil at your local store or in healthcare stores that sell herbal or natural oils and remedies.

The next doubt should have been the first and foremost question. Nevertheless, let’s get it clear. Safety of Castor Oil! Nobody gives a clear picture here. While some say it may induce meconium (earliest stools of your baby) formation other say that Castor Oil and meconium formation do not have any interlink. Adverse effects of Castor Oil? Can make you feel nauseated or even induce vomiting. At times it may result in severe cramps.

The best option? Ask your healthcare provider or your midwife. If they suggest that it is safe in your case, you can go ahead and try it! Nothing better than having your labor induced naturally.