Eating dates for labor has shown to shorten labor, reduce the need for induction, and have greater cervical dilation at hospital admission. So, while eating dates every day might feel like a drag, eating them might just prevent your labor from dragging on.
This post is all about finding ways you can enjoy eating dates for labor rather than just suffering through them every day. From yummy breakfasts and snacks to delicious desserts, I’m sure you’ll find a recipe you’ll love!
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Eating Dates for Labor
*Let me first start by saying that this is not medical advice. I simply encourage you to do your research on the benefits of eating dates for labor. If you find it as worth while as I did, then I hope you love these recipes!
What are the Benefits of Eating Date For Labor?
I’d always heard that dates were great for helping along labor, but I didn’t realize just how GREAT until I did some research myself. (And I encourage you to do the same! I think you’ll be amazed at what you find out!)
Did you know that women who ate dates for the last month of their pregnancy were less likely to need induced, had significantly shorter early labor, had greater cervical dilation at hospital admission, and were more likely to have intact membranes at admission.
So…while I’m not a huge fan of dates myself, this was enough for me to do a deep dive of yummy ways to enjoy dates!
When to Start Eating Dates in Pregnancy?
Studies that have found correlation between dates and labor readiness suggest that women begin eating dates around the 36th week of pregnancy and consume between 6-8 dates per day until the end of their pregnancy.
What Kind of Dates Are Best?
Both medjool dates and deglet noor dates are great for labor prep. The amount is what really matters. Aim for 6 deglet noor dates or 3 medjool dates per day (70-80 grams). Medjool dates have a very caramelly flavor that makes them super easy to bake with or add into a smoothie!
Are Dates Safe for Gestational Diabetes?
While sugary, dates have a low glycemic index so they don’t cause a rapid blood sugar spike like some other sweets may. But, they do still raise blood sugar. So if you have gestational diabetes, it’s important that you talk to your doctor about eating dates. They may be able to give you ideas on how to space them throughout the day or pair them with protein to help keep your blood sugar levels safe for you and baby.
15 Date Recipes for Pregnancy
1. Four Ingredient Date Bars
With only four ingredients and no baking, these chocolate coconut date bars are the perfect yummy way to get in your dates in the third trimester!
2. Homemade Date Sweetened Ice Cream
An excuse to eat more ice cream during pregnancy? I’ll definitely take it! Plus, this date ice cream is dairy free, egg free, gluten free, and free of refined sugar!
3. Brown Sugar Date Muffins
Get your dates in very first thing with this yummy cinnamon, brown sugar, date muffin recipe!
4. Dark Chocolate Hummus
This dark chocolate hummus has a full half cup of dates in it and is the perfect thing to dip pretzels, fruit, rice cakes, or really anything in!
5. Canadian Date Bars with Oatmeal Crumble Topping
Imagine a combo between a fig newton and an apple crisp. These Canadian Date Bars will out do any fig newton you can possibly buy and let you enjoy your third trimester dates.
6. Peanut Butter Date Bark
Dates are pretty average all on their own, but smothered with peanut butter, chocolate, and sea salt is a whole other story! This peanut butter date bark might just end up in your fridge even after your pregnancy is over.
7. Date Cookies
Everything tastes better in cookie form and dates are no different. These super soft date cookies will bring out the caramel flavor of your daily date regimen.
8. Two Ingredient Date Fudge
This two ingredient fudge is easy to make dairy-free depending on the chocolate you use! So, if you struggle with a dairy allergy or intolerance, this is a great way to enjoy some fudge and get your dates in at the same time!
9. Date Brownies
Not only are these date brownies packed full of dates, but they also are so clean they are whole30 approved, making them a fantastic healthy postpartum treat too!
10. Snickers Dates
If you have to eat dates for labor, might as well eat natures version of a snickers!
11. Easy Date Protein Balls
If you have other kids already these date protein balls might just be the perfect snack for everyone! Plus, you can also freeze them for postpartum snacks too.
12. Flourless Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies
Ultra soft peanut butter cookies dipped in melted dark chocolate…I think I might like dates now.
13. Date Caramel Sauce
This date caramel sauce is the perfect way to enjoy apples or even an ice cream sundae!
14. Date Smoothie
Chrissy Horton is a total genius for coming up with this date smoothie recipe. It is completely packed with protein and dates!
15. Bacon Wrapped Dates
The sweet and salty combo of these bacon wrapped dates is insanely easy to make and can be served hot or cold!
This post was all about finding different delicious ways to start eating dates for labor! I hope you’ve found at least a few ways to start enjoying your daily date regimen.
-Beautifully Busy Mom
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Meet the Author
This post was written by Monica, a former teacher turned stay at home mom. After feeling very lonely at the beginning of her motherhood journey, she started this blog in hopes that other moms wouldn’t feel the way she felt. So, this blog is filled with free resources and fun activities so that you can enjoy the beautiful chaos that is motherhood. Let’s be friends 🙂
