Although our coveted elixir is a favorite among expectant mothers, there is some debate regarding its efficacy.
In humans, there are some encouraging studies…
This study on a group of mothers indicates that RRLT helps shorten labor and results in fewer medical interventions, including cesarean.
In this study, RRL in the capsule form helped to shorten second stage of labor (marginally) and reduced the need for forceps delivery.
In rats, the evidence isn’t as favorable…
This study, conducted on rats, found that RRLT and capsules did stimulate contractions in rats. BUT, at the highest concentrations, RRL actually inhibited contractions. They conclude that, overall, it doesn’t really work.
But then there’s this study, also conducted on rats, suggests that RRL can actually have some adverse effects on the baby later in life. Indeed, the babies reached puberty earlier, and THEIR babies had growth restrictions. Ugh.
In both rat studies, the mother rats ingested RRL from the beginning of their pregnancies at doses significantly higher than what people would consume in a cup of tea. And, they’re rats.
Contrary to conventional wisdom in the “crunchy” community, red raspberry leaf tea should only be consumed during the second trimester and only in the quantities specified on the product’s packaging.
So, yeah. There’s controversy everywhere… even with pregnancy tea.
So, let’s start at the beginning.
What are the side effects of drinking raspberry leaf tea?
Because raspberry leaf tea hasn’t been extensively studied, experts aren’t entirely aware of all of its potential side effects. What is known is that red raspberry leaf tea may:
Have a diuretic effect. As if you aren’t running to the bathroom enough already, raspberry leaf tea could make you have to pee even more.
Affect your bowels. Anecdotally, many users say that drinking raspberry leaf tea has a laxative effect. But research seems to suggest that it could help treat diarrhea.
Possibly increase the chance of miscarriage in the first trimester. Since it might have the potential to trigger contractions if you drink it in large quantities (defined as more than four 8-ounce cups daily), it’s prudent to avoid drinking red raspberry leaf tea early in your pregnancy.
Why do pregnant women drink red raspberry leaf tea?
Because raspberry leaf tea is believed to be a uterine tonic that increases blood flow to the uterus and strengthens the uterine muscle fibers, pregnant women seeking to hasten their labor have long turned to it. Then, it’s thought that causes contractions to start the birthing process. It is also believed that strengthening the uterus can reduce excessive postpartum bleeding.
Is it okay for a pregnant woman to drink red raspberry leaf tea to induce labor?
