Castor Oil for Labor: Does It Work, and Is It Safe?

Consuming castor oil to induce labor in pregnant people is a technique that’s historically been linked to the practice of midwifery (midwives). Castor oil is also medically approved for its use as a laxative.

Ingesting a small amount of castor oil might help encourage labor by triggering contractions and the release of certain hormones. However, current evidence is mixed on whether this potential labor-inducing method could be effective.

This article discusses the use of castor oil to induce labor, offering information on its safety and other possible methods for naturally inducing labor at home.

What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a vegetable oil that comes from the seeds of the castor bean plant. It’s commonly used as a lubricant and also as a laxative, which is sometimes recommended to treat constipation.

Traditionally, it’s been used orally (taken by mouth) and topically (applied to the skin) for various health purposes. It’s approved as a stimulant laxative, but research evidence is mixed on whether it’s effective for hair and skin care, treating arthritis, and labor induction.

Can Castor Oil Induce Labor?

Castor oil has been used traditionally to stimulate labor, particularly in midwifery practice. However, current research is mixed on whether it is effective.

One study has shown that people who took castor oil to prompt labor gave birth vaginally without any maternal or fetal complications. Another study suggested that consuming castor oil at 40 to 41 weeks pregnant made it more likely to go into labor within 24 hours.

But in other research, ingesting castor oil did not appear to increase the chances of going into labor—and did not make a significant difference in the length of time it took to give birth.

How Does It Work?

Researchers have a few theories why castor oil may help stimulate labor.

It’s thought that castor oil’s laxative properties may be behind its potential labor-inducing effects. Because castor oil triggers bowel movements, it may also stimulate the uterus, leading to contractions.

It’s also possible that castor oil prompts the production of prostaglandins (hormones that help ripen the cervix for birth) and stimulates the onset of labor.

Risks, Dangers, and Potential Side Effects

Castor oil is considered to be generally safe for consumption when it’s used correctly. For adults, the usual dosing is 15 to 60 milliliters (mL) per day.

But consuming castor oil in high doses or for long periods can be poisonous and lead to side effects, including:

Research also found that castor oil increased the chances of the baby having its first bowel movement (known as meconium) before birth, which is a health risk for the baby.

People who are pregnant should not take castor oil to induce labor unless their healthcare provider has recommended or approved it.

Should You Induce?

A healthcare provider may recommend a medical induction for several different reasons. These include:

Induction may be recommended even if there are not any health risks. Research suggests that induction at 39 weeks of pregnancy in healthy people in their first full-term pregnancy can help lower the chances of having a cesarean section (C-section). These deliveries come with risks during the surgery and certain increased risks for future pregnancies.

Other Ways to Induce Labor At Home

A few traditional techniques could potentially help induce labor, though more clinical evidence is needed before experts broadly recommend these methods. Anecdotally, these include:

• Eating datesparticularly during your third trimester, may help decrease the chances of needing labor augmentation, which is when a healthcare provider has to help stimulate contractions after starting labor.
• Engaging in nipple stimulation triggers the release of oxytocin (the “love” hormone that’s produced during childbirth) and prompts labor.
• Exercisinglike walking briskly several times a week, especially during the third trimester, helps prepare the cervix for delivery and increases the chances of entering labor.
• Having sex might help soften the uterus from the release of prostaglandins found in semen, or it may trigger an orgasm to release oxytocin.
• Trying acupuncture or acupressuretherapeutic techniques that involve placing pressure on certain points on the body, may potentially help to release blocked energy, endorphins, or oxytocin.

Some experts have noted that exercise and nipple stimulation may be the most helpful methods to prompt labor. Having sex doesn’t appear to be as effective. And while acupuncture has been touted for inducing labor, available evidence doesn’t show that it increases vaginal delivery rates.

Summary

Castor oil is a natural laxative that’s also traditionally been used to induce labor. However, the evidence is mixed on whether it’s effective for labor induction. It’s important to know that castor oil can come with certain side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can be dangerous if consumed in doses that are larger than recommended.

To protect your health and safety and your baby’s, speak to a healthcare provider before trying castor oil. Depending on the circumstance, they may recommend a labor induction in a medical setting if applicable.