Pineapple has been touted as a natural assistant in getting labor started. Evidence-Based Birth explains, “In the in vitro or Petri dish experiment, all doses of pineapple juice significantly induced contractions in the isolated rat uterine tissue. They think this could be due to the combined effects of bromelain and other components of the juice. They exposed the tissue to pineapple juice at different doses and to oxytocin, a hormone that can induce labor, and the contractions induced by pineapple juice were similar to those of oxytocin.”

Well, the pineapple core just happens to be the highest concentrated source of bromelain! So when I am pregnant, I save all of the pineapple cores and freeze them — to make my virgin pina coladas at the end of the pregnancy. 

Dates have also been shown to help labor. Studies have demonstrated that the consumption of date fruit in the last four weeks before labor significantly reduced the need for induction and augmentation of labor, and produced a more favorable delivery outcome.

So, I threw some dates into my smoothie recipes as well! 

This recipe is not only quick and easy, but it is SO tasty! My kids wanted to have them right along with me every time I blended one up. 

Pro Tip: Once the baby arrives, add a little rum to this smoothie and you will feel as though you have been transported to a tropical island.

Labor-Inducing Virgin Pina Colada

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Did you know that pineapple and dates can help induce labor when you're pregnant? If you're ready to meet your little one and help start the labor process, whip up one of these tasty, dairy-free treats!

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Ingredients

• 1 frozen pineapple core (or one cup sliced frozen pineapple)
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 4 pitted Medjool dates
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp coconut extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1-2 cups ice

Instructions

1. Using a high-speed blender, blend all of the ingredients until you have a nice smoothie consistency. If you are having difficulty getting it to blend, add more juice.
2. Enjoy immediately!

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Vitamix Blender
• 
  Fine Ground Celtic Sea Salt
• 
  Coconut Extract
• 
  Vanilla Extract

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