Red Raspberry Leaf Tea: Does it Really Help with Labor?

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Most women seem to be familiar with the idea of drinking red raspberry leaf tea to help with labor. But what does the research really say about this?

Overall, with how common this idea is, I’m shocked at how little evidence there is for it (eating dates for labor seems to be much more research-based).

Here’s what the little research does say about red raspberry leaf tea and labor:

Does drinking red raspberry leaf tea really help with labor?

–If you just want the basics: This 2021 review of all the most recent studies concluded that “the evidence base supporting the use of raspberry leaf in pregnancy is weak.”
After examining the research, I agree. But if you want more details for specific trials I looked into, read on.

—A 1998 study compared two groups of women: a group of 57 women who consumed red raspberry leaf “products” (no specifics given), and a group of 51 women who did not. They did find that it shortened labor in the experimental group. Coincidentally, they also found that the experimental group had fewer C sections and a lower rate of overall interventions (forceps, etc.).

—Another study in 1999-2000 investigated the effects of red raspberry leaf on women who ate raspberry leaf tablets (2 x 1.2 g per day) from 32 weeks on. They found that the second stage of labor lasted (on average) 10 minutes less. Again, there was a lower rate of forceps usage.

–Back to the 2021 review of all the studies: They cited one study that found that a women (a case study on literally one woman) with gestational diabetes developed hypoglycaemia at 32 weeks after she began drinking raspberry leaf tea (2 cups a day for 3 days). In another study they cite, women who consumed red raspberry leaf actually had a higher rate of C sections. (However, they note that the study doesn’t have much credibility due to some flaws in the experimental process).

–Despite the overwhelming lack of evidence for it, The American Pregnancy Association does recommend red raspberry leaf tea after the first trimester (saying it’s “likely safe”).

How much should you drink? (And when do you start?)

Since there is not a lot of evidence on this (besides maybe personal anecdotes), people are essentially guessing. Research does seem to recommend starting after the first trimester. According to many sources, 1-3 cups is considered safe and effective.

Despite the lack of evidence, I do plan to drink the tea the last several weeks of my pregnancy. (Mostly just because I like tea anyway!) I bought this tea from Amazon. But if you dislike tea, though, I wouldn’t force it down. Instead, if you’re looking for more evidence-based ways to make labor shorter or easier, I would check out the research on dates.