Taking castor oil has been found to help induce labor and ripen the cervix. It also often has unpleasant side effects, particularly the possibility of dehydration, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Learn more about castor oil and its role in inducing labor.
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a vegetable oil derived from the castor bean, which contains ricinoleic acid. It has been used for generations to help ease constipation or induce vomiting when needed, much like syrup of ipecac. It is odorless but foul-tasting. Some of its other uses include as a topical application to stimulate hair growth and as a skin lubricant.
Castor Oil and Labor Induction
Castor oil is taken orally, and for some, this may hasten the onset of labor. While some people report feeling the stirring of their intestines within an hour or two of using castor oil to induce labor, others are not affected. As noted above, using castor oil may promote labor by stimulating contractions in the uterus, much like it does in the intestines and bowels. More research is needed but data from limited medical studies indicate that if castor oil has an effect that labor may be more likely to start in the first 24 hours after ingesting castor oil.
Side Effects of Castor Oil
If you take castor oil, know that you’re likely to experience some unpleasant side effects, as well as the unpalatable taste of the tonic. The side effects of castor oil may include:
Contractions of the uterus (which may or may not be labor) Diarrhea Nausea Vomiting
There are practitioners who do not recommend castor oil because of potential side effects like dehydration (from loose stools and/or vomiting), fetal distress, and causing the baby to pass meconium (the first bowel movement) before birth. However, some studies do show that using castor oil for induction is a safe option that does not result in a higher prevalence of these complications. Still, care must be taken to avoid dehydration, which can be dangerous for laboring mothers. Plus, consider that the side effects of castor oil could deplete energy stores, making labor and delivery more difficult.
Castor Oil Safety
Castor oil makes some people vomit, but even if doesn’t make you vomit, it’s highly likely you’ll feel nauseous. Additionally, as noted above, there is also a risk of dehydration if you have excessive vomiting or diarrhea. If so, be sure you are getting enough fluids either by drinking water or, if, in a hospital, you may get IV fluids, if needed. Though there has been some concern about problems like infection or meconium staining in the amniotic fluid, studies have not found evidence of this. Additionally, induction before your due date is not a good idea if there is no medical reason. Plus, remember that even if you are a good candidate for induction, a castor oil induction may not be the best option for you.
Does Castor Oil Work to Induce Labor?
Research indicates that castor oil can be effective for labor induction or for speeding up the process of cervical ripening. A 2022 review of the literature found that those who took castor oil were significantly more likely to go into labor or to have their labor continue at a better pace. Based on their review, the researchers suggest that using castor oil during prolonged labor (under the supervision of a medical professional) can help avoid interventions such as a C-section. One of the studies reviewed found that low-risk pregnant women over 40 weeks gestation who were given castor oil were significantly more likely to go into labor within 24 hours than the control group. Another found that castor oil was effective at inducing labor in multiparous women (women who have already had at least one baby) but had little to no effect on nulliparous women (first-time moms).
Alternatives to Castor Oil
When labor has yet to start and there is no medical reason to induce, the reasonable alternative recommendation to castor oil (or using any interventions) is to do nothing and simply wait for labor to begin on its own. If there is a medical need for induction of labor, there are many options available, including:
Artificially stripping or rupturing the membranes (breaking the bag of waters) Foley catheter induction: a catheter with an attached, deflated balloon is inserted into the cervix via the vagina. The balloon is then inflated to put pressure on the cervix and encourage dilation Nipple stimulation via a breast pump or manually Prostaglandins (which may be delivered in a variety of ways) Using Pitocin: an IV medication commonly used to jumpstart contractions
The decision to use one of these methods or a combination of them should be between you and your practitioner. Some alternatives may be more appealing to you and/or may be more appropriate and safe in your specific case.
A Word From Verywell
In the end, the medical literature on castor oil induction is unclear, and much of the evidence is anecdotal. The known side effect of nausea is something to weigh heavily. If you are interested in trying this induction method, talk to your healthcare provider to ensure that there is no known reason for you to avoid it. That said, chances are they may have a more efficacious induction method to offer if needed.
