Eating 6 dates daily starting at 36 weeks has been linked to improved labor progression, increased odds of spontaneous labor and less interventions. Try these 6 recipes to get your cervix ripe.

SAVORY

Date Pizza

2 pieces of warm naan

1 cup ricotta

1 cup arugula

2 pitted and chopped dates

4 slices of prosciutto (heat up if listeria is a concern)

Shaved parmesan (optional)

Top with balsamic vinegar

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Dates

6 pitted dates

1/4 cup cream cheese

2 jalapenos - remove seeds and chop 1 jalapeno for filling. Slice remaining jalapeno to top dates

1 tbsp apricot jam

3 slices of bacon cut in half

Mix cream cheese, jalapenos and jam together. Add mixture to dates, wrap with bacon (add toothpick to hold together). Bake in oven until bacon is crispy. Top with jalapeno slices for added heat.

Delicata Squash with Dates

1 squash - delicata or acorn

Cut squash in 1/2 lengthwise, scoop out seeds and cut into 1 in slices. season and roast at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, flip halfway.

Top with

2 pitted and chopped dates

Handful of chopped pistachios

2 tbsp pasteurized goat cheese

SWEET

Date Smoothie

1 cup mixed berries (frozen or fresh)

1 cup kale or spinach

4-6 pitted dates

1 tbsp hemp seeds

Vanilla protein (optional)

Handful of ice and 1/2 cup water depending on desired consistency

Date Dip

6 pitted dates

1/4 cup almond or peanut butter

2 tbsp agave

pinch of sea salt

1/4 to 1/2 cup water depending on desired consistency

Blend ingredients until smooth

No Bake Date Bites

10-12 dates pitted and roughly chopped

1/3 cup cashews

1/2 cup shredded coconut - divided

1 tbsp coconut oil and 1 tbsp water

1 tsp vanilla extract

Add all ingredients to food processor and pulse for 1 minute or until no lumps

Roll into bite sized balls with hands then roll on plate with leftover shredded coconut. Refrigerate for 1 hour before eating