The Effects of Date Consumption on Labor and Vaginal Birth

Date palm fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are a widely available product that contains numerous macronutrients including a high sugar content. Research has shown that date fruit extracts possess antibacterial and antifungal properties, as well as antimutagenic and antiatherogenic effects. Date fruit can also have a beneficial effect on the female reproductive system. Several studies have examined the impact of date consumption during pregnancy on the outcome of labor, providing useful results.

This study aims to determine the effects of date fruit consumption on the onset and progression of labor.

The study included 120 pregnant women who were pregnant at GAK Sarajevo, in the period from 01.01. 2020 to 31.12. 2020. The patients were divided into two groups, the first group of 60 patients who consumed 6 dates during the last four weeks of pregnancy, and the second group of 60 patients who did not consume dates during pregnancy.

There was a significant positive effect of consuming date fruits on maternal outcomes in the first and third stages of labor. The group of pregnant women who consumed dates had a shortened latent phase of labor, which meant that their cervix reached maximum dilation (10 cm) faster. Pregnant women in this group gave birth 8.5 hours faster than pregnant women who did not consume dates, in whom labor lasted about 15 hours. Of the 60 pregnant women in the first group, 60% had a spontaneous natural birth, and only 40% of the patients received oxytocin, because dates enhance the effect of oxytocin, which is responsible for uterine contractions.

This study showed a promising effect of consuming date fruits on the duration of the stages of labor. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids found in dates stimulate the production of prostaglandins, which are necessary for labor. Dates are also rich in folic acid, vitamin K, iron, potassium, and magnesium.