Is It Safe To Use Castor Oil To Induce Labour?

After 40 long weeks of pregnancy, your belly might feel extremely heavy, and you may experience uncomfortable symptoms like back pain and reduced movement. At this point, you may even start searching on the internet for any natural trick to work and induce labour. One such remedy that your google search may suggest is using castor oil to induce labour and start contractions. But the big question here? Is castor oil safe for inducing labour? If yes, then how should you implement this natural remedy to prepare your body for labour and childbirth? Keep reading to find out!

What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is derived from the seeds of a plant called Ricinus communis, which is native to India. Its chemical composition is considered a bit unusual, as it mainly comprises ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid. The high concentration of this fatty acid gives castor oil the reputation of being super-healing and restorative. For years, this oil has been used for medicinal purposes in treating various ailments, such as

• Gastrointestinal problems like constipation
• Pain and inflammation
• Stimulating immunity
• Treating various types of infections and skin conditions

In fact, today, castor oil is found in many non-medicinal applications like

• Food additive and flavouring agent
• Skincare products and cosmetics, such as soaps, lipsticks, and shampoos
• Manufacturing of goods like fibres and paints

Why Is Castor Oil Considered Useful for Labour?

Ingesting small amounts of castor oil can cause spasms in your intestines, which can further stimulate your bowels and vagal nerve. This spasm-and-stimulation process can in some ways irritate your uterus, which can then begin contracting.

Additionally, castor oil helps promote the release of prostaglandin receptors in your body, which work to stimulate your cervix and encourage dilation. It also reduces fluid absorption in the small intestine, causing diarrhoea and possibly contractions.

But Does Castor Oil Really Help In Inducing Labour?

The results of this are actually a bit complicated. A small study published by the National Library of Medicine revealed that over half of the women administered castor oil went into active labour within 24 hours. 

But then another study conducted by the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology published a few years later revealed that while there were no harmful effects associated with using castor oil for the mum and baby, there weren’t any particular benefits of the oil in inducing labour, either. 

The study also stated that while castor oil is effective when used at the beginning of labour, it may cause painful and irregular contractions that might stress out the mum and baby, leading to exhaustion. 

Risks and Side Effects of Using Castor Oil for Inducing Labour

You may experience the following side effects from ingesting castor oil to induce labour.

• Diarrhoea
• Dehydration
• Abdominal cramping
• Non-labour-related contractions in the uterus

Should You Induce Labour?

In most cases, your body will naturally induce labour when it is ready. However, some women may go into preterm labour, while others may go into labour later than their expected due date.

Your healthcare provider will only consider inducing labour if your or your baby’s health is at risk, or if you have been pregnant for more than 42 weeks or later. Some reasons why your doctor may opt to include labour include

• A uterus infection
• Placental abruption
• Too little amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios)
• Contractions without your water breaking
• The fetus isn’t growing at an expected rate
• If you have high blood pressure or diabetes that could put you or your baby’s health at risk.

Other Ways to Induce Labour

There are no proven methods to induce labour at home. Only your doctor can induce labour in a hospital using medicines or slightly invasive procedures like stripping of membranes.

That said, there are a few natural methods you can try to help induce labour and expedite contractions. Note, these methods aren’t 100% sureshot or medically backed. You can try

• Nipple stimulation
• Eating spicy foods
• Acupuncture
• Walking and exercising
• Sexual intercourse

Conclusion

Castor oil for inducing labour is not considered 100% safe and lacks scientific evidence to prove its benefits and effectiveness. It’s much safer to consult your doctor to know if you need any labour induction methods in the first place. Till then, just follow your doctor’s advice, enjoy the last few moments of pregnancy, and let your body go into labour naturally to ensure a smooth and safe delivery. 

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