Dill (Anethum graveolens) seeds are a rich source of phytochemicals that include polyphenols and an essential oil containing limonene, ketone and carvone. Dill seeds may have beneficial effects against child birth induced anxiety and may also shorten delivery time. One suggestion is that the reduction in anxiety may cause the child birth to proceed in a more timely manner because of the reduction in anxiety. In one study pregnant women were administered 10 grams of boiled dill seeds (boiled for 10 minutes and then sieved) just prior to delivery. Although there was no difference in the anxiety scores of the women prior to delivery, following delivery and administration of the dill seeds, the treatment group had significantly lower anxiety scores compared to the control group who received no dill seeds. Further, the delivery times for the dill seed group were significantly reduced compared to controls. Therefore boiled dill seeds could be a useful nutritional strategy to facilitate a less anxious and shorter delivery.
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