Pregnancy tea benefits

Pregnancy, Benefits and Side Effects

Red raspberry is a plant native to Europe and parts of Asia and known for its sweet, nutritious berries.

Yet, its leaves are loaded with nutrients as well and often used to make an herbal tea that has medicinal uses.

For centuries, red raspberry leaves have been used to treat various health ailments and induce labor during pregnancy.

This article reviews the health benefits, safety and side effects of red raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy and in general.

Red raspberry leaves are high in many nutrients and may offer health benefits for pregnant and non-pregnant women alike.

Good Source of Nutrients and Antioxidants

Red raspberry leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals.

They provide B vitamins, vitamin C and a number of minerals, including potassium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and iron. However, their most notable contribution might be their antioxidant properties (1, 2).

Red raspberry leaves contain polyphenols like tannins and flavonoids, which act as antioxidants in your body and can help protect cells from damage.

In addition, the leaves contain small amounts of ellagic acids, which have been shown to neutralize carcinogens and even contribute to the self-destruction of cancer cells (2, 3).

While more research is needed on the cancer-fighting potential of red raspberry leaves, current results are promising.

In any case, the leaves’ nutrient profile make red raspberry leaf tea a healthy choice.

May Be Especially Beneficial for Women

Red raspberry leaf tea is especially popular due to its possible benefits for pregnant women. However, it seems to help women in general.

In fact, it’s often referred to as the woman’s herb.

Some research supports the anecdotal evidence of women saying that the leaves help relieve premenstrual symptoms (PMS), such as cramping, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea (2, 4).

Red raspberry leaves contain fragarine, a plant compound that helps tone and tighten muscles in the pelvic area, which may reduce the menstrual cramping caused by the spasms of these muscles (4).

While there is currently no specific recommendation on the quantity to drink, sipping on some red raspberry leaf tea may relieve some of the discomforts of your menstrual cycle.

What’s more, one ounce (28 grams) of red raspberry leaves pack 3.3 mg of iron, which is 18% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for women aged 19–50. Getting enough iron can combat the anemia often experienced by women with heavy menstrual cycles (2, 5).

Summary

Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, red raspberry leaf tea may offer health and nutrition benefits and help relieve premenstrual symptoms.

Herbal teas have been used by midwives throughout history to help with some of the negative symptoms associated with pregnancy and labor.

One study evaluated the use of herbal remedies in 600 pregnant women. It showed that 52% of women regularly used some kind of herbal remedy and 63% of women had tried red raspberry leaf tea (6).

While red raspberry leaf tea is typically recommended for the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, some women use the herbal remedy to help with nausea and vomiting in the first trimester as well (5).

Red raspberry leaf tea has also been used to strengthen the uterus, improve labor outcome and prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth.

May Help Shorten Labor

Many women claim that red raspberry leaf tea helps shorten labor.

The fragarine compound found in red raspberry leaves is known to help tone and tighten muscles in the pelvic area, including the walls of your uterus, which can help make delivery easier (4).

A study of 108 women showed that those who drank red raspberry leaf tea in the last stage of pregnancy had a shorter first stage of labor (7).

The study was repeated a year later among 192 women. It showed that red raspberry leaf tea did not shorten the first stage of labor but did shorten the second stage by an average of 9.59 minutes (8).

Reduce Interventions and Complications of Childbirth

There is some evidence to show that drinking red raspberry leaf tea may allow for a labor with fewer complications.

One study found that women who drank red raspberry leaf tea later in pregnancy had reduced use of forceps and other interventions, as well as a reduction in the likelihood of pre- and post-term labor (7).

Similarly, another study showed an 11% decreased use of forceps during birth for women who consumed red raspberry leaf tea in the last eight weeks of pregnancy (8).

The American Pregnancy Association also states that drinking the tea may reduce the need for interventions during childbirth (9).

It’s thought that an easier labor with fewer interventions could decrease the amount of bleeding in the postpartum state (4).

Summary

Red raspberry leaf tea may help strengthen your uterine walls, decrease labor time and reduce the use of birthing interventions.

Red raspberry leaf tea appears to be safe for most people.

When side effects appear, they tend to be mild. However, they’re still important to consider.

This herbal tea may have laxative properties and could cause loosening of stool in certain people. It may also have a mild diuretic effect and can increase urination (7).

It’s important to consult with your doctor before consuming it.

Research suggests that the most optimal time to start drinking red raspberry leaf tea is at 32 weeks gestation. One study showed that taking 2.4 mg per day of red raspberry leaf in tablet form appears to be safe. As a tea, 1–3 cups per day are appropriate (8).

It’s recommended to limit your intake to 1 cup per day if you choose to consume it earlier in pregnancy.

If you experience Braxton Hicks contractions during pregnancy or have spotting in the second or third trimesters, you should discontinue use.

