Can Castor Oil Induce Labor?

Can castor oil induce labor? Yes, sometimes, but there are side effects, pros, and cons that should be considered. Consuming castor oil for labor induction is one of the most controversial topics regarding labor induction. It has been used for centuries

to help induce labor.

My personal opinion is to try other methods to help induce labor first. Castor oil should be a last resort and only used under certain conditions while under your midwife's care.

Castor Oil to Induce Labor: Pros & Cons

Pros

1. It may stimulate contractions. Castor oil is a strong laxative. The intestinal stimulation can trigger uterine cramping in some people. Studies show mixed results—some show a slight increase in onset of labor within 24 hours, especially in people 40+ weeks.

2. It’s a natural/home method. Some people prefer it because it's not a medical induction.

3. Sometimes used by midwives. Certain midwives include it in “labor cocktails,” usually with careful dosing and after confirming cervical readiness. But this is always supervised.

Cons (Very Important)

1. High chance of intense nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is the biggest issue. Many people get severe GI upset that can last hours.

2. Can cause dehydration. Vomiting + diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can actually slow labor or make contractions harder to tolerate.

3. Increased risk of fetal distress in some studies. Some research suggests castor oil can cause babies to pass meconium before birth. This can potentially complicate delivery.

4. Contractions may be irregular or painful. It can cause cramping that is not true labor, leaving you exhausted.

5. It doesn’t work unless the body is already ready. If your cervix isn’t softening or dilating yet, castor oil usually just causes GI discomfort, not labor.

6. Not recommended without medical approval. OBs and many midwives consider it a last-resort option because of the side effects.

Is consuming Castor Oil Safe?

• Most experts say to avoid it unless

  • You're past your due date

  • Your provider has cleared it

  • You understand and accept the discomfort risks

Safe dosing must be discussed with a professional—never exceed what your provider recommends.

Gentler alternatives

• Massage, and especially our Labor Prep Massage (if you're in the San Diego area)

• Spinning Babies exercises

• Evening primrose oil

• Nipple stimulation

• Curb walking

• Acupuncture

• Acupressure points

• Relaxation + oxytocin-promoting techniques (massage, sex)

• I really believe lap swimming in a pool got labor going for me! Think bouncing un and down comfortably in the water, putting pressure on the cervix.

Experiences Where Castor Oil Worked

Cases I have seen them work and how it went down.....

Pregnant Client #1:

“I was already 3 cm dilated, and it pushed me into active labor.”

At 40+ weeks, partially dilated, took a midwife-recommended dose.

• Had diarrhea within 2 hours

• Mild cramping turned into contractions

• Went into labor within 4–8 hours

  Why I think it worked: Cervix was already favorable and the body was ready.

Pregnant Client #2.

“Second baby, body was already primed.”

A mom on her 2nd or 3rd birth (where labor often starts faster) took castor oil.

• Contractions became regular

• She avoided a medical induction.

  Why I think it worked: Multiparous bodies respond sooner.

Pregnant Client #3

“Had a membrane sweep earlier that day.”

Castor oil was taken after a sweep.

• The sweep softened the cervix

• Castor oil increased uterine activity

  Why I think it worked: A Combination of procedures.

Pregnant Client #4

''I was overdue and absolutely ready.”

Someone at 41+ weeks with a very soft cervix.

• Went into labor same day

  Why I think it worked: Baby and body were already signaling readiness.

Experiences Where Castor Oil Didn’t Work

(Most stories fall into one of these patterns)

1. “Just diarrhea, no contractions.”

The most common unsuccessful experience.

• Hours of bathroom trips

• Cramping but not actual labor

  Why it didn’t work: Cervix wasn’t ripe or ready.

2. “I threw up everything—nothing happened.”

Some people can’t keep it down.

• Complete nausea and vomiting

• No change in contractions

  Why it didn’t work: Body rejected it before it could stimulate the intestines.

3. “False labor and exhaustion.”

Some feel crampy or get irregular contractions.

