Eating Dates During Pregnancy Is Good For Childbirth – You Are Mom

Consuming dates during pregnancy can be a beneficial strategy to facilitate childbirth. Some recent research has found an association between consuming 6 of these fruits daily and a reduced need for induction of labor.

It should be known that the prevention of complications during childbirth is essential to improve the well-being of the mother. The positioning of the fetus and other factors will influence, but good nutrition can also help the natural and smooth course of childbirth.

Nutritional properties of dates

Dates are fruits that are distinguished mainly by their content of simple sugars. Indeed, they are often used to sweeten culinary preparations, in the form of a paste or by adding them in small pieces. In addition, they contain essential micronutrients, among which magnesium and potassium stand out.

Magnesium has properties to enhance relaxation, and helps reduce anxiety states. Indeed, a high consumption of it is associated with a reduction in leg cramps in pregnant women. In addition, these fruits concentrate B vitamins and fiber.

They even have a large ration of iron, essential to avoid chronic pathological situations such as anemia. Of course, it is iron of plant origin, its administration with vitamin C is therefore recommended to promote absorption.

However, it should be noted that its presence in the diet should be controlled, since dates have a high energy value. In the event of excessive ingestion, metabolic pathologies could develop, given their high sugar concentration. In the case of gestational diabetes, this nutritional strategy can be ruled out.

Benefits of dates for childbirth

According to a study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology , consuming 6 dates a day for 4 weeks before the estimated due date facilitates natural childbirth. Cervical dilation improves compared to women who do not consume these fruits.

In addition, the spontaneous delivery rate increases significantly in the group of women who consume dates. This is due, among other things, to the increased production of oxytocin. Dates also promote a shorter first stage of labor, which facilitates the expulsion of the fetus and reduces the risk of complications.

Other positive effects of dates during pregnancy

Consuming dates not only improves labor, but is also great for reducing the risk of constipation during pregnancy. You should know that fiber improves the transit of the fecal bowl, according to a study published in the journal Nutrients .

Moreover, the fibers are capable of stimulating the growth of bacteria in the gut, which is associated with better health. Ensuring the diversity and density of the intestinal microbiota generates some protection against the development of metabolic pathologies, such as diabetes. This is demonstrated by a study published in EBioMedicine .

However, and as we have already mentioned, it is not recommended to abuse dates. Because they contain simple sugars that could have a negative impact on blood sugar. In the event of gestational diabetes, it is necessary to consult the specialist beforehand. In women without pathologies, it is important not to exceed the dose to facilitate childbirth.

Eating dates during pregnancy improves labor

As you have seen, science supports the consumption of dates during the last weeks of pregnancy to achieve easier natural childbirth. However, the physiology of the process is not entirely clear. This is an observational study that supports this feeding strategy.

It is believed that the key could be in increasing the production of oxytocin. Although it is not known for sure what impact dates have on her. What is clear is that they improve the ease of cervical dilation, thus facilitating the birthing process.

On the other hand, we must not forget that dates are energy foods with a high micronutrient content. They are an excellent source of minerals. And therefore help to prevent deficiencies that develop chronic pathologies in the medium term. Finally, they can be eaten on their own, although it is also possible to incorporate them into different recipes.