Dates for labour
The lowdown:“Dates fruit consumption during late pregnancy has been shown to positively affect the outcome of labour and delivery without adverse effect on the mother and child.”
“Date fruit contains saturated and unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids, which are involved in saving and supplying energy and construction of prostaglandins. In addition, serotonin, tannin, and calcium in date fruit contribute to the contraction of smooth muscles of the uterus. Date fruit also has a laxative effect, which stimulates uterine contractions.”
The Research:
According to the results of this study, consuming dates in late pregnancy was effective in decreasing length of labor processes and reduced the need of oxytocin for labor acceleration.
1. According to this study, women who ate six dates a day for the four weeks leading up to their due date were:
74% more dilated than non-date eaters at admission to birthplace
38% more likely to have intact membranes
21% more likely to spontaneously go into labor
28% less likely to use prostin/oxytocin to induce labor
Additionally, the date eaters had:
77% shorter first stage of labor
The Pro’s:
Has an oxytocin-like effect on the body, leading to increased sensitivity of the uterus.
Stimulates uterine contractions.
Reduces postpartum hemorrhage the way oxytocin does.
Fiber that helps you stay full, relieves constipation, and lowers your risk for gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
Potassium—one of the best electrolytes. It helps maintain water/salt balance which helps regulate blood pressure.
Magnesium, which supports muscular health and helps alleviate muscle spasms and cramps in pregnancy.
Folate, which ensures your baby’s spinal cord matures properly, avoiding neural tube defects.
Vitamin K, which maintains proper blood clotting and healthy bones.
The Con’s:
Kidney disease: Individuals with kidney disease should follow caution while having dates. Consult a doctor regarding the amount of potassium to be taken every day.
Allergies: Dried dates often contain sulfites that may trigger allergies in some.
Asthma: Sulfites can exaggerate the symptoms of wheezing in people with asthma
Dates when consumed in the last few weeks of pregnancy have been shown in small studies to help ripen cervix, and has helped cut the need for induction. In one study it has also shown positive effects on the baby after birth during assessments against those who didn’t consume dates. Proper super fruit this one!
There are only very small studies on this though, but all with really positive results!
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21280989/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31435378/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32563673/ More resource links https://www.mamanatural.com/dates-during-pregnancy/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5637148/ https://www.medicinenet.com/how_many_dates_should_you_eat_a_day/article.htm You can find this and other great resources in the programme - https://www.thenakedbirth.com/shop