Success with eating 6 dates a day to prepare cervix for Labour?

[sunshinecitrus1]

Myth or has anyone tried this?

Myth

I ate four dates per day on average for most of my pregnancy before my second and third labours, both of which were smooth and quick labours. Buuuuut… it doesn’t get much more anecdotal than that! I do think there was at least one actual peer-reviewed study suggesting a link between date consumption and a favourable cervix, but if it were an overwhelmingly strong link then dates would probably be more actively recommended. I ate loads because when I’m pregnant I have a terrible sweet tooth, and dates seemed like a better life choice than chocolate. ;-)

There is evidence to support this if you research.
6 medjoul dates.
I did do this and did have smooth, labours no tears no stitches.

I did bloody everything for a good labour, still had a c section

I think it would soften up your bowels for sure.

I tried it too. Wound up with a failed induction and emcs. Worth a shot though!!

Did this with my first (currently pregnant with my second) and I had a pretty straightforward birth. But I also used a birthing pool and gave birth in a kneeling position. Who knows if the dates helped but I'm eating them this time around too.

I did this with DD. No idea if it helped but it provided a nice complement to the curry and raspberry leaf tea!

Did with both of mine, waters went both times at the start of labour. Both came before their due dates.

Very mixed responses! I am currently 36 weeks and was going to give this a go but maybe just 3 per day as opposed to 6. I was just curious on other people’s experiences

My midwife recommended this, didn't make a jot of difference for me! She also suggested hot curries, sex and 'nipple tickling' - safe to say I was stifling a giggle at that point 🤣

@sunshinecitrus1

Very mixed responses! I am currently 36 weeks and was going to give this a go but maybe just 3 per day as opposed to 6. I was just curious on other people’s experiences

I don't think just 3 dates a day will help (depending on size). That's if it does anything at all. It has to be a certain amount per day.

Yes it has to be 6 medjoul size because that equates to a certain weight I think

TRUTH!

There are 2 or 3 proper studies about this and they all have positive results. Obviously doesn't guarantee you a perfect labour but they can't do any harm.

Anecdotally I did 7 a day, mostly in porridge or smoothies from 36w last pregnancy and am planning to do the same again. I had a great labour, no tears. 0-2cm in 24hours, 2-10cm in 2 hours, no tears. They are supposed to help soften your cervix and speed up dilation which i think makes sense with my labour.

As a plus I had no pregnancy constipation and first post baby poo was a doddle when all my nct ladies said it was worse than labour!

Dates definitely help, there is no harm in trying it and if anything they are good for you so win win x

This and sperm were the only things evidence based according to NCT, not like curries etc. I ate six a day from week 34 and went into labour at 36 weeks!

Pelvic floor and weightbearing / agility exercises started before you ttc is the only thing proven to help with labour. Everything else is a myth.

Taking raspberry leaf extract tablets during the last 4 weeks would be way more effective.

Myth - I was diligent about it. Had a 4 day early labour and 17hour active labour

They are all bloody myths [bitter]

I tried everything, still went over 14 days, induced, c-section.

People claim they work because they have tried something and coincidentally had a (relatively) easy time afterwards.

It's all bull.

My friend did- she’s a doctor and knew the research. Did fuck all and she ended up with forceps and a third degree tear after a 20hr Labour.

There was a reviewed study on this that said yes! Small sample size though. I did it for DD2 and it was my best birth - obviously that could be coincidence. If you don’t mind dates I think it’s worth a punt. I got very fed up of them by the end though.

*peer reviewed I mean

@BillyShears

My friend did- she’s a doctor and knew the research. Did fuck all and she ended up with forceps and a third degree tear after a 20hr Labour.

Not saying dates definitely work but there are so many reasons why people end up with forceps/long labour - back to back baby, breech baby, large baby, body shape, etc.

Dates supposedly help ripen cervix. They don't banish any challenges there may be with childbirth.

Can I ask when is a good time or the latest time to start eating the dates? I like dates but I don’t fancy eating 6 a day for the rest of my pregnancy (I am 11 weeks!) but I’m willing to give anything a try 😂