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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

is it worth trying castor oil AGAIN?

32 replies

loneriri · 01/10/2017 11:42

hi guys, bare with me as its my first post 😅

im currently 40+6 and feeling veryyyy heavy. i had already tried castor oil at 40+2 but all it did was give me an upset stomach for a couple hours. the baby is happy and healthy, currently weighing at around 3.4kg, according to last ultrasound.

at 40+4 i had a membrane sweep, since then ive been getting stronger pains but i dont believe theyre as severe as contractions. i have also been releasing more browny reddy discharge which i believe to be my show. but overall, theres not many other signs of progressive labour. i was not dilated at all, during my sweep but my cervix is very soft and my baby is very engaged.

i was wondering if taking another dose of castor oil is worth a shot to get things going as i have tried everythingggg else i can to try brinf labour on.

OP posts:
CryingMessFFS · 01/10/2017 11:43

Do not use castor oil, it is dangerous

Santawontbelong · 01/10/2017 11:43

Please don't. . It's risky. Unfortunately babies arrive when they choose!!

Jellybabie3 · 01/10/2017 11:44

Hmm i wouldnt use castor oil but thats just me

Original poster
loneriri · 01/10/2017 11:46

*i have already used castor oil and it had no effects on the baby, as castor oil isnt absorbed by her.

OP posts:
alwaysontimeneverlate · 01/10/2017 11:47

Please don't use castor oil. It's very dangerous.
My cousin was born as result of castor oil, all her blood vessels burst in her head/face and her heart stopped because she was fired out like a bullet.
Poor baby leave them be.

TheKidsAreTakingMySanity · 01/10/2017 11:48

Castor oil is dangerous! Who on Earth told you that it was the way to go?!
It causes stomach cramps and terrible diarrhoea for you which can cause onset of labour. It can also cause foetal distress, cause the baby to pass meconium which then puts the baby at risk.
So labour is a shit covered mess for everyone!

Myblanket · 01/10/2017 11:49

I wouldn't, a long walk helped me went into labour the same night

LilQueenie · 01/10/2017 11:49

NO NEVER. Its really dangerous. why not wait for baby to come when she or he is ready. First of all you will be on the loo all night as its a laxative. Secondly it can make the baby produce meconium and if they swallow it then you have serious problems. please don't do it.

TheKidsAreTakingMySanity · 01/10/2017 11:50

And why the need to bring on labour? You're barely overdue! Pregnancy can be up to 42 weeks.

LilQueenie · 01/10/2017 11:51

Well seeing as you have already used it I would call your midwife and tell her asap

NoCryLilSoftSoft · 01/10/2017 11:51

Well, my cousin did it and went into labour. Baby born on the kitchen floor 34 minutes after taking the oil. Luckily for her my mum who is a midwife lived 10 minutes away and managed to get there for the crowning. Her partner missed the birth. Even the ambulance didn't get there on time. Thank fuck there were no complications. Your call.

Jasharps · 01/10/2017 11:51

I'm sorry but taking castor oil is a really dangerous thing to take when pregnant. Please don't put your baby at risk

Original poster
loneriri · 01/10/2017 12:03

i have up until 41+5, otherwise i will be induced. i think castor oil the negative effects of castor oil on the baby is subjective. factor include how at what stage it is taken, how much you have, how often you have it. i took 2 tablespoons with orange juice and effects lasted for around 5 hours. i wasnt stressed, nor was the baby. just a bit of bubbly in the tummy. i did not take another dose as i just might not have been ready yet. as days have gone on, im wondering if it might be worth a shot again.

i have come across a plethora of women who have tried castor oil, sisters, mum, sister in laws, sometimes it worked sometimes it doesnt.

OP posts:
Original poster
loneriri · 01/10/2017 12:04

i had already discussed with my midwife. she was happy with how i had taken it, she had advised it's hit and miss.

OP posts:
NoCryLilSoftSoft · 01/10/2017 12:05

i wasnt stressed, nor was the baby.

How would you know if your baby was stressed? They don't shout out "mum I swallowed meconium"!

Original poster
loneriri · 01/10/2017 12:07

i have regular check ups and monitored quite often for peace of mind. baby seems to be happy and very active.

OP posts:
NoCryLilSoftSoft · 01/10/2017 12:10

I'm assuming those checkups weren't taking place whilst you were taking the castor oil though!! Those were after the event. Which is obviously too late if your baby had been stressed during it. Which it may still have been. You won't know.

Original poster
loneriri · 01/10/2017 12:10

im so sorry, that sounds awful 😞

OP posts:
LilQueenie · 01/10/2017 12:12

If you are going to be induced why not wait till then instead of trying to do it yourself. I would worry about the advice this midwife is giving. It totally goes against nhs guidelines. are you in the UK op?

You said yourself baby seems fine and active. Maybe baby isn't ready to be born yet. Parenting means putting baby first btw.

Original poster
loneriri · 01/10/2017 12:14

thats a constant risk anyway i feel, which is why its best for mums to get familiar with their babies movements and habits, so mums are able to pick up when something isn't right.

OP posts:
Looneytune253 · 01/10/2017 12:14

The effect of the castor oil IS an upset stomach, sometimes the stress of that on your body is enough to bring on premature labour. Premature as in before the baby is ready. Baby will come out when they're ready. It's no good rushing it, you'd never forgive yourself if something happened to your baby.

Original poster
loneriri · 01/10/2017 12:15

yep, in the uk, i have seen a few midwives as i dont think its routine to have just a single midwife anymore.

OP posts:
buttwingsham · 01/10/2017 12:18

Ok look you didn't realise it was dangerous.
I don't think there is much you can do to bring a baby on, I've had 4dc and they come when they're ready. It's worth trying sex of you can face it.
All the things like hot curry, pineapple and other random foods are just usually things that stimulate the bowel which can then in turn stimulate the uterus,starting contractions.
It doesn't happen very often though and if does work there's a strong chance you will shit yourself pretty badly in labour!!

Original poster
loneriri · 01/10/2017 12:36

lol trust me, i've tried and still try all the above!

OP posts:
tootsieglitterballs · 01/10/2017 13:00

Super long walk !

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