top of page
Search

Raspberry Leaf Tea in Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

  • Andreia Cruz
  • Aug 5
  • 5 min read

Updated: Aug 6

I've heard about raspberry leaf tea. Do I need to take it when preparing for labour? Does it make labour shorter?



You've likely heard about raspberry leaf tea from friends, family, or other pregnant women. As a midwife, I want to help you understand what we actually know about it so you can make an informed decision. Remember, this choice is entirely yours to make!


I recall caring for a pregnant woman who planned to take raspberry leaf tea to prepare for labour, and I realised how much I still had to learn about it myself. Many women seek natural remedies to support a physiological birth (natural spontaneous birth). However, when gathering information—whether from social media or personal stories—it's important to consider the source, potential bias (that may influence you to one side over the other), and the person sharing it, even when intentions are good. When we talk about research papers, on a search online, we also need to be careful, especially when we don’t know much about how to interpret it. Even myself, I am continuously learning!




What Does the Research Tell Us?


The evidence for raspberry leaf tea use during pregnancy is limited. Research on complementary therapies in pregnancy faces several challenges: natural remedies may not attract research investment, and the individualised nature of complementary therapies (as many therapies are tailored to your needs rather generalised to the population) makes controlled studies difficult to do. However, anecdotal evidence, audits, and case reports still hold value in our understanding, especially when swimming against many odds.


RASPBERRY LEAF TEA


Raspberry leaf tea (also called red raspberry leaf) has been used as a herbal remedy for many years. In pregnancy, it's believed to tone the uterus, potentially making it work more efficiently during labour and increasing chances of a smoother birth. However, more research is needed to understand this further.




How Does it Seem to Work?


Raspberry leaf tea appears to act on smooth muscle (e.g. the bowel, uterus), which explains some reported side effects like diarrhoea, therefore may be wise to avoid if you have bowel conditions like IBS or Crohn's disease. The chemical fragarine on it is thought to have oxytocin-like effects, potentially contracting relaxed muscle1. It is also reported that has the opposite effect too, relaxing contracted muscle (apparently this seems to be influenced by dose taken, type of formula, sensibility to yourself etc.)—which may explain its traditional use for menstrual cramps.


Important timing: This is intended as a third-trimester preparation remedy instead of:


a) leaving it late in pregnancy to start (which may be recommended to you to hold till you are over 37 weeks - from term)


b) incorrectly use to induce labour if you are overdue to avoid medical induction (often recommended for this reason in the maternity system)




Does Raspberry Leaf Tea in Pregnancy Shorten Labour?


While you may find personal stories online or other evidence about raspberry leaf tea shortening labour, till now current studies don't provide statistically significant evidence to support this claim. However, personal experiences are valuable and may be relevant to your decision.


This tea is described as a preparation for labour remedy: however, it is also important to note that some tea brands may elicit the 'message' that you need to take this to achieve a ‘normal’ birth, when we don’t have enough evidence to support this. Plus, this ‘message’ adds another layer of losing confidence in yourself and what your body is designed to do.




Safety Considerations


As I mentioned, it has been documented not to be taken in late pregnancy or if you are overdue to try to start labour, as many may think. This is thought to potentially be unsafe for you and may cause issues in your pregnancy if taken incorrectly.


As it, theoretically, contracts (kind of makes it hard/squeezes your uterus), it has been described that if taken too much can make you have uncomfortable and strong Braxton Hicks (those contractions in pregnancy different from labour contractions) and may be associated with causing fetal distress (more on this, but basically, the baby is not coping well in the uterus and may require further intervention).

When taken too late, some may recommend only from term (over 37 weeks); (if you decide to take it), first it is not advised to be taken this way, as it is a ‘build-up’ remedy, and especially if taken too much, it may cause overstimulation of the uterus and again fetal distress.


Due to its recorded effects and lack of research, especially when consumed with more herbal remedies or when essential oils are also used (that could have essentially the same effect), it is sensible to avoid taking it. Here, I am talking about a common essential oil used to stimulate contractions, clary sage, for example, or especially if you have an induction of labour and were thinking of continuing drinking the tea.


Again, although it is a natural remedy, precautions and contraindications also apply. Especially if you have concerns about yourself, your baby, or any complications arise, it is wise to avoid it.


There are recommendations reported in the literature that offer some guidance. Here are some examples:


Best not to consume raspberry leaf tea if:


  • Increased chances of preterm labour (history of it or any complications in the current pregnancy)

  • History of rapid labours

  • Previous caesarean section (especially if in the last two years)

  • Complications in your pregnancy or medical conditions (some examples: high blood pressure, diabetes, vaginal bleeding, placenta complications1) as we don’t know enough and also acting with caution.




How should I take it if I decide I want to try it?


It has been suggested to try raspberry leaf as a tea rather than in a different formula. You can look at commercially sold teas in the local shops or supermarkets. However, bear in mind its ingredients, especially some may have other herbs on them which we may not know enough about if they are safe to take in pregnancy.



Suggested timeline2: As a third trimester remedy, gradually


  • From 32 weeks pregnancy

  • Week 1: One cup daily, monitor how you feel, if no issues arise and you feel well, you may wish to increase

  • Next 2-3 weeks: Gradually increase to two cups daily

  • If tolerated well: Maximum three cups daily

  • Reduce or stop if you experience strong Braxton Hicks contractions or any complications




Important reminders:


  • If you decide to try raspberry leaf tea in pregnancy, and wish to continue drinking it in labour, you may find the need to reduce or discontinue it to prevent overstimulation of the uterus

  • It is also advisable to wean off gradually after the birth of your baby (especially if it is something your body is used to in pregnancy), rather than stopping suddenly, as this could potentially relax the uterus which could predispose you to bleed more2


The Bottom Line


Raspberry leaf tea potentially offers benefits of your uterus working more effectively in labour; however, it is also important to emphasise that the evidence to support this is limited. More importantly, remember that your body is designed to birth your baby. This also may undermine the confidence in yourself and what your body can do.


The decision to try it or not is personal to you and your family. Consider your individual circumstances and you may also wish to discuss it with your lead care provider.



Click here, if you wish to contact me. You can also check the services I offer here.





References:

1 Tiran, D (2023) Complementary Therapies for Postdates Pregnancy. London: Singing Dragon

2 Tiran, D (2021) Using Natural Remedies Safely in Pregnancy and Childbirth. London: Singing Dragon


Further reading (if you wish):


bottom of page