Castor oil is a traditional method for helping induce labor, but there is only a few research done on its safety and effectiveness. It's best to consult with your doctor first before trying castor oil for labor induction.😃

Castor oil

🛢️What is castor oil?

Castor oil is made from the seeds of castor plants🌳 which are native to southern Asia. It is a common ingredient in soaps, coating, lubricants, and fertilizers.  

Medicinally, it is a strong laxative that has been used to jump start labor. However, its effectiveness has not been firmly proven yet.😌

🛢️Can castor oil induce labor?

According to some research, castor oil will likely cause uterine contractions and irritation. However, they are more likely the result of digestive distress rather than labor contractions.

Castor oil's ability to induce labor gives mixed results.🥴 Some small studies indicated that it may indeed bring on labor in some women while a large study of more than 600 women in southeast Asia defy its impact.

Side effects and dangers of castor oil

🛢️Side effects and dangers of castor oil

Although previous studies have not come across any known dangers to the fetus, some potential side effects for you include dehydration, diarrhea, nausea cramping in the stomach area or false alarms of labor. If you have had a cesarean delivery, you should never attempt to induce labor because it can cause uterine rupture.🙅‍♀️

🛢️Advice for moms

Some studies of castor oil suggest taking a one-time dose of 60ml at week 40 or 41 of pregnancy. It can be mixed with juice to mask its bad taste.🥤

There's not enough evidence to prove that it works to induce labor. You should not consume it without a doctor's prescription.🙅‍♀️