What Does Eating Dates Do for Labor?

Dates are sweet fruits that grow on date palm trees, primarily cultivated in North Africa and the Middle East. These fruits are a concentrated source of natural sugars, providing quick energy. Beyond their sweetness, dates offer dietary fiber, along with vitamins (B6, K, folate) and minerals (potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium). Many pregnant individuals explore dietary adjustments in late pregnancy, including date consumption, based on a belief these fruits can influence labor. This article explores the connection between eating dates and labor outcomes.

Traditional Use of Dates in Pregnancy

For centuries, dates have been a part of traditional diets in cultures across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia. They are commonly consumed during the final trimester of pregnancy, based on anecdotal observations and cultural beliefs. This practice suggests dates can aid childbirth and contribute to a smoother labor experience.

Scientific Evidence on Dates and Labor

Scientific research has investigated the traditional claims regarding date consumption in late pregnancy. Studies indicate that eating dates may support cervical ripening, a process where the cervix softens and thins in preparation for delivery. For instance, a 2013 study involving over 200 pregnant women found that date consumption was associated with improved cervical ripening. Another study noted that women who ate 70-75 grams of dates daily after 37 weeks of pregnancy showed a 50% higher Bishop score, a measure of cervical readiness.

Date consumption has also been linked to shorter labor durations. One study reported that pregnant women who consumed dates experienced a first stage of labor that was 8.5 hours shorter than those who did not. Similarly, a meta-analysis of three trials found that date-consuming women experienced a reduction in the active phase of labor by an average of 109 minutes. Furthermore, research suggests that eating dates in late pregnancy may reduce the need for medical interventions such as labor induction or augmentation with synthetic oxytocin. Women who ate dates had a significantly lower need for oxytocin and a higher rate of spontaneous labor compared to those who did not.

How Dates Might Affect Labor

The proposed mechanisms by which dates could influence labor outcomes relate to their unique biochemical composition. Dates contain compounds that may mimic the effects of oxytocin, a hormone naturally produced by the body that stimulates uterine contractions. These compounds are thought to bind to oxytocin receptors, potentially increasing the uterus’s sensitivity and responsiveness to contractions.

Additionally, dates are a source of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic and linoleic acids, which are precursors to prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play a significant role in initiating uterine contractions and promoting cervical ripening. Dates also contain tannins, which may contribute to uterine contractions, and their rich natural sugar content offers a sustained energy source beneficial for the demanding physical process of labor.

Guidelines for Eating Dates

For pregnant individuals considering dates for labor preparation, specific recommendations exist regarding when and how much to consume. Most studies suggest beginning date consumption around 36 to 37 weeks of pregnancy, which is roughly four weeks before the estimated due date. The commonly recommended daily quantity is about six dates, or approximately 70-75 grams.

The specific type of date can influence the number needed to reach the recommended grammage; for example, six smaller Deglet Noor dates typically equate to 70-75 grams, while larger Medjool dates might only require three fruits. Dates can be incorporated into the diet in various ways, such as eating them whole, blending them into smoothies, or adding them to baked goods. Some individuals find it enjoyable to pair them with nut butter.

Important Considerations Before Eating Dates

While dates offer nutritional benefits, there are important considerations for pregnant individuals. Dates are high in natural sugars and calories, which can impact blood sugar levels. Therefore, if an individual has gestational diabetes or is at risk for it, consulting with a healthcare provider or a nutritionist before regularly consuming dates is advisable.

Some individuals might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as bloating, due to the high fiber content in dates, especially when first introducing them into their diet. Although rare, allergic reactions to dates are possible, with symptoms like tingling or swelling around the mouth. Dates are a food, not a medical intervention. Always consult a healthcare professional regarding their consumption during pregnancy.