Raspberry Leaf Tea in Pregnancy – Benefits, Side Effects, and More

Raspberry leaf tea is known for its medicinal properties and has been in use for a long time. It is rich in nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants and alkaloids. It has many health benefits and is essentially known to help in labour and childbirth. If you’re pregnant, you may have probably heard that drinking raspberry leaf tea can help induce labour. But does this wonder berry is really beneficial during pregnancy? Let’s find out! Read this article to know more about raspberry tea, its benefits and side effects!

What Is Raspberry Tea?

Raspberry tea is a cool and refreshing beverage with antioxidants properties and vitamins. There are two types of Raspberry tea – Raspberry fruit tea and Raspberry leaf tea. The Raspberry fruit tea is made with fresh Raspberry fruit juice, tea, lime juice and sugar syrup and is served with ice. On the other hand, a raspberry leaf tea is bitter in taste and has a floral aroma. Both types have their own benefits. While raspberry fruit tea is loaded with essential nutrients, minerals and has several health benefits, Raspberry leaf tea aids in easy labour and childbirth.

Benefits of Drinking Raspberry Leaf Tea During Pregnancy

Raspberry leaf tea is highly beneficial during pregnancy in more ways than one.

1. Helps in Delivery

The tea contains an alkaloid called fragrine which strengthens and tones the muscles of the uterine wall thereby making labour less painful and childbirth easy.

2. Lowers the Chances of Miscarriage

Drinking raspberry leaf tea tones uterine muscles, which prevents miscarriage and postpartum haemorrhage.

4. Good for the Skin

The tea has anti-inflammatory properties which reduce the chances of the common rash and skin problems in pregnant women.

5. Helps With Breastfeeding

The nutrient-rich beverage also increases the supply of breast milk post-delivery due to its high levels of iron.

When Can You Start Drinking Raspberry Leaf Tea During Pregnancy?

According to medical caregivers, pregnant women should start taking Raspberry leaf tea only after they cross the 32^nd-week mark in pregnancy. This will allow the body to take in all the rich nutrients and vitamins that are required during labour and childbirth. However, one should be cautious enough not to start drinking it before the said week since it is believed that drinking this tea before reaching the 32nd week of pregnancy could lead to miscarriage.

How Much Raspberry Tea You Can Drink When Pregnant?

You can initially start with a cup of raspberry leaf tea in the 32^nd week of pregnancy and gradually increase the number of cups to 3 a day until the time you go into labour. But you must check with your doctor first with regards to consumption of raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy. Raspberry leaf tea or any other beverage or food item, which you don’t consume generally, should be consumed after consulting the healthcare professionals.

Possible Side Effects of Consuming Raspberry Herbal Tea

Just as Raspberry herbal tea is rich in antioxidants, nutrients and vitamins, on the hind side, it has its share of downsides too. Listed below are the side effects of Raspberry leaf tea in pregnancy.

• During vaginal birth, it puts a stress on the baby since the raspberry leaf tea makes contractions even more strong and severe.
• Drinking raspberry leaf tea in the early stages of pregnancy can lead to a miscarriage or could cause preterm labour.
• It is not recommended for people who want to have a caesarean delivery.
• The tea is also said to have diuretic effects resulting in frequent urination and laxative effect leading to frequent motions.
• Drinking raspberry leaf tea can interfere with anti-anxiety or sleep-inducing medication and can cause a few complications.
• Raspberry leaf tea is also said to have sedative and muscle relaxant properties. Therefore, people who are into anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication should avoid it.

Does Raspberry Tea Help in Labour Induction?

Although there isn’t much scientific proof to back up the claim that raspberry tea induces labour, it is said to help in making labour easier by strengthening the uterine muscles. Therefore, caution should be taken before you start taking the herbal tea. It is advisable to start taking it from the 32^nd week of pregnancy onwards and not before it. Pregnant women should start taking it a few weeks before labour and only after consulting with a doctor.

Quick Raspberry Tea Recipes

Red raspberry leaf tea is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. To-be-moms generally stick to the organic raspberry leaf tea in pregnancy as it is devoid of any pesticides, which makes it a healthier and safer option. Here are some quick raspberry tea recipes which you can drink while pregnant.

1. Raspberry Iced Tea

It works as a coolant and can refresh you on a hot summer afternoon.

Ingredients

• Water: 4 glasses
• Sugar syrup: 1/2 of a glass
• Teabag: 1
• Raspberries (fresh or frozen): 2 cups
• Lime juice: 1/2 cup
• Mint leaves (roughly crushed): 4-5 leaves (optional)

Directions

• In a pan, boil 2 glasses of water.
• Switch off the stove and add the teabag.
• After 2 minutes, remove the teabag and keep the tea aside.
• In another pan, pour the remaining 2 glasses of water.
• Add the raspberries in and simmer till the raspberries become pulpy.
• Strain it and keep it to cool.
• Once it is cool, mix the raspberry juice, tea, lime juice, and the sugar syrup together.
• Add the crushed mint leaves (optional) and stir it.
• Then refrigerate it and serve it chilled.

Serves

4 – 5 glasses

2. Raspberry Tea Lollies

These low-fat, low-calorie and super delightful, bright red colour lollies are just the kinds to bring a bright smile on your face.

Ingredients

• Raspberry (chopped): 200 gms
• Raspberry Tea (hot): 4 glasses
• Sugar syrup: 1/2 cup (you can add more of this if you want it sweeter)
• Lime juice: 1/4^th cup

Directions

• In a large bowl, mix chopped raspberries, raspberry tea, and sugar syrup together. Let all of it souse in together for about 10-15 minutes.
• Once cool, add in the lime juice.
• Pour it in the lolly moulds and freeze for 5-6 hours.

Serves

6 – 8 lollies (depending on the size of the moulds).

Drinking raspberry tea can be beneficial during pregnancy and labour, but it should be taken with caution. Remember to consult your gynaecologist before taking the herbal concoction. Experimenting during pregnancy is best avoided.  Stay safe, eat well, and have a healthy pregnancy!

Also Read: Green Tea during Pregnancy