castor oil at 40 weeks? yes/no, and why?

Question

Just looking to learn because ive heard its effective but can be dangerous? I wont do it if its dangerous.

Answer

I drank it to induce labor with my youngest daughter, and I had her naturally ten hours later. I was having irregular contractions already, and my midwife recommended it to regulate the contractions. No diarrhea, no meconium, just a perfectly healthy girl and an easy delivery.

Answer

My OB rolled her eyes and said not to even think about doing it. Said it will likely only make a person unnecessarily sick

Answer

My OB said no...  too high of a risk for the baby.  (Shrugs)

Answer

Castor oil works because it is poison- the castor seed has naturally occurring cyanide in it and for that reason workers who harvest castor seeds to make the oil frequently get sick and die, etc. When you injest it while pregnant your body immediately tries to get baby out as fast as possible because you've injested poison. It won't kill you but frequently makes women sick- diarrhea, committing, etc. It can also cause fetal distress because baby is essentially coming out because he doesn't feel safe. The reason why you shouldn't induce labor (naturally at home or at the hospital for that matter) is because your body and baby know when it is time to go into labor and if you go into labor naturally, it ensures your baby and body are ready and will work well together to have a successful and healthy delivery. If you force it, they aren't ready and you won't be as successful. You are technically 40 weeks, but due dates are frequently a couple weeks off and your baby may not even be ready to be born at all. Wait it out mama! Castor oil has a use which is usually considered to be only when you are nearing 42 weeks and facing a forced medical induction, in which case castor oil is safer than pitocin.

Answer

Ive heard an argument against it causing meconium before birth, in that most people who use castor oil are past 40 weeks so the baby was passing it out already naturally?

Answer

Definitely not. It can dehydrate you (because of the diarrhea), and stress the baby enough that they pass meconium.

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I took it my water broke 4 hours later ! My baby is perfect 😍

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I've heard it makes your contraction to come more painful

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My mom drank it to induce her labor with me, her midwife told her to and she was in labor with me the next day. So it does work she just says it tastes absolutely awful but was totally worth it. She was due with me on Christmas but had me on December 20 instead because she drank Castor oil.

castor oil at 40 weeks? yes/no, and why?

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