Abstract:

Background and Aim: Cervical ripening is one of the main stages at the onset of labor. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of consumption date fruit on cervical ripening and delivery outcomes in nulliparous women in selected centers in 2012.

Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial of 110 nulliparous women who attended Amir-Al-Momenin teaching hospital in Semnan and colleague doctor’s offices from August 5th 2012 to July 1st 2013 for prenatal care. Research inclusion criteria included with age 18-35 years, gestational age of 38 weeks, low risk pregnancy and Bishop Score of 4 or less were randomly allocated into two groups: the dates and one control group. The dates of pregnant women who consumed it on seven dates daily, and there was no intervention in the control group. The data was collected through interview, observation, examination and food record questionnaire and form to record the baby’s movements. The data were analyzed using t-test, chi- square and Mann-Whitney.

Results: At the start of the study, there was no significant difference in Bishop score between the two groups, but after the intervention, the women who consumed date fruit had significantly higher mean Bishop score compared with the control group (p=0.0001). During the active phase of the first stage (p=0.042) and second stage (p=0.001), were significantly shorter in women who consumed date fruit compared with the control group. The two groups had no significant difference in terms of delivery (p=0.3).

Conclusion: It is concluded that the consumption of date fruit can change the Bishop score and reduce the duration of labor.