THE EFFECT OF DATES (PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA) ON REDUCING THE FREQUENCY OF EMESIS IN PREGNANT WOMEN IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER

Abstract

Nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy are physiological symptoms, but if left untreated, they can become pathological. Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy can be reduced by using complementary therapy, namely by consuming dates. Dates are a high-energy food with an ideal composition, containing carbohydrates, omega-3, vitamin C, vitamin B6, Ca2+, Zn, and Mg. Dates are very rich in fiber and also contain potassium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, which are excellent for consumption and reducing nausea and vomiting. The advantage of dates is that they can reduce stomach pain because they contain folic acid, vitamins, and calcium, which can inhibit serotonin, a neurotransmitter synthesized in serotonergic neurons in the central nervous system and enterochromaffin cells in the digestive tract, thereby providing a comfortable feeling in the stomach and overcoming nausea and vomiting. The research design method used a pre-experimental approach with a pre-test post-test single group design. The sample consisted of 25 pregnant women in their first trimester who experienced nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, selected using purposive sampling. The research tool used was the PUQE. Data analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test. Results and Discussion: The results of the analysis showed a p-value of 0.000 (<0.05), indicating a difference in the average vomiting score before and after date administration, with an average decrease of 4.88. This shows that date (Phoenix dactylifera) administration has an effect in reducing the frequency of vomiting in pregnant women in their first trimester.