Raspberry leaf and pregnancy: what are the effects?

Due to the scarcity of research on this plant, particularly with regard to pregnancy and childbirth, the authors conducted a study on 192 women[2]. 

The aim of the study was to identify the effect and safety of raspberry leaf (2 x 1.2 g per day), consumed from 32 weeks of pregnancy until labour. 

They observed that raspberry leaf, consumed in tablet form, caused no adverse effects for the mother or baby. 

They found clinically significant results in shortening the second stage of labour (mean difference of 9.59 minutes) and a lower rate of forceps deliveries between the group that had taken raspberry leaf and the group that had not (19.3% vs 30.4%). 

Some side effects were observed: diarrhoea (9%), constipation (4%), nausea (8%), vomiting (4%), headaches (1%), uterine tightening (2%) and dizziness (1%).

A case study of a 38-year-old woman suffering from gestational diabetes showed that she developed hypoglycaemia requiring a reduced insulin dose after consuming a raspberry leaf herbal tea at 32 weeks of pregnancy [3]. 

The relationship was confirmed by the patient's self-withdrawal and reintroduction of the herb, and other alternative causes of hypoglycaemia were excluded.

Foetal monitoring and growth were reassuring. A caesarean section was performed at 39 weeks of pregnancy. The newborn showed no hypoglycaemia or other complications.

This case study shows that consuming raspberry leaf may lead to a reduction in insulin requirements in cases of gestational diabetes. However, a larger-scale study is needed to confirm or rule out this effect.

Raspberry leaf may therefore be worth taking from the 32nd week of pregnancy to shorten the second stage of labour and facilitate birth. Its use is compatible with taking a pregnancy food supplement multivitamins. 

Did you know? Sport and pregnancy can also have an impact on the duration of labour during childbirth!