Castor Oil and the Induction of Labor
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Authors
Braaksma, Ashley
Gamon, Aislin
Date of Issue
2021-04-15
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Subject Keywords
Other Titles
Abstract
Labor is a strenuous process that can last for an extended period of time and possibly result in negative outcomes. Additionally, the process of pregnancy and childbirth can be an expensive expenditure for individuals. DeMaria et al. (2017), discusses that “labor augmentation with castor oil can be a successful way to begin labor among women who are pregnant and not yet presenting with uterine contractions” (p. 100). Methods as well as the timeline of delivery, for the purpose of this brief, refer to the route and duration of time by which a woman gives birth, either vaginally or by caesarean section. Castor oil is defined as “oleum palmae Christi [which] is obtained from the seed of Ricinus communis” (Okoro et al., 2019, p. 37). The use of castor oil, “a natural vegetable oil, is an alternative to pharmacological induction agents” (DeMaria et al., 2017, para 8). The purpose of this Evidence-Based Practice brief is to examine whether the use of castor oil has an effect on the induction of labor. The women’s satisfaction with the labor process will be noted. The outcome of these articles utilized may provide information on an effective method of labor that is inexpensive and natural. Nurses can use this information to educate pregnant women about the use of castor oil as an inexpensive, unencumbered method of birth induction.