Caster Oil to Induce Labor - Fact Or Fiction?

Castor oil is one of the oldest tricks women have usedcan cause contractions that will shorten labor time later
to induce labor. For years, women have speed up theon. The nausea and diarrhea can last for a few hours
last few days of pregnancy by using caster oil toto an entire day.
induce labor and speed the process along. But is thisIt is not considered safe to use by everyone. Some
trick an old wives tail, or scientific fact?see a connection between castor oil use and
The last few weeks and days of pregnancy can bemeconium in the amniotic fluid. Meconium can be
the hardest to endure. Waiting for the special momentdangerous if an infant inhales it before or during birth.
to arrive, without being entirely certain of when that willWhile not everyone agrees that caster oil is to blame
be. And for some women, the estimated date comesfor meconium, the correlation has been one of the
and goes without anything really happening. That isreasons modern doctors prefer to use other means
when doctors and midwives used to turn to castor oilof induction.
to induce labor.Using castor oil to induce labor does not work for
This once sure thing has now be replaced by moreevery woman. Some swear that taking two ounces
modern medicines, such as pitocin. However, some stillof the oil is enough to kick start labor, while others say
argue that it is a safe alternative for women whothey had no luck. For some women the nausea and
want to avoid medical interventions. Women whodiarrhea is too intense to be worth enduring.
have reached 40 weeks and are showing signs ofBecause of the foul taste most women mix it with
labor, such as a thinning cervix and some contractions,other things to make it easier to swallow. Stiring it into
may want to use this old fashioned remedy.a cup of orange juice is the most common way to
It is actually a laxative. This oil will stimulate the bowelsdrink the oil. Some women prefer to drink it quickly
and cause diarrhea, nausea, and some cramping. Forfollowed by lemon or lime juice. Whatever you prefer,
some women this will cause a woman on the verge tocastor oil to induce labor may be just the thing for you.
go into labor shortly after. At the very least, caster oil