Castor Oil During Pregnancy For Labour Induction

In some cases, labour induction may become necessary, notably if the pregnant woman has exceeded her full pregnancy term of 40 weeks and the contractions haven’t begun. One of the popular tricks often propagated for inducing labour is the use of castor oil during pregnancy.

But there is no complete and decisive research available which shows that the use of castor oil during pregnancy for labour induction is entirely safe. Most of what we know about the role of castor oil in labour induction is hearsay and subjective. (1) (2)

However, the known common side effect of castor oil, which is nausea, is not something a pregnant woman would desire during the time of her delivery. Besides, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before experimenting with any such method of labour induction to avoid possible pregnancy risks. The following article may help you make an informed decision regarding taking castor oil during pregnancy.

What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a bright, thick vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of castor beans or Ricinus communis. It primarily includes a fatty acid called Ricinoleic acid, which is believed to be chiefly responsible for its medicinal properties. Despite the fact that conclusive scientific evidence in this regard is scanty, still for many years now, castor oil has been used for treating numerous disorders like constipation, certain skin issues and easing pain and soreness.

Nonetheless, castor oil has some non-medicinal uses, like it is used as a preservative and flavouring agent. It is a common ingredient in skincare items and cosmetics like soaps, shampoos, and lipsticks. It is also used in the manufacturing of dyes, paints, plastics, and fibres.

Castor oil is commonly found in India. The consistency of castor oil is similar to that of cooking oil and is nearly tasteless. But it is known to have some nasty side effects like diarrhoea, nausea and even acute dehydration.

Is It Safe to Use Castor Oil During Pregnancy?

Medical research conducted on the subject of castor oil uses for pregnancy shows wide-ranging conclusions. The various studies which have been conducted to analyse the use of castor oil for labour induction do not reveal any noteworthy difference in the kind of birth, vaginal or caesarean or the duration of labour. Neither has any scientific studies found any conclusive evidence indicating enhanced complications during delivery. The primary concern was individuals displaying varying tolerance levels to the discomfort caused by the use of castor oil at the time of birth. In some cases, women experienced nausea, while some experienced diarrhoea that lead to dehydration. (3) (4)

Thus, some may endorse castor oil’s benefits for pregnancy, especially in cases where a pregnant woman has crossed the 40-week mark, while others (and some doctors) look at it with concern and forcefully caution against its use.

Besides, doctors have started using other reliable and effective methods of labour induction which guarantee success. Moreover, if you have a difficult pregnancy, you may want to refrain from using castor oil and seek medical advice instead.

Castor Oil for Inducing Labour

The use of castor oil for inducing labour is based on the notion that castor oil has laxative properties, and when consumed, it stimulates the bowels and causes the uterus to contract. Furthermore, ricinoleic acid, which is the main constituent of castor oil, attacks the prostaglandin receptors in the womb and intestines, causing them to contract. (5) It is also believed that castor oil affects the fluid and electrolytes absorption in the gut leading to diarrhoea which in turn may induce contractions.

How People Usually Consume Castor Oil

The consumption of castor oil is done in many ways:

• It is taken mixed with some orange juice or any other juice of your choice to conceal its somewhat unpleasant taste.
• You can drink it over in one go and follow it up with a flavoured drink of your liking to neutralise the taste.
• Keep in mind to drink plenty of water after consuming castor oil, as it is a laxative and may cause dehydration.

How Fast Does Castor Oil Work to Induce Labour?

Definite results on the use of castor oil for inducing labour are quite diverse. In some cases, expectant mothers reported experiencing its effects and getting into labour within a couple of hours of taking castor oil, while in some cases no effects were reported. (6) (7) In such cases, induction may happen over a period of a few days, if at all it does. (8)

However, the side effects may start to manifest within a few hours of consuming castor oil and can last up to 1-6 hours. However, detailed research is required to ascertain its effects and results.

Precautions to Take Before Taking Castor Oil to Induce Labour

It is always advisable that you don’t use castor oil without medical supervision as it may lead to complications that can have ill effects on the health of the mother and baby. However, certain precautions that may be kept in mind before consuming castor oil are:

• Consuming castor oil may induce diarrhoea. So, it is better to be near a toilet in case of loose motions.
• It is required to keep yourself suitably hydrated by drinking lots of water.
• Follow the principle “less is safe”. It is not wise to take more than 1 or 2 tablespoons of castor oil within 24 hours.
• Consuming castor oil in early pregnancy is not safe. It is wise to wait until after 40 weeks because if your body is not prepared for labour, castor oil may not have the desired effect.
• Castor oil should not be used as a means to accelerate the labour as this can heighten the pain and discomfort.

