The Impact of the Fruit and Seed of Date on Childbirth Stages and Pregnancy Complications

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of date fruit products on the childbirth process and pregnancy complications. MeSH keywords systematically were searched in scientific databases. Finally, 16 articles were reviewed. Overall results of studies illustrated that using seven date fruits per day(average of 80 grams per day) for 2 - 4 weeks before their estimated date of delivery leads to a better cervical dilatation at admission or improvement of bishop score, decrease in the need for induction or stimulation of labor and by increasing effective uterine contractions, decrease duration of pregnancy, and duration of the different stages of labor. Also, date fruit products can improve blood pressure parameters in pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia and accelerate episiotomy healing.
 Keywords: Pregnancy; Childbirth; Phoenix dactylifera; Date Fruits; Date Palm Fruit.