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Childbirth/Castor oil before child birth.

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Expert: - 3/12/2008


Question
My fiance wants to have some natural progression before she gets induced. Is it bad to take castor oil the night before? If not, how much should she take?

Answer
Sheldon,

No, it is not advisable to take castor oil before a scheduled induction.  Castor oil can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and dehydration and will not necessarily cause any dilation or effacement before her scheduled induction.

There is also some question as to whether castor oil causes babies to pass meconium, or their first bowel movement, during labor.  This can lead to other complications including respiratory distress or Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) if the baby were to inhale the meconium.

Also, since she must have some complications that require the induction, you don't want to risk increasing these complications by taking the castor oil.

To learn more about other safe ways to help "get things moving", such as walking, intercourse, and acupressure, read this series of articles at http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/natural-ways-to-induce-labor.html

Before attempting these or any other induction methods, make sure there are valid reasons for induction, which are detailed in the following article:  http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/reasons-to-induce.html


Best,
Catherine

Childbirth

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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