If you’re pregnant, you’ve probably heard about raspberry leaf tea. This herbal tea is made from the leaves of the raspberry bush, and it’s been used for centuries to support pregnancy and labour. Today, we’re going to explore what raspberry leaf tea is, what it’s used for in pregnancy, and whether or not it’s safe to drink during pregnancy.
What is Raspberry Leaf Tea?
Raspberry leaf tea is a herbal tea that’s made by steeping the leaves of the raspberry bush in hot water.
This potent little tea has a long history of being used for pregnancy and childbirth. In fact, it’s been used for these purposes for centuries in cultures all over the world.
How Does it Help During Pregnancy?
Raspberry leaf tea is thought to be helpful during pregnancy for a few reasons. First, it’s high in vitamins and minerals like calcium and iron, which are important for a healthy pregnancy.
In 1999, a research study concluded that women who drank raspberry leaf tea in their third trimester were less likely "to receive an artificial rupture of their membranes, or require a caesarean section, forceps or vacuum birth than the women in the control group" (who did not ingest raspberry leaf tea)(1).
Additionally, raspberry leaf tea is known to help tone the uterine muscles which will support contractions in labour. Many midwives also recommend drinking raspberry leaf tea during the last few weeks of pregnancy to help prepare the uterus for labour and birth.
It is also known for post-birth healing by minimizing post-birth bleeding and cramps.
Is Raspberry Leaf Tea Safe?
Most experts believe that drinking raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy is safe. However, as with any herbal remedy, it’s always best to check with your healthcare provider before drinking any type of herbal tea during pregnancy. Additionally, since raspberry leaf tea can lead to strong contractions, it’s best to avoid drinking it during the first trimester when the risk of miscarriage is highest.
"In 1999, a research study concluded that women who drank raspberry leaf tea in their third trimester were less likely "to receive an artificial rupture of their membranes, or require a caesarean section, forceps or vacuum birth than the women in the control group" (who did not ingest raspberry leaf tea)"
When Should I Drink It?
If you want to start drinking raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy, most experts recommend waiting until you’re in your third trimester. That said, every pregnancy is different—so if you have any concerns or questions, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any type of herbal remedy during pregnancy.
How can we help?
At The Myéline Clinic, our chiropractors can help to give you the best advice on raspberry leaf tea as well as other herbal remedies or supplementation during pregnancy. We do stock mama body tea products at the clinic- an organic raspberry leaf tea made in Australia, ready for purchase.
For more information please contact our clinic here.
References:
Parsons M, Simpson M, Ponton T. Raspberry leaf and its effect on labour: safety and efficacy. Aust Coll Midwives Inc J. 1999 Sep;12(3):20-5. doi: 10.1016/s1031-170x(99)80008-7. PMID: 10754818.