Castor Oil for Inducing Labour: Does It Work & Safety

By Aliya Khan | Updated: 15/10/2026

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Sabiha Anjum (Gynaecologist)

This health content has been medically reviewed by qualified experts and follows the FirstCry Parenting editorial policy to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Key Takeaways

Castor oil may help start labour, but it does not work reliably for everyone.
Research suggests it may increase the chance of labour starting, but more evidence is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.
Taking castor oil can cause diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and painful abdominal cramps.
Do not take castor oil during pregnancy without consulting your doctor, even if you have reached your due date.

Castor oil for inducing labour may help get labour started, but it is not a guaranteed or risk-free method. A 2022 systematic review of 12 studies involving 1,653 pregnant women found that castor oil was linked to a higher likelihood of labour induction, although researchers noted that the evidence was limited (1).

But does that mean it is safe to try? Not necessarily. Castor oil can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps. In this article, we’ll look at how it may trigger labour, what the research says about its effectiveness and safety, and when medical induction may be a better option.

What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a thick, pale-yellow vegetable oil made by pressing the seeds of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis). It contains a fatty acid called ricinoleic acid, which gives castor oil its strong laxative effect (2). Because it can stimulate the intestines and cause bowel movements, some people believe it may also encourage uterine contractions and help start labour (3).

Is It Safe to Use Castor Oil During Pregnancy?

Castor oil is not considered a safe or recommended way to induce labour during pregnancy without medical guidance. Although some studies suggest it may help start labour, it can also cause unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps. Severe diarrhoea may lead to dehydration, which can be particularly concerning during pregnancy (4).

The safety of castor oil may also depend on how far along the pregnancy is and the mother’s individual health. It is important to note that the use of castor oil at 37 weeks, or 38 weeks, or anytime before 40 weeks can be harmful to the baby and the mother as it could start uterine contractions and premature labour.

Can Castor Oil Induce Labour?

‘Can castor oil induce labour?’ Well, 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 Is Castor Oil Taken to Induce Labour?

There are different ways of drinking castor oil dosage to induce labor:

It is 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.

What Precautions Should You Take Before Using Castor Oil During Pregnancy?

It is always advisable that you don’t use castor oil for pregnancy labour 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.

Benefits of Using Castor Oil for Labour Induction

The presence of laxative properties in castor oil makes it a known substance for labour induction for those seeking natural alternatives for labour induction. Here are some benefits you might like to know:

It can be easily taken at home or at the hospital in the presence of professionals.
Unlike other labour induction methods, it is cost-effective.
It is also less invasive than other medical induction methods.
It can be obtained easily at home.

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. This can cause the baby to pass its first stool (meconium) during labour leading to possible complications. However, 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.
The laxative properties of castor oil may cause dehydration and fatigue.
Because of the limited research in this area, it may also cause stress to the mother or the baby.
You may also feel irregular and painful contractions that are not labour.

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 for pregnancy labor. 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 (9). Therefore, it is better to avoid it and take medically approved medications as prescribed by the doctor for labour induction.

What Are the Alternatives to Castor Oil for Labour Induction?

Depending on how your pregnancy is progressing, castor oil to bring on labor 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.
Sex.
Consumption of spicy food.
A labour induction massage.
Drinking raspberry leaf tea (10).

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

FAQs

1. Is castor oil and inducing labor recommended after 40 weeks?

Being past 40 weeks does not automatically make castor oil appropriate. Your healthcare provider can assess your pregnancy and discuss evidence-based options for induction if labour has not started naturally.

2. Does castor oil make labour faster?

There is not enough reliable evidence to say that castor oil consistently makes labour shorter or faster. Its main effect may be on the digestive system, and severe diarrhoea or cramping can make the experience more uncomfortable.

3. Can castor oil be used during a high-risk pregnancy?

Castor oil should not be used to induce labour in a high-risk pregnancy unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional. Conditions affecting the mother, placenta, or baby may require a carefully supervised induction or another approach.

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.

Also Read:

List of Essential Oils in Pregnancy
Consuming Fish Oil while Pregnant
Does Essential Oils Help to Induce Labour?

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