Summary

Red raspberry leaf tea appears to be safe for most people if taken in the appropriate dose. As with any herbal remedy, you should first consult with your doctor.

Red raspberry leaf tea may strengthen the uterine walls and decrease labor time in pregnant woman and relieve premenstrual symptoms in women in general.

For most people, it appears to be safe to drink 1–3 cups per day, though intake should be limited to 1 cup during early pregnancy.

Its nutrients and antioxidants might provide a boost to health for both men and women.

While more research needs to be done to fully understand all of red raspberry leaf tea’s positive attributes, it appears to be safe for most.

If you are willing to try an herbal remedy, red raspberry leaf tea might be for you.

Benefits Of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea During Pregnancy

Could drinking tea (for two) help you mitigate the last stages of pregnancy and labor? Red raspberry leaf tea benefits are often associated with “womb wellness” and its therapeutic uses have been recorded as far back as the sixth century. Yet, the verdict on whether it really works as a pregnancy facilitator—particularly for its uterus toning benefits and as a labor catalyst—is still out. Midwives, ob-gyns and plenty of women have all sorts of opinions on whether drinking red raspberry leaf tea benefits the pregnancy. Some are tea cheerleaders (may strengthen the uterus), while others caution about red raspberry leaf tea side-effects (intense Braxton Hicks contractions). We did some research and here is what you need to know before you sit down for a cup of red raspberry leaf tea while pregnant.

What Is Red Raspberry Leaf Tea?

Red raspberry leaf is exactly what you would think it is—the leaf from the red raspberry bush. (Not to be confused with red raspberry tea: This is black tea with raspberry flavoring.) The leaves are harvested in the spring time, before the plant blooms, then dried and grinded to make a tisane, or an herbal tea. “It tastes nothing like raspberries, and doesn’t resemble a berry flavor at all,” says Cindy Collins, certified herbalist and founder of Euphoric Herbals . Some describe it as a variation on black tea, so you might want to add sugar or honey to balance out the flavor. “It pairs well with spearmint, hibiscus and lemon balm leaf,” Collins says. You can serve it hot or iced, or as an herbal infusion, if you let it steep at room temperature for one to four hours.

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Benefits: During Pregnancy

One of the reasons red raspberry leaf is considered helpful is because it’s rich in immune-boosting nutrients. “It provides B vitamins, iron, niacin, manganese, magnesium, selenium, vitamin A and astringent alkaloids that nourish and contribute to the healing process,” says Eden Fromberg, MD, board-certified ob-gyn and medical director at Holistic Gynecology in New York City.

While there are no official recommendations on the books, midwives may recommend starting with a cup a day around 32 weeks, then gradually increasing to three cups as you approach your due date. Potential benefits of regular consumption may range from preventing pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and preterm labor to postpartum hemorrhage. Plus, it’s been said to start preparing your body for labor.

“Women through the centuries have believed in red raspberry leaf tea as a softening agent in helping prepare the cervix and the uterus,” says Ginger Breedlove, CNM, principal consultant at Grow Midwives in Kansas City, Mo.

Keep in mind: While there are no official recommendations regarding the dose or the ideal trimester to start sipping, many experts recommend women should only start drinking red raspberry leaf tea after 32 weeks, as it may increase chances of miscarriage earlier on. If you’re curious and want to try the tea, definitely discuss it with your healthcare provider first.

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Benefits: During Labor

While scientific research is extremely limited regarding the ability of red raspberry leaf tea to induce labor, one study reflects on why some midwives and herbalists recommend this uterine tonic. Research published in the 2001 Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health demonstrated that when healthy women ingested raspberry leaf (in tablet form) at 32 weeks gestation through labor, there were no negative effects on mom or baby. What’s more, they found that the second stage of labor was shortened by about 10 minutes, and and there was a lower rate of forceps deliveries between the treatment group and the control group (19.3 percent versus 30.4 percent).

If you’re getting antsy and want to meet your baby, however, put down the teapot. Downing cups of red raspberry leaf tea to induce labor should not be your go-to strategy.

“There are many different complex biological processes happening in concert that help labor start,” says Margaret Buxton CNM, a Nashville-based regional clinical director at Baby+Co birth centers. “While drinking red raspberry leaf may be relaxing, it has not been proven to induce labor. We encourage hydrating in labor with water and other beverages that replace electrolytes and restore energy to the body. Once in labor, the body’s powerful birth hormones control the pace of the labor.”

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Side Effects

Even though the American Pregnancy Association states that red raspberry leaf tea is “likely safe” during pregnancy, you should sip with caution since tea manufacturers don’t have to get Food and Drug Administration approval. Here are some possible red raspberry leaf tea side effects, especially if consumed in large amounts:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Onset of Braxton Hicks contractions
• Decreased insulin response. “It is not recommended if you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes,” Buxton says.

