Castor oil - Advice please, I'm really uncomfortable

[LookToTheCake]

I did do my research. I am comfortable with my choice.

I have name changed since I’m a regular on the pregnancy board. I know it’s controversial.

At 8.30 this morning I took two tablespoons of castor oil. Fast forward an hour later and I took another two.

So far? Nothing.

I’m getting quite annoyed because I was looking forward to a good ‘clear out’.

I feel really constipated! My bump is also really tight and uncomfortable.

So no contractions. But a tight, uncomfortable bump.

Has anyone taken this outside of pregnancy/in pregnancy and it’s given them constipation?

I know it works a lot as a ‘risky’ method of inducing labour naturally, but I’ve never heard of it making someone constipated and what’s more, even Google isn’t giving me anything.

I can literally find nothing to suggest castor oil makes you constipated there aren’t even any threads on the internet about it doing so.

What on Earth is going on?!

I really want to use the loo, I’m incredibly uncomfortable. What can I take instead?

Castor oil, the magnificent ‘laxative’ has done sweet fanny Adams!

[wowbutter]

Glycerin suppositories.
Work within an hour, no dangerous ingredients, only impact the affected area, nothing internal. They're amazing.

[LumpySpaceCow]

I always drink prune juice when I'm constipated - it does the trick!! Maybe it's coincidence that your constipated? Can't see it bunging you up in the space of a few hours.

[LookToTheCake]

Thanks all, I’m so cross with the castor oil that I won’t bother again.

I feel very constipated after taking it and now I’m getting little back ache twinges here and there, it’s not ice. I want to use the loo!

I’m intrigued to know the science behind it not making me go to the toilet... The fact it hasn’t put me into labour I can take without question but surely such a powerful lax would at least have me on the loo once?

[Lozmatoz]

I doubt castor oil has suddenly made you constipated. Have some warm water, eat some prunes... loosen things up

[ethelfleda]

Definitely prune juice but don't drink too much as it may work a little too well! Eating dried apricots work for me too.

[BigBaboonBum]

Glycerin suppositories plus prune juice.
Although you may want to go see your midwife or doctor, my friend (going back 11 years now) did the castor oil thing, her baby went into distress and pooped in the waters. She had the tight bump feeling etc after she took it... it’s probably absolutely nothing but it may be worth going to get their heartbeat monitored if you’re feeling off.

[CherriesInTheSnow]

I tried a castor oil "induction" at 39 weeks, the first does I took on an empty stomach and unfortunately vomited up, but then did as you did and took about 2 x 30ml does about 4 - 5 hours apart. It did give me raging poops, I don't know how you've avoided that!!

It sounds weird but have you eaten enough or have you put off eating while you were waiting? I gave up on the fantasy of it working to start labour, but took a small (15ml) does a few days later to help me go, worked perfectly and without runs, but I had eaten plenty of carby food too so maybe this helped it along? Good luck OP :)

[BlueButTrue]

Hi, thank you for the further advice

I have indeed been eating normally, and in all truths, only had an orange before I took it but had eaten a big meal the night before! Plus I have been eating my usual diet since.

It’s so strange, it isn’t working for me as a laxative and I just don’t know how I’ve avoided that. I want to go to the loo

[BlueButTrue]

Oh and I’m allergic to prunes

[BlueButTrue]

Still the same, zero bowel movement