Going by the date of my last period I'm 40 weeks pregnant, by the doctors I'm 39. Is castor oil safe to take if so how much? Can it harm the baby?

Please don't try to induce your labor at home. It can be dangerous. I would not advise castor oil. Please discuss induction with your doctor.

I would suggest you do not use castor oil,The mother, however, can be at risk of dehydration due to diarrhea, I know a lot of women drink castor oil to induce but I would suggest you let the baby come on it's own or talk to your doctor about induction, when babies are done developing, your body will begin to send signals, and then labor will begin, I know you are excited to see your baby, but even taking castor oil it will not guarantee that it will work.

You have an advantage that your doctor's dates put you a week earlier than you think you are. Better chance of baby coming on his/her own and avoiding an induction even if you go passed the date they are going by.

As the others have said, best to let baby comd on their own schedule unless there is a true medical reason for an induction.

Castor oil works for some women, but not for others. You may just end up having bad cramping and frequent toilet visits. There is some thought that it may cause baby to possibly have a bowel movement while inside as well. Really not worth the chance... especially since you are not overdue or trying to avoid a medical induction.

Speak to your doctor about evening primrose oil and red raspberry leaf tea... neither are for starting labor, but may help the progression.

Obviously there are no guarantees in childbirth other than baby is coming out one way or another, but at least these two options have fewer possible risks to either you or baby.