There are so many things this mama-to-be is doing to get ready for the newest Team Stuart member’s arrival! First up, packing my hospital bag for labor & delivery. Followed by my daily stretches, prepping some post-delivery meals and making sure his nursery is stocked and ready to go! Clearly we are so excited for Baby Stuart to arrive!
Most importantly, I’m focusing on preparing my body for the most challenging feat it will endure – child birth. A PSA: Please don’t just let labor happen TO you. Own it. Study it. Make it yours. This marathon can be a wonderful, powerful, process, if you undertake the training needed to make it that. Without a doubt, I know my body was created for this miraculous event called birth. I definitely feel grateful for my body and brain, and the intense prep I’ve done through curated resources and support:
- OmBalance Hypnobirthing 5 week labor class
- Bishop Babies Bootcamp
- Swiss Avenue Midwifery Labor Prep Class
- The 5 books I’ve read in preparation for labor.
- Krisha Crosley’s free baby prep class
- Pelvic Floor Therapy with Dr. Taylor Reyes
It should be clear; there is a huge benefit in me keeping up my strength, getting adequate rest, and nourishing myself & baby J with specific nutrients!
Labor Pregnancy Prep
Third Trimester Nutrients
One way that I am prepping for labor is by adding key nutrients into my diet.
- Daily, I have two cups daily of red raspberry tea, (and soon enough, 4 cups) to support uterine muscles and easier delivery.
- Overall I have increased my intake of protein which is the easiest way to ensure that I’m not overly hungry. My favorites have been wild-caught salmon, grilled chicken thighs and chocolate protein powder.
- Subsequently, I’ve maintained my intake of iron rich foods to support my increased blood volume and prevent anemia. At this time, we are still doing grass-fed burgers every fry-day!
The Natural Delights of Medjool dates!
Speaking of nutrients, one of the foods I have incorporated into my diet are Natural Delights Medjool dates! Obviously, I am always a fan of food as medicine and the benefits of real food, but the research on Medjool dates for labor is truly fascinating! Research shows that consuming Medjool dates in late pregnancy can help decrease the length of labor, and decrease the need for oxytocin (a drug given to help speed up labor). It’s clear that decreased labor time is a good thing for both mom and baby; and in turn prolonged labor has been linked to unfavorable outcomes.
That magical little chewy fruit also helps to ripen the cervix before delivery. Cervix ripening refers to the softening and opening of the cervix in preparation for birth. Throughout most of pregnancy, the cervix remains closed and hard. Medjool date fruit aides in the softening and opening of the cervix, getting it ready for delivery. The preparedness of the cervix plays a big role in the way a baby will be born; whether it be vaginally or by c-section. This is especially true for those mama’s who are induced – the more the cervix is ready to birth a baby, the less likely an induction could lead to a c-section.
Munching on Medjool dates late in your third trimester helps to prepare your body for labor!
Furthermore, research shows that the consumption of Medjool dates can prevent postpartum hemorrhage, too! All good things from those sweet, fiber-rich fruits!
While Medjool dates are great for mama’s late in their pregnancy to help prepare their body for birth, it’s important to maintain #bloodsugarbliss for a healthy pregnancy. Medjool dates are naturally sweet and lower glycemic than other date varieties. But, if insulin is running higher in the late third trimester, I still recommend balancing them with protein and fat for ultimate glycemic control; keep reading for my how-to do dates!
P.S. Did you know what Medjool dates are actually quite low on the glycemic index? This means they won’t cause blood sugar spikes and will support a balanced blood sugar – especially when they’re paired with protein! In fact, the sugars found in Medjool dates will process slower in our body than traditional sugars, making them an excellent source of energy!
Dates for labor – when, why and how many?!
Although dates are a low-glycemic treat you can eat ANY time, during pregnancy, it is recommended to increase your date intake at 36 weeks. You’ll want to consume at least 6 per day to help the body with many things like continued regularity in late pregnancy (hello, third trimester constipation!). Plus, this helps to get important vitamins and minerals to mama and baby. They’re also a great low-glycemic snack to help satisfy your sweet tooth! Next time you want a sweet treat after a meal, try a Natural Delights Medjool date with your favorite nut butter and shredded coconut! Fiber-rich, packed with nutrients, and helps prepare your body for labor. What’s not to love?! 
Natural Delights has a variety of options for your date consumption!
- Pitted dates: the Natural Delights team has already plucked the seed from the middle. These dates are ready to stuff with your favorite nut butter or dairy-free cream cheese!
- Whole dates: These are the same great dates; they just have the easy-to-remove seed in the middle.
- Mini Medjools: pre-made bite sized snacks that are mixed with ingredients to amplify the flavor of the dates. No extra prep work needed! Plus, they come in a variety of yummy flavors.
- Truffles: Dates coated in chocolate. I mean, need I say more?
- Grab-n-Go: These pre-packaged dates make it easy to toss this fiber-rich snack into your work bag to enjoy after lunch!
For continued blood sugar bliss, we advise you to pair your Medjool dates; consider our favorite ways to date below!
Whoa – 6 Medjool dates a day?
Yes! And, I have a few easy ways to do it! Try one or all of these four ways to incorporate Natural Delights Medjool dates into your daily third trimester routine!
- This Chia Seed Pudding will give you all the benefits of Medjool dates, and is packed with flavor! In fact, the chia seeds will help with gut motility; goodbye to third trimester constipation!
- These Energy Balls are full of fiber and healthy fats from nuts. Add your favorite protein powder or collagen to the recipe for additional protein!
- Without a doubt, a favorite on the Whitness Nutrition IG is this Medjool date Dip. It’s great for an after dinner sweet treat paired with fruit or grain-free crackers.
- This delish and well-balanced smoothie is a great way to get in your Medjool dates in the third trimester to help ensure a ‘smooth’ delivery.
Try our favorite smoothie recipe here:
Berry Balanced Date Smoothie
- 1 cup almond milk plain, unsweetened
- 1 ripe banana, frozen
- 3/4 cup frozen mixed berries
- 1/2 cup kale, fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup ice
- 3 Natural Delights Medjool dates, pitted
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 scoop protein powder of choice
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth.
Don’t these Medjool date focused dishes sound amazing?! Shop through this link for some Natural Delights goodies sent right to your door!
Are you a mom-to-be struggling with nutrition in your pregnancy?
Sign up for our entirely virtual gestational diabetes course – this focuses on blood sugar support and prevention; a great resource for expectant, whole-food focused mamas!
Disclaimer: This blog post was sponsored by Natural Delights through the creation of a thoughtful partnership with the intention of educating the masses on wholesome health concepts. Whitness Nutrition takes every partnership seriously and Whitney upholds her role of a #honestinfluencer to a high standard. Never hesitate to reach out with comments, questions, or concerns.
Research & References
– (1) Kordi, M., Meybodi, F. A., Tara, F., Fakari, F. R., Nemati, M., & Shakeri, M. (2017). Effect of Medjool dates in Late Pregnancy on the Duration of Labor in Nulliparous Women. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, 22(5), p383–387
– (2) Kordi, M., Aghaei Meybodi, F., Tara, F., Nemati, M., Taghi Shakeri, M. (2014). The Effect of Late Pregnancy Consumption of Medjool date Fruit on Cervical Ripening in Nulliparous Women. Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, 2(3), p150-156.
-(3) Razali, Nuguelis et al. “Medjool date fruit consumption at term: Effect on length of gestation, labour and delivery.” Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology: the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecologyvol. 37,5 (2017): p595-600.
