Castor oil

Hi there. So I am 39 weeks pregnant and have been 3 cm dilated and 90% effaced for the past 3-4 weeks. My doctor has been stretching my cervix since I started dilating and has suggested I try castor oil to see if we can get things going. Today I went to the drug store and got some red raspberry leaf tea and castor oil. When I got back I was having some strong cramping contraction like symptoms but didn't think anything of it because I have had them before. Now I am pretty sure they are early contractions (15-20 mins apart) but I have already taken the castor oil. My question is, does anyone know if castor oil can cause problems when taken when labor has already started?

Yes, it is dangerous, can cause a mecomium aspiration and will probably give you the smurfs

smurffing and labor doesnt sound appealing to me id rather just wait to go into labor naturally than combine the 2. but good luck your doctor doesnt sound too intelligent

It can give you the smurfs!

 




Tis All....Carry on!

If you haven't started yet you might start smurffing pretty soon here. Just to warn you. And you're gonna get a small smurfstorm because castor oil is considered a no no.

#1-Red Raspberry Leaf Tea only helps to tone the uterus and should be used around 36 + weeks. It will NOT induce labor.

#2-Not sure what kind of dr would tell a patient to try castor oil, but I would not do it. Have sex, go walking or bounce on an exercise ball.

might just make you poop

It can cause the baby to have a bowel movement inside the womb which is very harmful to baby. Not a smart decision at all.

You'll start pooping non stop in about 12-24 hours after you took it.

It doesn't work for everyone and it's definitely not a recommendation of mine.

It didn't work for my cousin in law who told my sister in law to do it, who it worked for and told me to do it, which it didn't work and I went into labor on my own 2 hours after taking it. And I didn't get the smurfs, horrible gas? Yes. It was disgusting never again.

That's what my SIL said too, never again

Quoting IDID-VBAC 12/09:" #1-Red Raspberry Leaf Tea only helps to tone the uterus and should be used around 36 + weeks. It will ... [snip!] ... kind of dr would tell a patient to try castor oil, but I would not do it. Have sex, go walking or bounce on an exercise ball."

My midwife did, I know a lot still do.

Smurf this smurf *throws papers*

My dr gave me a list of what I could do and castor oil was one but as soon as I read that it gives you the smurfs I decided to just wait till baby was ready!

Castrol oil can cause meconium aspiration (a bowel movement from the baby and inhaled) which can lead to serious problems. You can get the smurfs.

Another thing, I'd look for a different OB next time because that's smurfing stupid of a doctor to suggest something so dangerous.

OP - I used it, it worked well, I did not get the smurfs, but that being said, I was young and stupid and have since learned better. I would personally wait and go naturally.