Why You Want to Incorporate Red Raspberry Leaf Tea into Your Pregnancy Regimen.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea is one of my favourite things to include in the third trimester of pregnancy. It is well studied to be safe and effective, and is easy to access and affordable.
Red raspberry leaf tea is made from the dried leaves of the raspberry plant, Rubus idaeus. The leaves contain important vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron, as well as numerous other compounds that are beneficial to a woman’s health throughout pregnancy.
Reduces Pain and Frequency of Braxton-Hicks Contractions.
Beyond providing essential nutrients, red raspberry leaf tea can help reduce the physical discomfort of pregnancy. It is a natural muscle relaxant that can help reduce the pain and frequency of Braxton-Hicks contractions, which can be particularly uncomfortable during the third trimester. It can also help reduce pelvic pain, which is common during the later stages of pregnancy.
Strengthens the Uterus and Helps Prepare it for Labour
Red raspberry leaf tea is believed to help strengthen the uterus and prepare it for labor. It may also help stimulate contractions and reduce labor pain.
Shortens the Second Stage of Labour
A retrospective cohort study published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found red raspberry leaf tea to be an effective and safe remedy for shortening the second stage of labor. Other studies have suggested it may help prevent preterm labor, decrease the risk of postpartum hemorrhage and even reduce the need for artificial oxytocin to induce labor.
Speak With Your Healthcare Provider
My typical recommendation is 3 cups of red raspberry leaf tea a day starting from week 37 of pregnancy. Before then I recommend 1 cup per day in the third trimester. It is important to speak with your healthcare provider because these recommendations may vary based on your specific needs. What works best for one person may not be best for you.
If you are interested in learning more about how you can prepare your body for labour and birth be sure to reach out for a complimentary consultation. Visits are available online or in person and are covered by extended health insurance under Naturopathic Medicine.