You may well have heard about the benefits of dates in pregnancy (the ones you eat not…

You may well have heard about the benefits of dates in pregnancy (the ones you eat not go on!) Well there have been several small studies which suggest that dates may contribute to a more positive, smoother, easier birth . One study showed that women who ate 6 dates a day for the four weeks prior to their due date had SIGNIFICANTLY easier labours compared to the group that did not eat dates! Here are some of the positive effects that were noted in the study of the date-eating women:

• Went into labour spontaneously • Faster, easier dilation • Intact membranes upon admission to the hospital • Avoided the use of synthetic oxytocin drip • Had shorter first stage labour

Another study showed that women who consumed dates in late pregnancy experienced faster cervical ripening and dilating. In addition, eating dates during pregnancy has also been shown to reduce the length of labour and prevent the need for oxytocin for labour augmentation.

Im not a fan of dates but Im sure there are lots of date lovers out there! If you fancy trying them in your third trimester, I would recommend making a smoothie with half a cup full. That way you can add some nicer tasting fruits such as strawberries 😋

Did you eat dates at the end of your pregnancy? . . . . . . #birth #pregnancy #pregnant #newborn #love #postpartum #childbirth #birthwithoutfear #midwife #maternity #mumtobe