Dates - a healthy snack for a relaxed birth?

Dates are a true superfood: they are small, sweet and juicy - and packed with valuable nutrients to support your health.

But can this little snack actually help to experience a relaxed birth?

In this article, we will get to the bottom of this very question!

How effective are dates in preparing for childbirth?

Dates as a “natural aid to childbirth” are currently very popular. Pregnant women are advised to eat six of these powerful palm fruits daily from the 36th week of pregnancy onwards.

Pregnant women can therefore look forward to the following advantages:

• a faster and more comfortable birth
• an intact amniotic sac at birth
• a shortened latent phase (In this phase of birth, one has noticeable contractions at regular intervals, but usually without the cervix opening significantly.)
• a shorter exit phase
• a faster afterbirth
• Fewer labor-inducing hormones are needed for support.

But can dates actually help ease childbirth? Science says: YES!

In 2011, the effect of date consumption on the course of childbirth was investigated for the first time in a study of 114 women. And the results of the study speak for themselves.

But how was this study designed?

From the 36th week of pregnancy until their expected due date, 69 women ate six dates per day. The control group, consisting of 45 women, abstained from the delicious palm fruits during this period.

The demographic and pregnancy-related data of both groups were comparable. And indeed, pregnant women from the “date group” had the following characteristics upon admission to the hospital for childbirth:

• More often an intact amniotic sac (83% vs. 60%)
• Spontaneous onset of labor (96% vs. 60%)
• A larger cervical dilation (almost 4 cm vs. just over 2 cm in the control group)
• A shortened latency phase (510 min vs. 906 min)
• less need to induce labor support with oxytocin

(All information about the study can be found here: Al-Kuran et al., 2011 )

Whether you enjoy dates on their own, process them into energy balls or healthy muesli bars - they help make your birth a relaxed experience!

During the last weeks of pregnancy, women are well advised to enjoy dates in a wide variety of ways:

• whether dates plain or refined with delicious nut butter .

• Date paste further processed into tasty energy balls

• Date syrup for breakfast on bread, or in muesli or porridge.

...the possibilities for healthy snacking and preparing for childbirth are (almost) endless.

Organic dates - valuable nutrients for pregnant women and unborn babies!

Did you know that dates contain a lot of iron?

Pregnant women have an increased risk of iron deficiency anemia and need about twice as much iron as non-pregnant women. Severe iron deficiency anemia can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and postpartum depression. Enjoying dates as a healthy snack can help minimize these risk factors in a pleasurable way.

Furthermore, the body needs potassium to maintain fluid balance and support normal cell function.

Especially during the first three months, many pregnant women suffer from nausea and vomiting, which can lead to low potassium levels. Dates contain 696 milligrams of potassium per 100-gram serving and can help prevent potassium deficiency.

Folic acid - an important nutrient for healthy development in the womb!

Dates contain, among many other important nutrients, the B vitamin folate - an important nutrient during pregnancy as it helps prevent serious birth defects.

Gynecologists recommend that pregnant women consume 600 mcg of folate daily. Dates provide 15 mcg of natural folic acid per 100 grams.

Organic dates - a food with a low glycemic index!

Dates are a food with a low glycemic index (Gl) – this means they are digested more slowly and blood sugar levels rise only gradually. Around 10% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes, which is characterized by high blood sugar levels. This can lead to complications such as a higher birth weight for the baby or premature labor.

Many pregnant women suffer from constipation - dates can provide relief!

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can slow down gastrointestinal motility. Dates contain a variety of healthy fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.

But be careful: Too many dates can cause diarrhea!

Organic dates - healthy preparation for childbirth and ideal companions during the postpartum period!

Dates support the preparation for an easier and more relaxed birth - but are also ideal companions for lactation balls during the postpartum period.

Why?

Dates are rich in vitamin C, minerals and antioxidants, and also contain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic and linoleic acid.

Furthermore, dates are very filling due to their high fiber content – ​​so if breastfeeding should take a little longer, new mothers can easily and healthily bridge the time until their next meal with dates or “breastfeeding balls” made from them with date paste.

Enjoy dates during pregnancy – and preferably in a variety of ways!

Are you currently pregnant or do you have a friend who is expecting? Find the best organic dates to take with you on your travels during pregnancy!

Want to add some variety to your snacking? Find delicious date paste here for creating extraordinary date ball treats.

Want to naturally sweeten your coffee or tea, or refine your salad dressing? Then our date syrup is just what you need!

You can find inspiration for simple and creative recipes using healthy dates either on our blog or in our recipe book "Healthy Snacking - Your Introduction to a Healthy & Happy Life".

We wish you all the best and lots of fun with healthy snacking! <3