I went into labor last Thursday at 38 weeks. My water broke about 30 minutes after I ate dinner and I had eaten a salad with pomegranate arils. I just realized there's talk of a link between pomegranates and natural induction. Don't know if that's what sparked my labor, but thought I should mention it on here! Here's the recipe if anyone's interested: https://www.littlebroken.com/2016/11/13/pomegranate-arugula-quinoa-salad/. Made a really yummy post-nursing snack last night too!
The recipe looks yummy...but it's my guess it was just a fluke. Some research has indicated a link between pomegranate extract oils (and the rind) inducing contractions of the uterus...but not a link with pomegranate juice or the fruit as a stand alone. I have been drinking Pom wonderful without concern during pregnancy.
But hey, if someone goes past their due date and wants to try some natural stuff...I guess it couldn't hurt!
Definitely could be a fluke! The nurse also said that the cold front we had could have brought it on. I thought it was the seeds that had been linked though: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100127095916.htm. It's funny, I don't think I've ever eaten them before, but I had bought some for a dinner party we were throwing Friday. Ended up having to cancel that!
Agree with @dragonfly87-2, sounds like a fluke, but definitely a fun one! That study linked is about pomegranate seed extract, which it says is much more concentrated than pomegranate juice (i.e. MUCH more concentrated than just eating pomegranate fruit/seeds). I actually had salad with pomegranate seeds last night too, but fortunately did not go into labor. They are delicious and healthy though, so no harm as far as I know!
Re: Pomegranate arils inducing labor?
But hey, if someone goes past their due date and wants to try some natural stuff...I guess it couldn't hurt!