Date with destiny: could this sweet fruit kickstart labor?

NCT ID NCT07058792

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 04, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether eating Medjool dates from 34 weeks of pregnancy through delivery can increase the chance of labor starting on its own, reducing the need for medical induction. Researchers will track 250 pregnant women at Cleveland Clinic to see if date consumption affects labor length, need for oxytocin, and blood loss. It's a simple dietary intervention with no known risks, but the results are preliminary.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Medjool dates
What this could lead to
If it works, eating dates could be a simple, natural way to help labor start on its own and reduce the need for medical induction.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage trial with 250 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The effect may be small or no different from a placebo.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States