Can eating dates help induce labor?

Can eating dates help induce labor? Not exactly, but it can help prepare your body for birth! There have been several studies showing that eating 4-6 dates daily after 36 weeks can help soften and thin the cervix, and also shorten each stage of labor.

This article is a small study that shows the benefits of consuming dates the last four weeks of pregnancy, and its effects on cervical dilation and effacement as well as a shorter 1st stage of labor.

I love dates, so eating them plain is just fine for me! You can also serve them topped with a small amount of nut butter and dark chocolate chips for a treat, or mix them into smoothies if you don’t prefer the taste of dates. They also have plenty of bars with dates in them! You can make your own bars or energy balls as well.

My last two pregnancies I consumed dates the last couple weeks of pregnancy, and I was 4-5cm dilated and 90% effaced by the time I went into labor with each of them. I am definitely a believer!

I personally love all the “old wives tales” surrounding the last stretch of pregnancy. I think it promotes bonding among partners and creates special memories to carry and share with your children. Most of them are harmless to try -such as eating pineapple and spicy foods, and going for walks is always a good idea to gain the strength and endurance you will need for birth!

Have you tried any old wives tales? Did any of them work for you? Please share your stories and comments below!