Modifying Nutrition to Modify Delivery in Nulliparous Women

Evaluation of the Feasibility and Acceptability of Dietary Advice to Encourage Spontaneous Work: Randomised Pilot Study

In France, around 20% of women exceed the term of 41 weeks' amenorrhoea (SA). Maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality are increased when the term is exceeded, which justifies inducing labour. However, induction also increases maternal and foetal morbidity.

According to several studies, regular consumption of dates during the last month of pregnancy may increase the rate of spontaneous labour and natural childbirth.

Single-centre, randomised, open-label, 3-arm study :

Experimental group n°1: 'dietary advice + food provided'. Advice to eat 7 dates a day from 37 weeks' gestation until delivery. The quantity of dates required will be provided to the women.

Experimental group 2: 'dietary advice alone'. Advice to eat 7 dates a day from 37 weeks' gestation until delivery. The food will not be provided.

Control group: no specific dietary advice. Routine care group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women
• Age ≥ 18 years
• Nulliparous
• Single pregnancy with fetus in cephalic presentation
• Pregnancy with physiological course
• Gestational age ≥ 34 and ⩽ 37 SA
• Membership of a social security scheme (CMU accepted)
• Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any contraindication to vaginal delivery
• Presence of a foetal malformation
• Diabetes of any type (1, 2 or gestational)
• Food allergy contraindicating participation in the study
• Illiterate or non-French-speaking women
• Women under guardianship or trusteeship