Dates during pregnancy: their benefits during pregnancy

They are known for their many benefits: dates are an excellent source of energy. During pregnancy, they are even said to help promote the onset of labor at the end of pregnancy. Does it really work? What are the other benefits of dates during pregnancy?

Dates during pregnancy: we tell you everything!

Nutrition during pregnancy

Pregnancy means changes on your plate! In order to protect both you and your baby from the risks of foodborne infections such as toxoplasmosis, listeriosis, or salmonellosis, you will be advised to avoid a number of foods and to take a few extra hygiene precautions during pregnancy.

Foods to avoid

You’re pregnant and finding it hard to navigate the list of foods you shouldn’t eat? Here are the main ones:

• deli meats,
• spreads such as rillettes, pâté, and foie gras,
• raw or smoked fish,
• raw shellfish,
• tarama,
• cheeses—fresh or soft cheeses made from raw or unpasteurized milk,
• animal products that are undercooked or uncooked.

Foods to prioritize

There are indeed many foods to avoid, but others are very beneficial during pregnancy. During this time, your protein needs increase (they’re actually the only ones that increase in quantity). You can therefore consume grains, legumes, dairy products, eggs, and meat (well cooked!).

During pregnancy, it’s also recommended to eat starchy foods at every meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). At the end of pregnancy, choose whole or semi-whole grains, as well as legumes (chickpeas, lentils, dried beans), which are rich in fiber and will help limit potential constipation.

Finally, you can stock up on vitamins by eating fruits and vegetables, which will help give you energy—something you’ll definitely need!

Hygiene precautions to take

Still with the goal of avoiding food-related bacterial infections, we recommend taking a few extra hygiene measures:

• Wash your hands regularly: especially after handling raw meat or unwashed fruits and vegetables.
• Cook foods thoroughly: make sure meat, fish, and eggs are well cooked.
• Clean fruits and vegetables: wash them carefully to remove any traces of soil and pesticides.
• Avoid unpasteurized dairy products: choose pasteurized alternatives to reduce the risk of listeriosis.
• Check expiration dates and food storage to prevent bacterial growth.
• Clean your fridge: regularly clean your refrigerator and try to store cooked and raw foods separately.

Want to learn more? Feel free to download the May app, where you’ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your pregnancy.

What diet can help prevent constipation during pregnancy?

Among pregnancy discomforts, many pregnant women experience constipation during pregnancy. The causes? Hormones (yes, them again!), sometimes increased sedentary behavior, and a baby that can press on the digestive system.

Foods to prioritize

• Choose fiber-rich foods: prunes, fruits, green vegetables, whole flours, legumes…
• Drink: 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day can help alleviate common pregnancy discomforts such as constipation, as well as water retention.
• Move: if you have no contraindications, walking and swimming in particular are excellent ways to stay physically active during pregnancy.

The benefits of dates

Among the foods that can be beneficial in cases of constipation: dates!

Rich in fiber, they promote intestinal transit as well as digestion and are particularly known for being an effective natural treatment for constipation. In addition to these benefits, dates are also a source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent source of energy for your body.

And among these many benefits, it is also said that they could help promote the onset of labor at the end of pregnancy.

How can labor be triggered at the end of pregnancy?

If you are at the end of pregnancy and eager to give birth, certain methods may help speed up the process.

Foods that promote labor

• Dates: this fruit appears to have an effect similar to oxytocin. However, intake needs to be specific: 6 dates per day starting at week 36. Be careful—if you have gestational diabetes, dates are not recommended.
• Raspberry leaf tea: raspberry leaves have both a toning and relaxing effect on the uterus, helping prepare it for labor.
• Sage tea: sage is believed to help trigger contractions.
• Evening primrose oil capsules: this plant may help promote cervical ripening. We recommend discussing appropriate dosages with a healthcare professional.

Psst…! Find our hazelnut, chocolate, coconut energy ball recipe made with dates on the May app.

Activities that promote labor

• Having sex: yes, it’s also called “the Italian method”! Semen contains a hormone called prostaglandin, which acts on the cervix.
• Moving: physical activity can help things along by encouraging your baby to engage in the pelvis—gravity can do its part. And if it doesn’t work, that’s okay: it still helps maintain lung capacity and muscle strength, which you’ll really need on the big day. Walking is the most recommended activity.
• Acupuncture: this can act on several aspects—for example, stimulating the uterus and softening the cervix. That’s why it’s important to provide some obstetric information (such as the status of your cervix), which you can obtain from the healthcare professional following your pregnancy.

In conclusion, dates are excellent for health and can be consumed during pregnancy. They are particularly effective against constipation during this time and could, at the end of pregnancy, help speed up the onset of labor.

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Photos: nutthasethw | DanielVincek | TrendsetterImages | YuriArcursPeopleimages | yurakrasil

This text was translated from French by an artificial intelligence. The information, advice, and sources it contains comply with French standards and may therefore not apply to your situation. Make sure to complement this reading by visiting the May US/UK app and consulting the healthcare professionals who are supporting you.