Can Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Help During Pregnancy and Labor?

Pregnancy, no doubt, comes with its challenges—the aches and pains, the agonizing wait for Baby’s arrival...the list goes on! So, it’s only natural that pregnant folks are eager to explore every trick in the book to make the journey a little easier. One remedy you may have heard about is red raspberry leaf tea. It’s been touted as a secret weapon for parents-to-be, promising everything from shorter labor to stronger uterine muscles. But how much of this is fact, and how much is just wishful thinking? Here’s what you need to know about red raspberry leaf tea and pregnancy! 

What is red raspberry leaf tea?

Red raspberry leaf tea isn’t your average fruity tea. Red raspberry leaf tea is made from the leaves of the red raspberry plant (Rubus idaeus). These leaves are packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, along with potassium, calcium, and iron. For centuries, people have used it as a go-to for home reproductive health remedies. 

What are claims about red raspberry leaf tea for pregnancy?

The oft hailed benefits of red raspberry leaf tea are that it helps tone the uterus, shortens labor, and naturally induces labor. These beliefs date back to midwifery practices of the 1700s. And if you fast forward to the 20th century, you’d find some research that seemed to support some of the lore, including a 1940s study on cats about its ability to relax uterine muscles. But does more recent science back up these claims? The short answer: not really.

Does red raspberry leaf tea improve labor?

The most cited evidence in support of red raspberry leaf tea’s benefits comes from a 2001 study published in the Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health. It examined the effects of red raspberry leaf tea on 192 pregnant women in Australia. The researchers found that the women who drank the tea regularly had slightly more efficient labors. Specifically, while the tea didn’t appear to have an effect on the first stage of labor, it was associated with a shorter second stage of labor (the part where you’re actively pushing).

However, there hasn’t been any compelling new research since. In fact, a 2021 report published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies reviewed 13 studies on red raspberry leaf tea’s and concluded that the evidence supporting its use in pregnancy is weak and more research was needed to address its effectiveness.

Will red raspberry leaf tea induce labor?

Probably not. While this tea is often talked about as a natural way to kickstart labor, there’s no solid evidence to back claim. And 2023 research published in the journal Nutrients not only said that support was lacking, it also said there was a small amount of evidence suggesting that red raspberry leaf tea may actually interfere with the ripening of the cervix (a crucial part of labor).

Is red raspberry leaf tea safe for pregnancy?

Red raspberry leaf tea is generally considered safe, but you’ll want to speak with your OB/GYN or midwife before swigging it with abandon to make sure they don’t see any red flags. There has been some research that indicates red raspberry leaf tea may adversely impact glucose levels of people with gestational diabetes. If you get the go-ahead, experts recommend easing into it—maybe a cup a day to start—and not overdoing it.

Should you try red raspberry leaf tea?

If you’re still curious about red raspberry leaf tea, bring it up with your healthcare provider before brewing yourself a cuppa. While it’s not a magic potion and the evidence backing its effectiveness is sparse, some expecting parents feel it helps them prep for labor. The bottom line: Warm tea might be soothing, but your best tools for a healthy pregnancy and labor are still good prenatal care, a nutrient-rich diet, and open communication with your medical team. Cheers to that! 

More on Pregnancy:

• All About Labor Contractions
• Early Signs of Labor
• How to Eat for a Healthy Mood During Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Nutrition Myths to Ignore

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REFERENCES

• Raspberry Leaf in Pregnancy: Its Safety and Efficacy in Labor, Journal of Complementary Medicine, 2021
• Antioxidant Properties of Natural Plant Extracts, Antioxidants, March 2016
• Systemic Benefits of Rubus idaeus (Red Raspberry) Consumption, The Lancet, 2000
• Rubus idaeus (Red Raspberry) Profile, Fire Effects Information System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2019
• Effectiveness of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea in Pregnancy, International Journal of Women’s Health, 2021
• Nutritional Properties of Red Raspberry Leaf Extract, Nutrients, July 2023
• Natural Compounds and Their Role in Human Health, Advances in Nutritional Science, 2018
• American Pharmacists Association: Raspberry Leaf for Pregnancy
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Good Health Before Pregnancy Prepregnancy Care
• Raspberry Leaf and Hypoglycemia in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Obstetrics & Gynecology, December 2016

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.