If any condition classifies your pregnancy as high-risk, Breedlove says red raspberry leaf tea is not for you. This can include a previous preterm labor or birth, vaginal bleeding in the second half of pregnancy, multiples, a repeat c-section, or any medical complications with your current pregnancy.

Where to Buy Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

Should you choose to drink red raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy, you’re in luck, as it’s readily available online , in health food stores and most grocery stores. You’ll also have plenty to choose from: Traditional Medicinals , Yogi Teas and The Republic of Tea all have red raspberry leaf options. Even better news: “There is no current proof that one brand is better than another,” Buxton says.

Remember, before you buy and make yourself a cup, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider first.

Published March 2018

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

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Is it possible to drink tea during pregnancy and which varieties to pay special attention to - an article on STK

During pregnancy, women have many questions about what they can and cannot do. Including many, it is important to know how to build their relationship with tea during an interesting situation. What is the best tea for pregnant women? How much and when? In this article, we have collected all the most important information regarding this issue.

Classic tea during pregnancy (black, green, pu-erh, etc.) is 200-300 mg per day.

The same rules apply for those who like to drink green tea, as well as white, yellow, oolong and pu-erh. There is no less caffeine in these types of tea than in classic black (and even more in matcha). General medical advice for healthy women comes down to the advice not to drink more than 3 cups of regular tea made from the leaves of the tea bush.

Caffeine can easily cross the placenta and the baby's immature liver has difficulty breaking it down. Thus, infants are more likely to experience side effects from amounts of caffeine that would be considered safe for adults. nine0010

It is important to remember that caffeine is also found in many carbonated drinks, chocolate, cocoa and coffee itself. Therefore, when measuring for yourself the allowable amount of tea, consider other products that you consume per day.

Pregnancy tisanes

If you can give up traditional tea without compromising your quality of life and mood, consider other types of drinks.

The undisputed leader in this hit parade is rooibos - tisane, which does not contain caffeine and is allowed for both pregnant and lactating women, as well as children. Hibiscus, kuqiao, anchan and ivan tea are also considered safe, but, like any herbal drinks, these tisanes should be alternated without getting carried away by any one type. nine0010

Herbal teas for pregnant women (herbal teas)

Although it is common to think that herbal teas are more beneficial for pregnant women than classic ones, this is actually a very controversial issue. As with the traditional tea leaf, a pregnant woman should use any herbal drink in moderation, as even the safest plants in large quantities can harm the baby.

The most useful herbal tea for pregnant women

You may be surprised, but this tea is made from raspberry leaves. Medical studies have shown that red raspberry leaf can be safely consumed during pregnancy. Many midwives and herbalists believe that regular consumption of raspberry leaf tea can help prevent pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, preterm labor, prolonged labor and postpartum hemorrhage, as well as reduce the duration of labor and the number of interventions used, including caesarean section. . In addition, raspberry leaf helps prevent too early or too late delivery. nine0010

Teas for toxemia

For many women in the early stages of pregnancy (and sometimes longer) it is very important to find their own way to cope with nausea caused by toxemia. Properly selected tea can be a good way to solve this problem.

Tea with mint

The fresh cool aroma of mint becomes a real salvation for many pregnant women during toxicosis - the essential oils of this plant can alleviate the symptoms of the disease. Not recommended in the first trimester. nine0010

Ginger tea

Ginger root helps to relieve nausea and vomiting, it is also considered the first aid in toxicosis. Use with caution if you have stomach problems.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea is also good for women suffering from toxicosis, and in addition, it has a positive effect on the nervous system and helps with thrush. Despite the fact that it is considered useful for pregnant women, you should not get carried away with it - an overdose can have an abortive effect. nine0010

Healthy supplements for tea

It is very important for a pregnant woman to get the maximum amount of nutrients per day (without fanaticism, of course). That is why adding a little honey, berries or fruits to your tea can be a good idea.

Tea with lemon

This tea is worth drinking to prevent the symptoms of toxicosis and to strengthen the immune system in general. Not recommended if a woman has stomach problems (gastritis, heartburn, etc. ).

Tea with honey

A spoonful of honey will always make your drink better and healthier (at least if you are not allergic to honey components). It is a good source of antioxidants, natural prebiotic and antibacterial.

Tea with berries

Raspberries, cranberries, sea buckthorn, currants, strawberries - you can continue this list according to your taste. By adding berries to tea, you enrich it with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. nine0010

Which tea should not be drunk by pregnant women?

According to doctors, women should beware of the use of teas, which are largely contained by the following plants:

• Cloth

• Verbena

• Cucumber

thyme

• motherwort

• lovage

• ginseng

• celandine

• sagan-daila

These plants have abortive properties or can harm the baby (delayed development, risk of intrauterine defects).

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