When to Start Eating Dates in Pregnancy (And Why Week 36 Matters)

 

You keep hearing the same advice: “Eat dates at the end of pregnancy—it helps labor.” But when should you actually start? And can you eat dates earlier in pregnancy too?

Here’s the clear, evidence-based answer:

Most research on “dates for labor” starts in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy—around week 36 (or after you reach “term” in your care plan). In one well-known study, pregnant women who ate six dates per day for the four weeks before their due date had better labor-readiness signs (like more cervical dilation at admission) and needed fewer induction/augmentation medicines.

A larger evidence review also found date consumption may improve the Bishop score (a measure of how ready the cervix is) and may shorten the active phase of labor, though the authors note study quality limits and say more research is needed.

At the same time, dates are generally safe in pregnancy when you eat them in reasonable portions—especially if you do not have blood-sugar concerns.

MBC Framework (Myth → Benefit → Caution)

MYTH: “Dates will instantly induce labor”

Dates are not a guaranteed “natural induction.” They may support the body’s normal preparation in late pregnancy, but they don’t work like a medical induction.

Reality check: Studies focus on better readiness and fewer interventions, not instant labor.

BENEFIT: Why people eat dates in pregnancy

Dates are more than just sweet. They can support pregnancy in two ways:

1) Everyday nutrition support

Dates provide fiber, and they also contain nutrients like folate, iron, potassium, and more. That matters because pregnancy can bring fatigue and constipation, and nutrient needs go up.

2) Late-pregnancy labor support (where the evidence is strongest)

Research on date fruit in late pregnancy suggests possible benefits such as:

• Higher cervical dilation at hospital admission
• More spontaneous labor
• Less need for prostin/oxytocin
• Shorter early/latent labor time
  A meta-analysis reported improved Bishop score and a shorter active phase on average (with important limitations).

CAUTION: When dates may not be a good idea (or need a doctor’s okay)

Dates are high in natural sugar and calories. That’s not “bad,” but it matters if you:

• Have gestational diabetes or blood sugar problems
• Are told to limit carbs/sugar
• Get heartburn easily (some people do with sweet sticky foods)
• Have a known fruit allergy (rare, but possible)

If any of those fit you, ask your OB/midwife before starting a daily date routine.

The Best Time to Start Eating Dates in Pregnancy (By Trimester)

First trimester (Weeks 1–13): Can you eat dates?

Yes—most people can eat dates in moderation early in pregnancy as part of a balanced diet. There’s no evidence that dates are harmful across trimesters for typical healthy pregnancies.

Best use early on: quick energy, fiber, and an easy snack when nausea makes full meals hard.

Keep it realistic: start with 1–2 dates and see how your stomach says “yes” or “no.”

Second trimester (Weeks 14–27): A steady, safe snack

Many people feel better during the second trimester, so dates can fit nicely as:

• A sweet snack that’s easy to pack
• A fiber boost if constipation shows up

Still, you don’t need to “prep for labor” yet. Save the daily routine for later unless your clinician suggests otherwise.

Third trimester (Weeks 28–40): When dates matter most

This is where “dates for labor” becomes a real conversation.

The research-based starting point: around week 36

A key study tracked women who ate six dates daily for 4 weeks before their due date, and it found better labor-related outcomes compared to a no-dates group.

A systematic review/meta-analysis also supports possible improvements in readiness and active labor timing (with limitations).

Could you start earlier than 36 weeks?

Some newer research efforts are testing earlier timing. For example, a Cleveland Clinic–linked trial description discusses starting Medjool dates at 34 weeks in a study design.
That doesn’t mean everyone should start at 34 weeks—but it shows researchers are actively studying it.

Practical takeaway:

• Week 36 is the most common evidence-based starting point. If you want to start earlier than week 36, ask your provider—especially if you have any preterm labor risks or blood sugar concerns.

How Many Dates Per Day in Late Pregnancy?

Many articles repeat the same research-based target:

Common study amount

• 6 dates per day for the last 4 weeks Medjool vs. smaller dates

Medjool dates are bigger. A “6 per day” plan might become too much sugar if you use large dates. A simple approach:

• 3 Medjool dates or
• 5–7 smaller dates
  Aim for a portion that fits your calorie and blood-sugar needs.

Tip: Split them—eat some in the morning and some later so your stomach and blood sugar stay steadier.

Easy Ways to Eat Dates (So You Don’t Get Sick of Them)

• Stuffed dates: peanut butter or almond butter + crushed nuts
• Smoothie add-in: 1–2 dates for sweetness (skip added sugar)
• Oat bowl topper: chopped dates + yogurt + oats
• “Energy bites”: oats + nut butter + chopped dates (no baking)
• Warm milk + dates: blend for a naturally sweet drink

When to Avoid Dates (Or Get Medical Advice First)

Talk to your clinician before starting daily dates if you have:

• Gestational diabetes or prediabetes
• A medically planned induction earlier than 39–40 weeks
• A history of preterm labor
• A diet plan that limits sugar/carbs
  Also, stop and get advice if dates cause intense stomach upset or allergy symptoms.

Quick FAQ 

1.Do dates induce labor naturally?
They may support labor readiness in late pregnancy, but they don’t guarantee labor starts. Studies show fewer interventions and better readiness measures in some groups. 

2.When should I start eating dates for labor?
Most evidence points to starting around week 36 and continuing daily until birth.

3.Can I eat dates every day while pregnant?
Many people can, but keep portions reasonable because dates are calorie- and sugar-dense. If you have blood sugar concerns, ask your provider first.

Conclusion

If you want the “dates for labor” benefits people talk about, start around week 36 and aim for a consistent daily portion that fits your body and your pregnancy plan. The research looks promising for cervical readiness and possibly a smoother labor course—but it’s not magic, and you should tailor it to your health (especially blood sugar).