Eating Dates to Prepare for Labor (Plus Recipes)

Today, let’s dive into the delicious world of dates and how this little fruit can be your secret weapon as you prepare for labor. PLUS a few bonus recipes!

Dates are nutrient dense:

Dates contain vital nutrients that not only help us grow our babies, but also help us stay well and healthy during pregnancy. Dates are a great source of: potassium, magnesium, vitamin K, and folate. All of which play vital roles in gestating, creating, and sustaining, organs, and improving the quality of your pregnancy.

Potassium: Helps promote healthy blood pressure by helping your body balance water hydration and retention!

Fiber: Helps ease constipation, and keep you fuller longer.

Magnesium: Helps with those annoying charlie horse muscle cramps, and helps your muscles relax and function. Magnesium can also improve your sleep quality helping you feel more rested during your pregnancy.

Sugar simplified

Dates are a great source of natural sugars. But why is that important? Natural sugars are easier for the body to break down and utilize and provide quick sources of energy. Thus making your date snacks a great offering to add to your snack bag for labor.

How can eating dates help my labor, though?

Ahh- the big question! Studies have shown that dates can have a positive impact on labor!

A 2008 study has shown that pregnant women who eat 6 dates per day from 36 weeks are:

Less likely to have labors that are induced or augmented with pitocin.

More likely to have intact membranes at the onset of labor.

More likely to go into labor spontaneously/on their own.

More likely to have a shorter first stage of labor.

Here are a few ways you can get creative with eating your dates:

Tip: If you purchased your dates dried, it may be helpful to soak them for a few minutes in hot water to make them easier to blend/process.

Energy Balls

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup pitted dates
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or your choice)
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • Shredded coconut for coating (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. In a food processor, combine dates, nuts, chia seeds, and honey. Blend until the mixture forms a sticky dough.
  2. Roll the mixture into small balls.
  3. Optional: Roll the balls in shredded coconut for an extra layer of flavor.
  4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese and Pistachios:

• Ingredients:
  • Medjool dates, pitted
  • Goat cheese, can be subbed for cream cheese, vegan cream cheese of choice
  • Pistachios, chopped
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice each date and remove the pit.
  3. Stuff each date with a small amount of goat cheese and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
  4. Place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is warm and slightly melted.
  5. Serve warm as an appetizer.

Smoothie:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup pitted dates (see tip above for easy blending)
  • 2 ripe frozen bananas
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • Cocoa powder (optional)
  • Nut butter (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. In a blender, combine pitted dates, ripe bananas, yogurt, and milk.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Add more or less milk to desired consistency
  4. Pour into glasses and enjoy!

Homemade “snickers”

• Ingredients:
  • Dates
  • Nut butter of your choice (almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter work well)
  • Dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Optional toppings: chopped nuts, sea salt, shredded coconut
• Instructions:
  • Carefully cut a slit down the side of each date and remove the pit.
  • Using a small spoon or your fingers, stuff each date with your favorite nut butter. Make sure to fill the entire cavity.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the chocolate until smooth and creamy. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting.
  • You have two options here: either dip the stuffed dates into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are well-coated, or drizzle the chocolate over the stuffed dates for a more artistic touch.
  • While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle optional toppings like chopped nuts, a pinch of sea salt, or shredded coconut on top for added texture and flavor.
  • Place the chocolate-covered or chocolate-drizzled dates on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate has set.
  • Enjoy!