Perfect Dates: The Science and Your Cervix

For years—millenia, probably—people have sworn by certain foods and drinks to help bring on labour. But which foods, which drinks? Some say, “pineapple”; others, “something spicey.” I’ve even heard of generations in the same family that swore by a particular pizza. But if you’re looking for a food to promote labour that has consistent science behind it, look no further than date fruits.

In three studies, date consumption has been shown to help birthing people before, during, and after labour.

Researchers found that pregnant people who consumed dates in the last four weeks of pregnancy had, on average, riper cervixes before labour began, were more likely to go into spontaneous labour, experienced shorter labours, reported less pain in labour, and had a lower incidence of postpartum hemorrhage.

Wow! How can all that power pack into one fruit?

According to Dr. Rebecca Dekker of Evidence Based Birth, “Researchers think that date fruits affect oxytocin receptors and help the uterine muscles respond better to your own oxytocin, resulting in more effective uterine contractions.”

My own sample size is small and I don’t wear a lab coat, but I also notice many positive pre-labour and labour experiences for my date-consuming clients.

Ready to give dates a try?

It does take a commitment! Nibbling a few dates a week might be tasty, but it’s unlikely to make any significant difference. If you hope for real results in labour and birth, you’ll need to consumer upwards of 4 mejool dates—some studies said as many as 7—(or the equivalent weight of another variety, about 70 grams) daily, from 36 or 37 weeks.

And there is one potential downside. While dates are full of nutrients, they’re also very sweet. So if you have diabetes, gestational diabetes, or any concerns about your blood sugar levels, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before adding dates to your pregnancy diet.