Why Eat Dates During Pregnancy? 🤔
Mama Natural
Here’s why & how to eat dates during pregnancy ⬇️
First, studies show that eating dates in late pregnancy can:
⁍ Create an oxytocin-like effect on the body, leading to increased sensitivity of the uterus.
⁍ Stimulates uterine contractions.
⁍ Reduces postpartum hemorrhage the way oxytocin does.
⁍ Help create a shorter first stage of labor.
⁍ Help you dilate more efficiently.
⁍ Reduces the risk of c-section (thanks to effective uterine contractions and improved dilation).
⁍ Increased rate of spontaneous labor.
⁍ Less need for forceps and vacuum extractions.
⁍ Less risk of intervention cascades.
Dates aren’t just helpful at the end of pregnancy either. They contain B vitamin folate, an important nutrient during pregnancy as it prevents serious neural tube defects. They also provide vitamin K and iron 一 both of which are essential for a developing baby!
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Woohoo! So, how do you bank on those benefits? Here’s what you need to know:
❓WHEN DO YOU START EATING DATES DURING PREGNANCY?
According to the multiple studies on the topic, mamas ate 70-75g of dried dates per day three or four weeks before their estimated due date. In other words, start focusing on your dates at the 36 week mark.
❓HOW MANY DATES SHOULD YOU EAT?
Eat six dates a day starting at 36 weeks.
You can definitely eat dates throughout your entire pregnancy, but if you have high sugar, go easy on them since they are high in sugar!
❓MY FAVORITE DATE RECIPES
I think dates are delicious and I love to eat them as is. They are also AMAZING rolled in unsweetened coconut flakes.
You can also:
⁍ Add a smear of almond butter
⁍ Stuff dates with cheese and a drizzle of honey
⁍ Make date balls (blend together the following and roll into 1-inch balls: 12-14 dates, 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut, 1 cup of raw almonds, 1 tbsp of cacao powder (or cocoa), 1 tsp of chia seeds, 2 tbsp coconut oil)
⁍ Add chopped dates to oatmeal
⁍ Add dates to your favorite smoothie (add some Mama Natural Collagen for an extra
