Cervical readiness
Some studies found that consuming dates supported greater cervical dilation and higher Bishop scores (a measure of how prepared the cervix is for labor).1
The Research
A New Chapter in an Old Tradition
The Areas of Focus:
Labor duration
Several studies associated date consumption with shorter portions of labor, particularly the early and active phases.2
Labor interventions
Researchers have also examined rates of labor induction and augmentation, medical procedures used to initiate or strengthen contractions. Some studies reported lower intervention rates among participants who consumed dates.3
Spontaneous labor
Some research observed higher rates of labor beginning naturally, although findings have not been consistent across studies.4
The above findings concern date fruit consumption in the studied forms and amounts. They have not yet been established specifically for a date powder blend.
The Research Process:
In these clinical trials, researchers most commonly compared pregnant women who consumed approximately 70–75 grams of dates daily during the final 2–4 weeks of pregnancy with women who did not follow a date-consumption regimen. In studies focused on labor-related outcomes, researchers measured cervical dilation, the length of different labor stages, whether labor began spontaneously, and the use of medical interventions. The above findings concern date fruit consumption in the studied forms and amounts. They have not yet been established specifically for a date powder blend.
Although the findings are encouraging, researchers emphasize that larger, higher-quality clinical trials are needed before definitive conclusions can be made.
The Future Looks Sweet:
Currently active clinical research, including a randomized trial at Cleveland Clinic, is examining whether Medjool date consumption during late pregnancy is associated with differences in spontaneous labor, medical interventions, labor duration, and other delivery outcomes. These newer studies with more participants and more reliable methods will shed further light on how this timeless fruit supports labor.
Shop the Blend- Salajegheh Z, et al. (2024). Is oral consumption of dates in the peripartum period effective and safe integrative care to facilitate childbirth and improve perinatal outcomes? BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 24, Article 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-023-06196-y
- Salajegheh Z, et al. (2024). BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 24, Article 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-023-06196-y
- Sagi-Dain L, Sagi S. (2021). The effect of late pregnancy date fruit consumption on delivery progress — A meta-analysis. Explore, 17(6), 569–573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2020.05.014
- Salajegheh Z, et al. (2024). BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 24, Article 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-023-06196-y