You may also like to consider other natural methods with less unpleasant side effects for inducing labour. Prepare your hospital bag and keep it handy. Also, seek medical consultation in case of any doubt.

Side Effects of Consuming Castor Oil for Inducing Labour

Doctors have mixed opinions on the possible side effects of consuming castor oil for inducing labour. Some of the likely side effects are listed below:

• Some experts are of the view that, along with the mother, castor oil may cast its laxative effect on the unborn baby as well. And this can cause the baby to pass its first stool (meconium) during labour leading to possible complications. But there is no documented evidence to support this view.
• The use of castor oil for inducing labour can result in diarrhoea and likely dehydration.
• Ingesting castor oil may cause nausea. It may be with or without vomiting.
• Some women can experience severe cramping.

There have been cases where women have experienced no side effects.
Therefore, it is suggested that you should consult your doctor before consuming castor oil.

Why Is It Suggested That Castor Oil Be Avoided During Pregnancy?

Some medical practitioners strongly recommend avoiding the use of castor oil during pregnancy. This may be because of some of the following reasons:

• Taking castor oil during pregnancy may lead to abortion.
• Castor oil can result in painful contractions, in some cases, causing increased foetal distress.
• It may increase the risk of meconium (baby’s first stool) being passed in the womb.
• Owing to the laxative properties of castor oil, it can cause acute diarrhoea, which may lead to unnecessary pregnancy complications.
• In case you have a tough pregnancy, it is better to avoid the use of castor oil to prevent additional discomfort and problems.

Can Castor Oil Be Used as a Laxative During Pregnancy?

Experts are divided on this issue, and more extensive research needs to be done. Some experts believe that castor oil can be used as a laxative during pregnancy, while some are of the view that the laxative properties of castor oil affect both the mother and the baby. Therefore, using castor oil when pregnant may heighten the probability of meconium or the baby’s earliest faeces being passed in the womb. If the meconium is inhaled entirely or even partially by the baby, it can block the airways of the baby and cause serious complications. Therefore, it is better to avoid it and take medically approved medications as prescribed by the doctor for labour induction.

Alternatives for Castor Oil for Labour Induction

Depending on how your pregnancy is progressing, castor oil during early pregnancy can be an option. Nevertheless, there are some alternatives to castor oil that are done only by the doctor. Some of them are:

• Use of Pitocin through an IV.
• Rupturing the water bag artificially.
• Stimulation of the nipples manually or with the help of breast pumps.
• Prostaglandins.
• Use of Foley balloon catheter mechanically.

You can use any one or a combination of the above options after discussing your condition with your doctor.

Preferably, if there are no medical compulsions, the sensible thing to do is to wait for labour to ensue naturally. But if you still wish to use castor oil for inducing labour, it is always wise to consult your doctor first. It is best not to worry unnecessarily and focus more on preparing yourself for the arrival of your bundle of joy.

References/Resources:

1. Pregnancy and birth: When your baby’s due date has passed: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279571/, 2018

2.  Which method is best for the induction of labour? A systematic review, network meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis: NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK379826/ 

3. Kelly AJ et al.; Castor oil, bath and/or enema for cervical priming and induction of labour; Cochrane Database Syst Rev., https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23881775/, July 2013

4. Sahar Abd El-Gawad; Castor Oil Safety and Effectiveness on Labour Induction and Neonatal Outcome; Research gate, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261437700_Castor_Oil_Safety_and_Effectiveness_on_Labour_Induction_and_Neonatal_Outcome, April 2014

5. Sorin Tunaru et al.; Castor oil induces laxation and uterus contraction via ricinoleic acid activating prostaglandin EP3 receptors; Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A., https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3384204/, June 2012

6. Garry D et al.; Use of castor oil in pregnancies at term; Altern Ther Health Med, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10631825/, January 2000

7. Boel ME et al.; Castor oil for induction of labour: not harmful, not helpful; Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol., https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19780733/, October 2009

8. RonitGilad et al.; Castor oil for induction of labor in post-date pregnancies: A randomized controlled trial; Elsevier Women and Birth Volume 31, Issue 1, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871519217300033?via=ihub, February 2018

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