Dates are a source of folate, which helps reduce the likelihood of birth defects. They also provide iron and vitamin K. Increasing the amount of iron in your diet can boost your energy levels and combat iron deficiency anemia.
Eating dates during pregnancy is safe and provides important nutrients like potassium, vitamin K, fatty acids, and calcium. Consuming six dates daily in the last four weeks of pregnancy can help with dilation, intact membranes, and shorter labor.
Of course, you can begin eating dates earlier in your pregnancy if you like. But keep in mind that dates are high in sugar. If you have blood sugar issues, go easy on them early in pregnancy. But, by all means, start eating six dates a day from 36 weeks on!
#4: Dates are also a source of Iron, Vitamin K, and potassium. Incorporating more iron into your pregnancy diet can help boost your energy levels, whilst vitamin K supports your baby with growing strong bones.
In addition to generating energy, date fruit also contains necessary and unnecessary fatty acids that can produce prostaglandins playing an important role in cervix ripening, acceleration of delivery progress, increase of uterine contractions, and inducing labor [26, 27].
How many dates should I eat a day? 5 to 6 dates a day are good enough for your health. It has some added sugar, so don't overdo it as it can lead to high sugar levels and diabetes.
Since dates are such a healthy super-food, you can start eating them anytime during your pregnancy. They provide an amazing source of energy during your entire pregnancy! Because dates are high in sugar, make sure that you use caution if you have gestational diabetes, blood sugar issues or concerns about Group B Strep.
Studies have shown that eating six dates a day in those 4 weeks before your estimated due date can result in easier labor, a shorter first phase of labor, more intact membranes at birth as well as more spontaneous labor without the need for medical intervention or induction.
Best of all, no studies have shown a negative effect of eating dates while pregnant. If a woman is late in her pregnancy and is ready to get her baby out of her belly ASAP, eating 5 or more dates per day will certainly not hurt, and may actually help speed things along!
How many dates do you need to eat? Most of the research has suggested women consume 60-80 grams of dates each day starting at 36 weeks. I decided to start at 37 weeks to be safe and consumed 3-4 medjool dates each day, which ranged from 60-90 grams.
This is because grapes contain resveratrol, a toxic compound that could cause poisoning or other pregnancy complications. Like pineapple, however, when eaten in moderation, grapes typically prove to be a low risk food.
There's some evidence that shows eating dates may help shorten labor, but it won't necessarily kick-start it. One study of more than 200 pregnant women in 2013 showed that eating dates can help with the softening of the cervix or cervical ripening for labor.
This study was of people eating 6 dates per day, for 4 weeks before their estimated due date. “The women who consumed date fruit had significantly higher cervical dilatation upon admission compared with the non-date fruit consumers- 3.5 cm vs 2cm.
Dates are not only healthy, but they are also safe to eat during pregnancy. There is no reason to believe that dates have a negative effect during the first, second or third trimester of pregnancy.
When do you lose your mucus plug? Most people don't lose their mucus plug until after 37 weeks of pregnancy. In some cases, losing the mucus plug happens days or weeks before your baby's due date. Some people don't lose it until they're in labor.
Starting this protocol around 36/37 weeks is what research suggests. Studies support that the earlier you start eating the dates the better, the results were higher in the people who started eating them around 36/37 weeks. You can eat the date plain or mixed in with something.
Avoid foods that make your symptoms worse, such as chocolate, spicy foods, and caffeine. Avoid bending over or lying down after meals. Do not eat for 2 hours before bedtime. Take antacids like Tums, but don't take ones that have sodium bicarbonate.
It is ideal to have 100 g of dates or a handful of dates daily to get all the essential nutrients. However, the quantity to be consumed may differ from person to person based on calorie needs and underlying health conditions. You can ask a nutritionist how many dates you need to eat daily.
“Dates can be eaten daily by most people. They are a great source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They will aid digestion and help you feel full throughout the day. However, too many dates may cause diarrhea from the high sugar and fiber content.