Dates For The End Of Pregnancy

Dates can be surprisingly beneficial at the end of pregnancy. Several studies and traditional practices suggest that eating dates in the final weeks before giving birth may help prepare the body for labour in several ways:

1. Promotes Cervical Ripening

Dates are believed to help soften and ripen the cervix, which is crucial for labour. A soft cervix is more likely to dilate and open efficiently during labour. The prostaglandin-like compounds found in dates may assist with this process, which could lead to a smoother progression when labour begins.

2. May Reduce the Need for Induction

Research has shown that women who consume dates in the last few weeks of pregnancy are less likely to require medical interventions such as labour induction or augmentation. Dates may help the body prepare for labour naturally, decreasing the need for external measures.

3. Can Shorten Labour

Several studies have indicated that women who eat dates regularly in the last few weeks of pregnancy may experience shorter first stages of labour. The combination of cervical ripening and increased sensitivity to oxytocin (the hormone responsible for contractions) could make labour more efficient, potentially leading to quicker delivery.

4. Boosts Natural Oxytocin Production

Dates are believed to promote the body’s natural production of oxytocin, the hormone that stimulates uterine contractions. Higher levels of oxytocin can lead to stronger, more effective contractions, which may help speed up labour once it begins.

5. Rich in Nutrients and Energy

Dates are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and fibre, all of which are beneficial during the final stages of pregnancy. The natural sugars in dates provide a quick source of energy, which can be particularly helpful during the physically demanding process of labour.

How Many Dates Should You Eat?

Many experts recommend consuming around six dates a day from 36 weeks onwards. You can eat them on their own or mix them into smoothies, salads, or energy balls if you prefer a bit of variety.

Our favourite recipe is below and is perfect paired with a cup of raspberry leaf tea - as this is linked to shortening the second stage of labour, and the most delicious way to prepare for labour!

Delicious Snickers Dates Recipe 

- Dates

- Your favourite nut butter

- Dark chocolate

Remove the stone from your date, and open the date up. 

Spoon in some of your favourite nut butter. 

Melt dark chocolate in your microwave or over hot water - cover the dates in melted chocolate and let it cool.

You can either put in the fridge, or the freezer, to enjoy as iced snickers!

While dates are a natural and tasty way to potentially aid labour, it is important to say that they should be avoided if you're diabetic as they have a very high sugar content.