Background: Date palm fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are a widely
available product that contains numerous macronutrients including a high sugar content.
Research has shown that date fruit extracts possess antibacterial and antifungal
properties, as well as antimutagenic and antiatherogenic effects. Date fruit can also
have a beneficial effect on the female reproductive system. Several studies have
examined the impact of date consumption during pregnancy on the outcome of labor,
providing useful results. Objective: This study aims to determine the effects of date
fruit consumption on the onset and progression of labor. Methods: The study included 120
pregnant women who were pregnant at GAK Sarajevo, in the period from 01.01. 2020 to
31.12. 2020. The patients were divided into two groups, the first group of 60 patients
who consumed 6 dates during the last four weeks of pregnancy, and the second group of 60
patients who did not consume dates during pregnancy. Results: There was a significant
positive effect of consuming date fruits on maternal outcomes in the first and third
stages of labor. The group of pregnant women who consumed dates had a shortened latent
phase of labor, which meant that their cervix reached maximum dilation (10 cm) faster.
Pregnant women in this group gave birth 8.5 hours faster than pregnant women who did not
consume dates, in whom labor lasted about 15 hours. Of the 60 pregnant women in the
first group, 60% had a spontaneous natural birth, and only 40% of the patients received
oxytocin, because dates enhance the effect of oxytocin, which is responsible for uterine
contractions. Conclusion: This study showed a promising effect of consuming date fruits
on the duration of the stages of labor. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids found in
dates stimulate the production of prostaglandins, which are necessary for labor. Dates
are also rich in folic acid, vitamin K, iron, potassium, and magnesium.
[Med Arch 2025; 79(1.000): 56-60]

date, effect, pregnant woman, childbirth, dilation, oxytocin