What’s best during pregnancy? What to eat? These are some of the questions that consistently linger in the mom-to-be’s mind. There are many suggestions given by many on the internet, some with proven evidence from research, and some are suggestions brought down from generation to generation.
In this short article, insha-Allah, we will share two great ‘sunnah food’ suggestions that should be included in the daily diet of pregnant mothers. Why are they called “sunnah food’? It is because they are food mentioned in the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Insha-Allah, they will benefit the mom-to-be and the baby she carries in the womb if consumed consistently.
The Date Fruits
The date fruit is mentioned more than 20 times in the Quran. It is the fruit of Paradise, and it is superior to other fruits. In Surah Ar-Rahman verse 68, Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “In them (both) will be fruits, and date palms and pomegranates.”
Dates fruit for easy labor and energy
This desert-grown fruit is a well-known high-fiber fruit with a lot of nutrition and vitamins to boost brain health and maintain health throughout pregnancy. Dates contain many minerals and are a great energy booster to help with easy and less stressful labor in the third trimester. It is also believed that if dates are taken regularly pre and during early pregnancy, it may help to avoid some congenital abnormalities in the newborn baby. In the Quran, surah Maryam verses 22 to 26, it was mentioned that Maryam ate dates when she was having labor pain to give birth to Prophet Esa.
In research done in 2011, it was discovered that the women who ate six dates a day for four weeks in the third trimester had a shorter first stage of labor. It helps with a higher mean cervical dilatation, and more had intact membranes upon arrival at the hospital.
Dates fruits to prevent poisons (toxin)
Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqaas reported that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever eats seven ‘ajwah dates in the morning will not be harmed by any poison or witchcraft that day.” (Al-Bukhaari (5445) and Muslim (2047). Some scholars believe that this hadith only applied to the ajwah dates. However, many other scholars, including Shaykh’ Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz and Shaykh Muhammad ibn’ Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on them), are of the opinion that all dates, in general, are beneficial to prevent poisons and witchcraft that can also affect pregnant mothers.
Due to its health benefits and effects on easy delivery, date fruits should always be on the list of moms-to-be diets, especially in the third trimester. However, a doctor’s review is needed if you have some pregnancy complications, like an early contraction and placenta praevia.
Honey
In Surah An-Nahl verses 68 & 69, Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And your Lord inspired the bees, saying: “Take you habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they erect. “Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of your Lord made easy (for you).” There comes forth from their bellies a drink of varying colors wherein is healing for men. Verily, this is indeed a sign for people who think.”
Honey contains small amounts of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can benefit both the mom-to-be and the developing fetus. It helps to maintain good health with higher immunity. It helps soothe the digestive system.
Honey is good for the stomach
Once Abu Said Al-Khudri narrated that a man came to the Prophet and said, “My brother has some abdominal trouble.” The Prophet said to him, “Let him drink honey.” The man came for the second time, and the Prophet said, ‘Let him drink honey.” He went for the third time, and the Prophet said, “Let him drink honey.” He returned again and said, “I have done that ‘ The Prophet then said, “Allah has said the truth, but your brother’s abdomen has told a lie. Let him drink honey.” So he made him drink honey, and he was cured. (Sahih Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 588). This hadith clearly teaches us since 1400 years ago about the benefit of honey in treating stomach issues that commonly affect the pregnant mothers including stomach reflux.
Honey to prevent yeast infections
Besides the above, honey may help reduce the risk of complications, including yeast infections and urinary tract infections during pregnancy. A study done in 2012 showed that honey mixed with yogurt is effective in treating fungus infection. It is especially in patients with vulvovaginal candida infection during pregnancy.
Another study done in 2014 shows that supplementing honey to pregnant women has a protective effect against increased corticosterone levels. It is a hormone that can cause high blood pressure, mood swings, and water retention. It is usually released in our bodies due to stress, especially during pregnancy.
In conclusion of the above discussion, we can simplify that these two ‘sunnah foods’ are among the best foods mentioned in the Quran and hadith for pregnant mothers and all of us. They are essential to help maintain a healthy body and, insha-Allah, safe pregnancy throughout its duration and help with an easy delivery. Let us take this opportunity with the bit of knowledge we learn from here to include dates fruits, and honey in the daily diet of our mom-to-be.
- The effect of late pregnancy consumption of date fruit on labor and delivery https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21280989/
- https://islamqa.info/en/answers/254034/eating-seven-dates-in-the-morning-and-the-impact-of-believing-in-that-on-the-healing-effect
- Bee-honey and yogurt: a novel mixture for treating patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis during pregnancy https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22314434/
- https://www.momjunction.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-honey-for-pegnant-women_0079415/
- Effects of honey on pregnancy outcome, corticosterone level, and adrenal histology in rats subjected to maternal stress