castor oil to induce labor

[Keimarimom]

I have a friend who is only 37 weeks just as I am. She took 2 tablespoons of castor oil to try and induce her labor. She is already 3 cm dilated. I would like to know if she will possibly go into full blown labor? and has anyone had any experience with castor oil? I am concerned for her.

It does nothing for labour at all. It's a myth and an old one at that.

She'll just end up shiting through the eye of a needle

I took castor oil and it worked. Waters broke within about an hour and baby delivered within about 5 hours.

Ina May Gaskin seems to think castor oil works as a natural method of induction - it is referred to in her 'Guide to Childbirth' book, so doesn't seem to be an old wives tale, but it's obviously not going to work for everyone. It's interesting that your midwife advised against it, Loopymumsy - I had the impression it was quite safe?

I am so effing constipated that I am going to resort to castor oil soon. I am that desperate. I refuse to drink prune juice tho. That is a step too far IMO.

37 weeks seems a tad early! It only works if your body is ready to give birth anyway. Its not recommended because it is believed that it can cause the baby distress My Mum used it with me and it did work for her but the hospital bollocked her for it!

Everyone i know that has taken castor has had there baby within 6 hours of taking it, and there are a fair few! BUT i also known alot of there babies had problems meconium etc my midwife when i was pregnant did say not to take it (and i didnt) as things like that could happen. I think you have done your best the whole 9 months to keep your little baby safe that it really isnt worth the risk, i know how hard ot is being over dude i was 2 weeks and 4 days over due with my dc1 and it's tough. but it's best not to from all the information i have seen.