What's the Story With Raspberry Leaf Tea and Pregnancy?

Red raspberry leaf tea - is it a miracle drink or hocus pocus? Read on for everything you need to know about raspberry leaf tea and pregnancy.
Once you reach a certain point in your pregnancy, it’s so tempting to Google ways to induce labor or to make labor go more smoothly.

There’s no shortage of “natural remedies” out there to aid in labor and birth.

One thing your search results may have suggested is red raspberry leaf tea.

But before you pop the kettle on, let’s find out: What’s the story with raspberry leaf tea and pregnancy?

In this article: 📝

What is red raspberry leaf tea?

Red raspberry leaf tea is an herbal tea made from the leaves of the raspberry plant.

The thought of raspberries and tea might sound delicious, but this tea tastes nothing like raspberry fruit tea.

It’s more earthy and a little bitter, like black tea but tangier.

What does raspberry leaf tea do when pregnant?

Raspberry leaf tea has a long history of medicinal usage, particularly for pregnancy and uterine health.

Some women drink it to help prepare the cervix and uterus for childbirth, and to help induce labor, although there are no studies to prove that it works.

Benefits of drinking raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy

Raspberry leaf tea is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, and B, iron, niacin, manganese, magnesium, selenium, and calcium.

These give the tea immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

So, generally speaking, it’s pretty healthy stuff.

The tea is also believed to increase blood flow to the uterus and strengthen the uterine muscles.

Other possible benefits associated with drinking raspberry leaf are shortening labor, reduced postpartum bleeding, and faster postpartum recovery.

There is very little research to back this up, though.

Does raspberry leaf tea induce labor?

In one small study (of less than 200 women), it was found that the second stage of labor was shortened by 10 minutes, and that there was a reduced need for labor interventions.

Other studies have shown that drinking raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy has no negative effects on either mama or baby.

But the research on raspberry leaf tea is limited.

Side effects of raspberry leaf tea

Some women may experience mild side effects when drinking raspberry leaf tea, especially in large amounts.

These may include nausea, diarrhea (due to the tea’s mild laxative properties), and Braxton Hicks contractions.

Another side effect might be decreased insulin response.

For this reason, it’s best to avoid raspberry leaf tea if you have gestational diabetes.

When should I start drinking raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy?

If you choose to drink raspberry leaf tea, only do so from 32 weeks of pregnancy.

It’s recommended to not drink it at all in your first trimester since that’s not the time we want to be encouraging uterine contractions.

How often should you drink raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy?

Midwives may recommend starting to drink one cup of raspberry leaf tea a day from 32 weeks.

You can gradually increase this to 2 or 3 cups a day, closer to your due date.

When should you avoid drinking raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy?

If your pregnancy is considered high-risk, for whatever reason, it’s best to give raspberry leaf tea a skip.

Likewise, if you’ve had spotting in the second or third trimester, or if you experience Braxton Hicks.

Now that you’ve got the low-down on red raspberry leaf tea and pregnancy, you can decide for yourself whether to put the kettle on or not.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to chat with your health care provider first if you’re thinking of giving raspberry leaf tea a try.

And if they give you the green light, only drink the tea in moderation.

We know it’s hard to wait for your baby, but you got this, mama.

If you’re already past your due date and your doctor has recommended an induction, head here for our guide on what to expect from induction of labor.