• Contractions come and go

• No dilation progress

  Why it didn’t work: Contractions were GI-induced, not hormonal labor.

4. “Worked for my first baby but not my second.”

The body may respond differently each pregnancy.

• One pregnancy: went into labor

• Another pregnancy: zero effect

  Why it didn’t work: Timing, baby position, and cervical readiness vary.

5. “Took multiple doses—only got dehydrated.”

Overusing castor oil often backfires.

• Nausea, diarrhea, dehydration

• Labor actually slowed down

  
  

  Why it didn’t work: Dehydration can stop the body from contracting effectively.

Overall Pattern

Castor oil tends to be effective only when the cervix is already soft, dilated, or the body is on the verge of labor.

It tends to fail when:

• The cervix is still closed

• Baby isn’t engaged (hasn't dropped yet)

• The body isn’t ready

Massage with acupressure is considered safer and more effective than castor oil for encouraging the body toward labor — but only when the body is already close to ready.

Here’s a clear breakdown:

Is Massage + Acupressure More Effective Than Castor Oil?

Yes — it’s gentler, safer, and often more reliable, especially when done by someone trained in prenatal massage or acupressure.

Why Prenatal Massage and Acupressure can be more effective:

Prenatal massage past 38 weeks helps:

• Increase circulation

• Clear stagnation

• Relax deep pelvic muscles

• Relax body and mind, activating the parasympathetic system

• Most importantly, it releases a lot of oxytocin, which is the natural form of Pitocin (the synthetic drug they give you to induce labor.

Acupressure works by stimulating points that may:

• Increase oxytocin release

• Relax the pelvic muscles

• Help the baby descend

• Encourage cervix softening

• Reduce tension that can block labor

• Stimulating internal organs to help jump-start the hormonal cocktail that needs to be released in order for labor to occur

Common points used:

• SP6 (inner ankle)

• LI4 (hand)

• BL32 (sacrum)

• GB21 (shoulder)

• BL60 (outer ankle)

• We use many more during our labor prep massage

  
  

  These points don’t force labor — they help the body in getting ready.

  There is no magic eject button to induce labor!

Why It’s Often More Effective Than Castor Oil

1. It’s safer

No nausea, diarrhea, or dehydration. Only relaxation, calm, better sleep, decreased swelling, increased circulation, and relaxed muscles!

2. It supports natural hormonal progression

Acupressure increases oxytocin, which is what naturally starts labor.

3. It helps with alignment + tension

If baby is slightly off position (OP, high, or tilted), labor won’t start easily.

Massage helps with:

• Pelvic opening

• Sacrum release

• Psoas relaxation

• Round ligament tension

This often triggers spontaneous labor in a more physiological way.

4. Often used by midwives + doulas with good outcomes

Especially in people 39–41 weeks.

5. You can repeat it without side effects

Unlike castor oil, which can only be safely tried once.

When Acupressure Works Best

It tends to help when:

• The cervix is already softening (even if not dilating)

• You’re 39–41+ weeks

• Baby is engaged or descending

• You’re having mild cramping or irregular contractions

• Your body needs a “nudge,” not a shock

When It Won’t Work

Nothing will force labor if:

• Cervix is still firm/closed

• Baby is very high

• Hormones aren’t shifting

• Stress is high (because stress hormones fight oxytocin)

In those cases, acupressure will feel nice, but labor might not start yet. Multiple sessions may be needed. However, it will help you relax and release oxytocin! Still, a huge plus is working toward getting your body ready for labor!

Summary

Acupressure + massage = gentle support + relaxation + oxytocin → natural labor help

Castor oil = GI stimulation → unpredictable & unpleasant

So yes — massage + acupressure is generally more effective and much safer than castor oil, especially when done by someone trained in prenatal techniques.

If you live in San Diego and are looking for natural labor induction, you are in for a treat!

Rebirth Massage is a wellness center focused on prenatal care. We offer a labor induction massage called the labor prep massage. We highly recommend this service if you are past 38 weeks and trying to avoid medical inductions.