Castor Oil & Induction: Risks & Considerations

Question
My fiance wants to have some natural progression before she gets induced. Is it bad to take castor oil the night before? If not, how much should she take?

Answer
Sheldon,

No, it is not advisable to take castor oil before a scheduled induction.  Castor oil can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and dehydration and will not necessarily cause any dilation or effacement before her scheduled induction.

There is also some question as to whether castor oil causes babies to pass meconium, or their first bowel movement, during labor.  This can lead to other complications including respiratory distress or Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) if the baby were to inhale the meconium.

Also, since she must have some complications that require the induction, you don't want to risk increasing these complications by taking the castor oil.

To learn more about other safe ways to help "get things moving", such as walking, intercourse, and acupressure, read this series of articles at http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/natural-ways-to-induce-labor.html

Before attempting these or any other induction methods, make sure there are valid reasons for induction, which are detailed in the following article:  http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/reasons-to-induce.html


Best,
Catherine