Jul 30, 2023

Safe & Sound: Castor Oil For Pregnancy

Castor oil is a clear liquid that comes from the seeds of the castor bean plant. It can be used externally to treat a variety of health problems including constipation, arthritis, and gout. It's also used internally as a laxative or as an aid for weight loss and is popularly recommended for pregnant mothers to prevent pregnancy stretch marks or help with labour. It has been suggested that castor oil may cause denervation (the partial or complete exhaustion of nerve cells) within muscles resulting in decreased muscle tension and pressure within your body, which could help reduce the discomfort associated with pregnancy-related aches and pains. Importantly, there are potential side effects when using castor oil.

Is Castor oil Safe For Pregnancy?

Castor oil is not considered safe for use during pregnancy, according to the American Pregnancy Association. It does not appear to be a widely used method of natural birth control and few studies confirm its safety. While some herbalists and midwives have suggested castor oil as a labour aid there is no evidence that it aids labour or relieves pain in pregnant women. Because there are few studies on the effectiveness of castor oil for morning sickness, you should talk to your doctor before using it. Castor oil may help stimulate your digestive system but it also contains ricinoleic acid, which can be toxic if ingested in large amounts.

Benefits of Using Castor Oil For Pregnancy:

1) For stretch marks: Castor oil is suggested as a natural way to prevent or treat stretch marks during pregnancy. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which has been shown in studies to be effective in the treatment of stretch marks. In one study, women who used castor oil on their tummy reported a reduction in both non-elastic skin and therefore stretch marks. If your skin is more elastic, you may not get any improvement.

2) To stimulate labour: Castor oil has been used for many years by midwives to help stimulate labour contractions and reduce pain associated with childbirth. In one study, castor oil consumption was found to reduce the time it took for an expectant mother to begin active labour and significantly shorten the duration of labour. However, it is important to note that this study was not carried out in a laboratory setting but rather conducted through surveys carried out at midwives' clinics.

3) To treat morning sickness: Castor oil can be a safe way to relieve severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It contains ricinoleic acid which may be effective in reducing nausea associated with early pregnancy or motion sickness, although evidence is currently limited. Again, talk with your doctor before trying castor oil as a treatment for morning sickness while pregnant.

4) For weight loss: There are few studies on the use of castor oil to encourage weight loss. In one study, women were split into two groups. Half of the women ate castor oil while the other half received a salad dressing made with olive oil. After three weeks, both groups had lost seven pounds on average, but the group that ate castor oil lost an additional 2 pounds after 12 weeks even though they consumed fewer calories than the group that was given a salad dressing with olive oil.

5) For constipation: Castor oil has been traditionally recommended for constipation. Because there are few studies on using castor oil to treat constipation during pregnancy, you should consult with your doctor before trying it.

How to Use Castor Oil For Pregnancy?

Step 1: Keep castor oil refrigerated in a dark bottle. You want to avoid light and heat while storing the oil.

Step 2: Get castor oil from a local health food store or pharmacy if available. It can be expensive but is worth it if you decide that you want to try it for the benefits listed above. Otherwise, it's best to get local brands of castor oil from a health food store because some versions of the product have been found to contain large concentrations of ricinoleic acid, which can be toxic if ingested in large amounts.

Step 3: Keep your bottle of castor oil next to your water glass or cup so that you can easily put some in when you are drinking water throughout the day and night.

Step 4: Use a dropper to place a few drops of castor oil into your water cup throughout the day.

Step 5: Take complete care of your umbilical cord from the very beginning of your pregnancy until after delivery. The umbilical cord is usually veinless and should be kept as dry as possible.

Step 6: Drink lots of water while pregnant, especially during initial pregnancy nausea, morning sickness, and if you have cravings for salty or sweet foods.

Step 7: Avoid taking large amounts of castor oil at once by taking small doses throughout the day.

Start with a small amount and then gradually increase it until you find a dose that works best for you along with any other supplements or treatments that you may be using. It is important to note that castor oil should not be used in place of other basic prenatal vitamins and minerals, which are necessary for fetal growth. Remember, castor oil is only right for people when taken in the correct dosage. You will find that it can help relieve nausea and morning sickness symptoms during pregnancy, but if it doesn't work out as well as expected, there are many other natural remedies to try out on your own time.

FAQs

1) How does castor oil work for constipation?

The goal of using castor oil is to stimulate your bowels to help you pass stool more frequently. Castor oil has a laxative effect that can help relieve constipation due to high amounts of fibre in the diet, pregnancy, lactation, fever, or other factors.

2) Is it safe after birth?

Castor oil should not be used after delivery or during labour because it can cause uterine contractions and therefore is not recommended by most doctors unless prescribed by your doctor for use in early labour.