Castor Oil for Labor Induction: Risks & Considerations

Question
Hi!
I am 21 years old currently pregnant with my first baby. I am due 3/15 according to my dr., but 2/28 according to my last ultrasound. at this stage, is it ok to try castor oil to try to induce labor? i have already tried sex, walking, a birth ball, spicy food and hot showers/baths. i have been dialated to 2 cm and about 50% effaced since the 9th of this month. also at my last appt. (the 17th) my dr. said the babys head is "right there."
any info. or advice you can offer would be helpful...

thanks,
sonya

Answer
The castor oil will not cause you or the baby any harm, but I doubt that it will help to induce labor. Many of my patients have tried it to start labor, but it has not worked for most and it tastes absolutely terrible. If your due date (based on your last menstrual period) is March 15, the baby is not ready to deliver and I would not encourage you to try to start your labor except for walking around a bit. A sonogram at this stage of pregnancy is grossly inaccurate in determining due date. The only time the sonogram is accurate is at 12 weeks and 20 weeks gestation. When the baby is ready, it will release prostaglandins, you will go into labor. Good luck.