The Science: How Dates Support Labor Preparation

What Does the Research Show?

Modern studies are now validating what traditional cultures have known for generations: consuming date fruit in late pregnancy may support healthier labor outcomes. Below is a breakdown of the clinical evidence.

Study 1: Al-Kuran et al., 2011

Design: Randomized controlled trial (n=69)

Intervention: 6 dates daily starting at 36 weeks vs. control group

Findings:

  • Higher cervical dilation at admission (3.52 cm vs. 2.02 cm)
  • Increased spontaneous labor onset (96% vs. 79%)
  • Reduced need for induction or augmentation
  • Shorter first stage of labor

Reference: J Obstet Gynaecol. 2011;31(1):29–31.

Study 2: Kordi et al., 2014

Design: Systematic Review & Meta-analysis

Scope: Combined data from multiple clinical trials

Findings:

  • Higher rates of spontaneous labor
  • More favorable Bishop scores (cervical readiness)
  • Shorter labor durations
  • Reduced need for medical induction

Reference: J Midwifery Reprod Health. 2014;2(2):150–156.

Study 3: Razali et al., 2017

Design: Randomized controlled trial (n=154)

Intervention: 7 dates daily from 37 weeks vs. control group

Findings:

  • Shorter latent and active labor phases
  • Reduced need for labor augmentation with oxytocin

Reference: J Taibah Univ Med Sci. 2017;12(4):287–291.

Study 4: Mostafa et al., 2019

Design: Randomized controlled trial (n=100)

Intervention: 7 dates daily from 37 weeks vs. control group

Findings:

  • Higher Bishop scores at labor onset
  • More likely to enter spontaneous labor

Reference: Egypt J Hosp Med. 2019;74(2):366–372.

How Dates May Support Labor

  • Encourage natural prostaglandin production (important for cervical ripening)
  • Provide energy-rich sugars and key minerals for endurance during labor
  • Support digestion and regularity with natural dietary fiber

Summary of Clinical Benefits

  • Increased Cervical Readiness: Higher Bishop scores and dilation
  • Higher Rate of Spontaneous Labor: Reduced need for induction
  • Shorter Labor Duration: Especially during the first stage
  • Safe & Well-Tolerated: No adverse maternal or neonatal effects reported

Why Due Date Prep?

Due Date Prep bars are formulated to reflect the date intake used in clinical research—making it effortless, tasty, and evidence-aligned.

Just 2 bars daily = 6–7 Medjool dates (the same amount used in trials), starting at 36–37 weeks.

References

  1. Al-Kuran O, et al. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2011;31(1):29–31.
  2. Kordi M, et al. J Midwifery Reprod Health. 2014;2(2):150–156.
  3. Razali N, et al. J Taibah Univ Med Sci. 2017;12(4):287–291.
  4. Mostafa RA, et al. Egypt J Hosp Med. 2019;74(2):366–372.