There are many natural remedies that have been used over the years as part of labour preparation. While many of our clients have found benefit from raspberry leaf tea, gentle stretches or prenatal yoga, the consumption of dates is one of our favourite supports for labour.

The general recommendation is to consume 6 dates per day from 36 or 37 weeks, being mindful not to consume too many due to the natural sugar content. Dates have been shown to increase cervical dilation on admission to hospital, to reduce the duration of the first stage of labour and to significantly reduce gestation duration (1). Research has shown that dates affect oxytocin receptors and allow the uterine muscles to respond better to oxytocin which support uterine contractions and the progression of labour (2). Date consumption in late pregnancy has even been shown to increase spontaneous labour (2).

Interested to know how acupuncture may be able to support labour preparation? Get in touch.

* Always consult your doctor or midwife to receive health and personal advice.

References:

1. Nasiri, M., Gheibi, Z., Miri, A., Rahmani, J., Asadi, M., Sadeghi, O., Maleki, V., & Khodadost, M. 2019, Effects of consuming date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera Linn) on gestation, labour and delivery: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials, Complementary Therapies in Medicine, vol 45, p 71-84

2. Shaikh, M.L., Patel, M., Chaundhry, A., Mulla, G., Chaundhry, R. 2020, Effect of Consumption of Date Fruit in Late Pregnancy- A Review in Islamic and Scientific Perspective, Advanced Journal of AYUSH Research, vol 1, issue 1, p 28-30