Fox Health: Some pregnant women use castor oil to speed up labor, but experts say it's not for everyone

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Some pregnant women use castor oil to speed up labor, but experts say it's not for everyone

Women's health experts weighed in on the use of castor oil for inducing pregnancy after the method goes viral on TikTok, pointing out potential safety concerns....                        ...                        ...                            ...Castor oil has been a hot topic on social media recently, as people extol its various uses.......Many pregnant women on TikTok are claiming they've ingested castor oil to help You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, with mixed results.......Some experts, however, caution that this may not be safe.......You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login......In response to the viral trend, North Carolina labor and delivery nurse Liesel Teen posted a video on TikTok in August 2023, emphasizing that all You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login should consult their doctors before turning to castor oil.......Teen confirmed that, in some cases, castor oil can work "really well at throwing you into labor under specific circumstances."......These circumstances include women who are past their due date, have a Bishop score of more than six and have had a baby before. (The Bishop is a tool that You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login use to determine whether induction of labor will be required.)......The expert warned that not only does castor oil "taste disgusting," but it also works as a "very powerful laxative."......You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login......"If you're a first-time mom – and you are like 37 or 38 or 39 weeks [along] – and you haven't really been contracting, or not dilated, and you drink castor oil to try and induce labor, all it's going to do is give you You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login," Teen said......."But if you are already about to go into labor, or your body's like, 'Come on, I just need a little push,' and you've talked to your care provider, and they're OK with you doing castor oil, then it might be for you," she said. ......Dr. Meleen Chuang, an NYU Langone OB-GYN, advised that while castor oil has been suggested as a natural method to induce labor, there is "limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness." ......She told Fox News Digital, "This is used by midwives often and should be OK to try once."......You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login......"Castor oil works by creating the need for a bowel movement, [so it] may help if you are constipated."......Chuang recommended speaking You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login before trying any methods for inducing pregnancy, as the medical experts can provide guidance based on a woman's specific situation and medical history.......You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login......There are You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to ease labor, including acupuncture, breathing and relaxation, she noted.......Taking a warm bath or shower can also help ease discomfort, as can massage and aromatherapy, according to Chuang......."Gentle massage and the use of essential oils can help relieve tension and promote relaxation during labor," she added.......Natural health expert Dr. Joseph Mercola echoed that these relaxation techniques can be helpful for holistic You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login.......You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login......"These natural methods can promote a more relaxed and peaceful labor experience," the Florida-based doctor told Fox News Digital......."While these alternative approaches may offer benefits, it is recommended [that women] consult with [their] health care provider before trying any new treatments, especially during pregnancy."......Eating certain foods, such as pineapple, dates, prunes or other You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, can also help with labor, Chuang added.......Castor oil can be used in alternative ways to boost health, Mercola said.......Those include moisturizing the skin and hair, soothing digestive issues, easing menstrual discomfort and supporting the You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login....

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