Well the title drew me in like a moth to a light.
Step away from the Castor oil!!!
State that you wish Expectant Management in the event that you go past 42 weeks, go home and stay warm, well hydrated, pee regular, eat some nice foods regular and often, gentle exercise like walking or swimming, hilarious comedy movies to open up all your orifices, massages from DH, early nights, maybe a small glass of wine with the funny movies.....
and WAIT.
I do appreciate the panic for a VBAC, I declined induction at 42 wks as there was no medical need and gace birth at 42+1. I did accept sweeps from 41wks, although only the last one at 42 was actually done. Also their scan date was wrong (quelle surpise!) and so my VBAC was actually at 40+6 by my dates!
It was really hard and I nearly did accept induction but managed to step back from the abyss. There really needs to be more of a reason than just dates and the good thing is you are only 40+2. Babies arrive sometime between 37 and 42 weeks on average so you've got loads of time yet.
As Lulu suggests if you feel you have to try then stick to the methods that actually utilise your hormones. IMHO these are more likely to help than other methods, but any attempt to induce a baby who is not ready MIGHT result in stop/start labour that leaves you exhausted, weary and worn out for when labour REALLY does start.
Also if Castor oil (or curry etc) gives you the squits then I do worry that it might cause baby to open its bowels too. That's not good for labour...........
If you get to 42 wks then you should ask your HCP to discuss with you your options in great detail so that you can make an informed decision
a continue to wait with expectant management
b very gentle induction if your Bishops Score is favourable, perhpas only a Foley Catheter might be needed...
c elCS on your terms
Best of luck!