The Science of Eating Dates in Pregnancy: Nature’s Sweet Support for Labor
The Science of Eating Dates in Pregnancy: Nature’s Sweet Support for Labor
How a simple fruit has become one of the most evidence-backed ways to prepare your body for labor and why it’s worth adding to your third-trimester routine.
Sometimes the most powerful things in pregnancy are the simplest and dates might just be one of them. This naturally sweet fruit has been studied for decades, and research continues to show that a few dates a day can do more than satisfy a craving. They may actually help prepare your body for birth.
- Eating 6 Medjool dates daily from 36 weeks may help with cervical ripening.
- Studies show reduced need for medical induction and shorter labor duration.
- Dates provide fiber, potassium, magnesium, and iron - all vital for late pregnancy.
What the research says
Multiple studies, including one published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, have found that women who consumed dates daily during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy were significantly more likely to go into spontaneous labor and had a shorter first stage of labor compared to those who didn’t.
In the 2011 Al-Kuran et al. study, 96% of women who ate six dates daily went into spontaneous labor versus 79% in the control group. They also had higher cervical dilation upon admission and a lower need for oxytocin induction.
Why dates work
Dates are rich in natural sugars that provide sustained energy for the muscles, including the uterus, while their fiber content supports digestion and prevents constipation, a common third-trimester struggle. They also contain magnesium and potassium, both essential for muscle tone and relaxation.
Researchers believe that certain compounds in dates mimic oxytocin, the same hormone responsible for uterine contractions, which may explain their labor-supportive effects.
How to add them into your day
The easiest way is to enjoy six Medjool dates a day starting at 36 weeks. You can blend them into smoothies, stuff them with nut butter, or try two Due Date Prep bars, each designed to equal six dates with added nutrients for expecting moms.
More than a snack
Beyond their labor benefits, dates help replenish iron stores, maintain blood sugar balance, and provide antioxidants that protect maternal tissues during this physically demanding phase.
Think of them not just as a sweet treat, but as part of your daily prenatal nourishment plan.
Like most natural remedies, dates aren’t a magic switch but they’re a gentle, safe, and evidence-based addition that supports your body’s incredible work.
Enjoy this piece? Explore more from Pregnancy Nutrition & Science for simple, evidence-informed ways to nourish yourself during pregnancy.
Notes
- * Always consult your healthcare provider before making dietary changes during pregnancy.
- Studies referenced: Al-Kuran et al., 2011; Kordi et al., 2014; Mostafa et al., 2019.
- General wellness information only; not a substitute for medical advice.
1 comment
Love this piece!