The Effect of Dates and Castor Oil on the Initiation of Spontaneous Labor in Primigravida Parturients

The Effect of Dates and Castor Oil on the Initiation of Spontaneous Labor in Primigravida Parturients- a Prospective Randomized Trial

Finding a natural and efficient method to improve the chance of entering spontaneous labor beyond 39 weeks of gestation will address both the medical necessity and the will of many parturients to avoid medical interventions.

In this study we aim to evaluate the effect of dates and castor oil on the initiation of spontaneous labor in primigravida parturients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women who come to the obstetrical emergency department for normal check up between 39+4 and 40+2 weeks of gestation
• Primipara
• Bishop cervical score below 5
• Low risk pregnancy
• Singleton pregnancy
• Vertex presentation
• Women who haven't consumed dates over once a week in month prior the checkup and haven't consumed castor oil prior to enrollment.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any medical indication for labor induction
• Regular contractions
• Premature rupture of membranes
• Women who consumed dates over once a week in month prior the checkup or consumed castor oil prior to enrollment.