The Benefits of Eating Dates During Pregnancy: Can They Really Help with Labor?
As you approach the final weeks of your pregnancy, you might be looking for natural ways to support your body and prepare for labour. One delicious option you might of heard of is dates! So is this an old wives tale, or is there some evidence to support it? In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of eating dates during pregnancy, particularly in the lead-up to labour, and provide some tasty recipes to help you incorporate them into your diet.
Why eat dates in pregnancy?
Dates are not only a sweet treat but also packed with essential nutrients. They are rich in fiber, natural sugars, vitamins, and minerals, making them a great energy booster. They are also a great snack to have on hand for after your babies been born! But beyond their nutritional value, recent studies have highlighted specific benefits of consuming dates as you near your due date.
When to Start Eating During Dates ?
The research suggests that starting to eat dates around 36 weeks into your pregnancy can be particularly beneficial. This timing allows your body to utilize the natural properties of dates to help prepare for labour.
So How Many Dates Should You Eat?
Aim for about 6 dates per day. This quantity has been associated with improved labour outcomes, including:
- Increased cervical dilation: Some studies indicate that women who consume dates may experience faster cervical readiness.
- Reduced need for medical interventions: Eating dates has been linked to a lower likelihood of requiring induction or other medical procedures during labour, including use of forceps and Caesarean.
- Shorter labor duration: Consuming dates might contribute to a more efficient labour process, potentially shortening the overall duration.
The Science Behind It
Several studies have explored the effects of date consumption during pregnancy. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that women who consumed dates in the last few weeks of pregnancy experienced more favorable labour outcomes compared to those who did not. Meaning that labour was perhaps shorter with less need for any medical intervention. Another study indicated that the natural sugars in dates provide energy, which is essential for the demanding process of labor- they are a great snack to have handy during labour as a energy pick me up.
My Favourite Way to Enjoy Dates: Recipes
I love eating dates as they are- and a great hack is to freeze them and eat them straight from the freezer- they taste like toffee! But here are two simple and delicious recipes to help you add dates into your diet, other than just eating them as is:
1. Energy-Boosting Date and Nut Balls
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or cashews)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
- In a food processor, combine the pitted dates and mixed nuts. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and sticky.
- Add cocoa powder, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt. Pulse again until everything is mixed thoroughly.
- Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Enjoy as a quick snack!
2. Date Smoothie with Almond Milk ( me favourite)
Ingredients:
- 2 pitted dates
- 1 banana
- 1 cup almond milk (or your preferred milk)
- 1 tablespoon almond or peanut butter (optional)
- Tea spoon of date syrup
- Table spoon of Tahini
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine all the ingredients
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy! So simple
You can also pre freeze your bananas to make it even creamier
My thoughts on eating dates to help with labour?
I think if you are looking at natural ways to help prepare your body for labour, without the pressure of hoping it will start labour, then eating dates during pregnancy can be a delicious and nutritious way to prepare your body.. Starting around 36 weeks and enjoying about 6 dates a day may help with cervical dilation, reduce the need for interventions, and potentially shorten labour duration.
If you’re curious to learn more about this, check out studies on the benefits of dates during pregnancy.
If you have Gestational Diabetes please speak both your nutritionalist first as dates are high in natural sugar.
Embrace this tasty addition to your diet along with the other ways you are preparing at the end of your pregnancy- movement, relaxation, resting, nourishing yourself and building your Oxytocin bubble.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy dates? Share your ideas in the comments over on my Instagram! 
If you want to find out more about supporting your body naturally during birth head over to my trending blog:
