Dates During Pregnancy Benefits & Can Dates Aid Your Labour

With a history spanning thousands of years, dates are regarded as one of the oldest crops grown across the globe. There are many distinct types of dates, such as Medjool dates, Deglet Noor dates, and several more. Eating dates in pregnancy provides many health advantages, such as important nutrients for the growth of the baby and the health of the mother.

Benefits of eating dates in pregnancy

Vitamins and minerals abound in dates. They also include a lot of antioxidants, which help shield the body against cell deterioration. Eating a balanced diet during pregnancy is crucial to getting the essential nutrients you and your unborn child need.

1. Source of fibre

Dates are rich in dietary fibre, which promotes regular bowel motions. Four dates offer approximately 6.7 grams of soluble fibre, which is around 25% of the recommended 20–30 grams daily. Consuming dry dates during pregnancy can also relieve constipation, a typical pregnancy symptom induced by hormone-induced slowing of the gastrointestinal tract. Many pregnant women take iron supplements, which might make constipation more likely.

2. Potassium-Rich

Your body needs potassium to keep fluid equilibrium and support normal cell activity. First-trimester vomiting is a common occurrence in pregnant women and can cause a decrease in potassium levels. Eating dates during pregnancy can help regulate the potassium in the body.

3. High Folate Content

Dates contain folate, a B vitamin crucial for pregnant women. Folate is important as it helps to prevent serious congenital disabilities like spina bifida. To get the necessary daily dose of 600 mg of folate, doctors advise pregnant women to take a folic acid supplement. In a serving of 100 grams of dates, there is 15 mcg of folate.

4. Iron Source

Pregnant women need twice as much iron as non-pregnant women because they are more susceptible to iron deficiency anaemia. Severe iron deficiency may increase the likelihood of having a premature or low birth weight baby, as well as postpartum depression. Dates are rich in iron which can fight off anaemia.

5. Low GI

The glycemic index (GI) of dates is low. This indicates that they digest more gradually and won't result in a sharp rise in blood sugar levels. Diabetes, which involves excessive blood sugar levels, affects about 10% of pregnant women. This may result in issues including preterm labour and a baby that is born heavier than average.

6. Replacement for Sugar

Dates can be used in place of sugar. Dried dates are processed to make date sugar, which is sold in some supermarkets and health food stores. Around 30% fewer calories are in it than in ordinary sugar.

Precautions while eating dates during pregnancy

Dates are not only safe to eat while pregnant, but also healthy. There is no proof that dates are harmful to pregnant women during the first, second, or third trimester.

Contrary to popular belief, eating dates can actually improve the mother's health and make them feel better, particularly if they have been experiencing low stamina or constipation.

One of the side effects of dates in pregnancy could be the development of an allergy to dates. Tingling, itching, or inflammation around the lips or tongue are symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Can dates aid with labour?

Dates have long been thought to aid in labour induction by many people. Eating dates in pregnancy may reduce labour, but it may not get it started. Eating dates can aid in the cervical ripening for labour, or softening of the cervix, according to a 2013 study involving over 200 pregnant women.

Another study revealed that the first stage of labour was shortened and the cervix became softer before delivery in pregnant women who consumed 6 dates per day for 4 weeks prior to their due date. It has also been demonstrated that eating dates in the latter stages of pregnancy can reduce the requirement for oxytocin, the drug used to initiate or quicken labour.

Are dates safe to eat during pregnancy?

To help reduce sugar cravings, pregnant women can have a few dates as a snack. Dates are always a better choice during pregnancy than ice cream or candies. The brain function of a child can be impacted by high-sugar diets during pregnancy, according to a study of mother and their kids. However, eating fruits' natural sugars—such as dates—was linked to higher IQ levels.

It is thus clear that dates in pregnancy can help in more ways than one. But it is advisable to consult a doctor and dietician before gorging on this delicious dry fruit.

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