Since ancient times, many cultures have used 'bowel stimulants' (such as herbs or castor oil) to bring on labour. The stimulation of the smooth muscle of the bowel is closely related to the stimulation of the smooth muscles of the uterus. Bowel stimulants can sometimes lead to the commencement of labour (and probably diarrhoea into the bargain!) However, when a labour starts naturally, it is not unusual for a woman to experience some diarrhoea as part of her early labour process.
Some caregivers will recommend Castor oil to augment labour, especially if the waters have already broken. Some studies have looked at a possible correlation between any increase in
meconium stained amniotic fluid occurring with the use of castor oil, but a definite link for causality has not been established. Castor oil can sometimes just cause bowel cramping for the woman, without stimulating any contractions.
Castor oil tends to be a bit of a 'last resort' option (if all else has failed). The woman normally takes a tablespoon (usually in a glass of orange juice or something else to help it down, as it tastes disgusting!) Often repeating the dose once, one hour later. Generally, if castor oil is going to work, it will do so within 12 hours after the first dose. A few women choose to take the castor oil in the morning, so they are not on the toilet all night!
Other ways woman will stimulate their bowel are eating hot spicy meals and drinking prune juice. (You may wish to order a take away hot curry, or spicy Thai, with prune juice, while you are waiting for labour to start!
Herbs
Herbs have been used for centuries in Eastern and western cultures. One of the purposes for women to take herbs is to stimulate contractions to augment labour. A couple of the more common herbs used to stimulate labour are black, or blue, cohosh. Consult with your herbalist before during the pregnancy to have your tinctures, or remedies, specifically tailored for you.
Homoeopathy