Dates in pregnancy: do they really help start labor?

Dates are rich in properties and benefits for expectant mothers. Among these, according to some studies, there would also be the ability to promote a faster and simpler labor.

As the expected date of delivery approaches , many expectant mothers begin to inquire in depth about natural methods to initiate labor , in order to avoid any inductions .

Among the most cited foods to favor the start of contractions we certainly find dates , a fruit rich in innumerable properties and benefits for mother and child. 

The properties of dates

Dates contain a high concentration of fructose, a simple sugar that is absorbed very quickly by the body. It is therefore a real concentrate of energy , which helps to counteract fatigue .

In addition to sugars, this fruit contains all the main nutrients of the diet and in particular:

• protein
• omegas 3 and 6
• folic acid
• C vitamin
• vitamin K
• iron
• magnesium
• potassium
• phosphorus

Finally, this food is an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fibers , which have laxative properties , increase the sense of satiety and help avoid sudden changes in blood sugar .

Eating dates while pregnant: the benefits

The high fructose content makes dates a perfect food to counteract the energy drops that accompany sweet expectation, as well as to face the fatigue of labor .

Furthermore, thanks to the presence of proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, moderate consumption of dates during pregnancy can help the expectant mother to support the growth of the baby , regulate blood pressure (reducing the risk of hypertension and pre-eclampsia ) and to counteract anemia . 

In addition, the high content of vitamin K promotes bone health and, thanks to the effect on blood clotting , can help prevent postpartum hemorrhages .

Finally, the richness of fibers can help counteract the sense of hunger and relieve the constipation that often characterizes sweet expectation.

Dates in pregnancy: which ones to prefer?

On the market, dates are offered fresh (in winter), dried or prepared with almonds and covered in chocolate. The advice is to choose the most natural product , because manipulations can add sugars and fats that alter its nutritional value.

Since in these fruits the caloric intake and the  sugar content is very high , during pregnancy it is recommended not to consume more than a handful (about 6 dates per day ). However, in case of excess weight or gestational diabetes , the gynecologist may advise reducing portions or even eliminating them from the diet.

Dates in pregnancy: do they really help stimulate labor?

According to some studies , the consumption of 6 dates a day in the last month of pregnancy would be able to favor the dilation of the uterine cervix and reduce the duration of labor . Unfortunately, however, these are very small studies , which are not sufficient to demonstrate these properties with certainty.