How to Induce Labor Naturally Using Castor Oil: A Look at Risks, Dose, and When to Take It

How to Induce Labor Naturally Using Castor Oil: A Look at Risks, Dose, and When to Take It
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Taking Castor Oil to Induce Labor

Inducing Labor the natural way can be a great experience for the mother. Knowing that she is helping the birth of her child is very empowering. Let’s take a look at the use of Castor oil to induce labor naturally.

Castor oil is a natural product that is found in most health food stores. It has been used in natural healing for centuries. However, in recent years, it has been used to induce labor naturally in women.

When a woman takes Castor oil to induce labor naturally, the oil stimulates the intestines and therefore, they release prostaglandins. Prostaglandins cause the smooth muscles of the body, including the uterus, to contract. Therefore, the contractions can lead into labor.

Possible Risks and Side Effects

However, there are several precautions that a woman needs to take when using Castor oil. Not only will Castor oil cause contractions, it will also cause diarrhea which could lead to dehydration. When you take Castor oil, be sure to keep drinking plenty of fluids in order to keep your body hydrated.

Also, you may get sick from the Castor oil. It is suggested that you eat a few crackers before taking the Castor oil as well as eat a few directly after. This will help coat your stomach and lessen the chances of vomiting.

Dosage and When to Take It

Taking Castor oil should be only done at the very end of your pregnancy. The suggested time frame to take the Castor oil is around the 38th or 39th week.

Remember, it only takes approximately 2 tablespoons of Castor oil to start seeing an increase in contractions.

Castor Oil is a great way to induce labor naturally but should only be used as a last resort since it holds the most risks. Taking Castor oil to induce labor should only be done under the supervision of your midwife or physician.

DISCLAIMER: Please read this disclaimer regarding the information you have just read.

This post is part of the series: Natural Methods to Induce Labor

Read this series of articles to find several natural methods of inducing labor.

  1. Do Natural Ways To Start Labor Work?
  2. Natural Ways to Induce Labor: Nipple Stimulation
  3. Natural Ways to Induce Labor: Foot Massages
  4. Natural Ways to Induce Labor: Stripping Your Membranes
  5. Natural Ways to Induce Labor: Castor Oil