Many mums-to-be get a little restless and are more than ready to get on with the big event of giving birth, once their baby has been carried for the full term. But many babies, particularly the first born, aren’t in any hurry to leave their comfortable womb. When the due date has been and gone, chatter on baby club forums and among pregnant friends often turns to suggestions on how to give baby a little nudge along.
Hot curries, hot sex and car journeys over bumpy roads are well-tried methods which may or may not work and more often than not, raspberry leaf tea will come up. Here's everything you need to know about raspberry leaf tea...
Key takeaways
While red raspberry leaf tea might help with labour, there's no solid proof - it's generally seen as low risk but always check with your GP first.
If you're thinking of trying it, the sweet spot is from 32 weeks - start with one cup a day and build slowly.
It's not for everyone - if you've had twins, a C-section or any complications - talk to your GP or midwife before trying it.
In this Article
What is raspberry leaf tea?
Why do pregnant women drink raspberry leaf tea?
Does raspberry leaf tea work?
Is raspberry leaf tea safe during pregnancy?
Are there any particular risks with raspberry leaf tea?
Can I drink raspberry leaf tea if I'm breastfeeding?
How much raspberry leaf tea can I drink?
What is raspberry leaf tea?
Raspberry leaf tea, also called red raspberry leaf tea, is another suggestion that is often bandied about. It’s made with the leaves of the red raspberry plant (Rubus idaeus).
The leaf is also made into tablets and capsules.
It’s generally sold as a traditional herbal medicine for relieving period cramps.
Why do pregnant women drink raspberry leaf tea?
Raspberry leaf tea is not a modern idea – it’s been around for hundreds of years.
Traditionally, women have taken raspberry leaf tea products as a dietary supplement to help bring on labour, and to make it easier and shorter. It’s also a traditional remedy for boosting milk supply in lactating women.
It was also often tried out as a means to trigger a miscarriage when a pregnancy was not wanted.
Does raspberry leaf tea work?
The claim that it can help to promote labour is not medically proven, and your healthcare team will not recommend its use as there is no reliable evidence to suggest that it is beneficial.
Scientific studies that have been done into the effects of raspberry leaf tea in pregnancy have produced conflicting results and although it is unlikely to cause any harm, there is limited evidence to support its use.
The theory is that it can promote labour through a stimulating effect on the womb, but it’s actually also been suggested to be a womb relaxant. So everyone is confused! The differences in effect that have been measured could be due to the different batches of leaves used, the different ways the leaves were processed, and the different doses used. But it does mean that no-one really knows if and how it might work to bring on labour.
Is raspberry leaf tea safe during pregnancy?
Health agencies do not recommend taking raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy or while breastfeeding due to the lack of evidence to support it.
However, very recently, an independent scientific advisory committee that advises the Food Standards Agency in the UK stated that there have been very few adverse events reported in pregnant women taking raspberry leaf tea, and concluded that drinking raspberry leaf tea is low risk.
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Are there any particular risks with raspberry leaf tea?
Because there is no conclusive evidence one way or the other about its effectiveness, and no real data on safety, you should take advice from your doctor if you want to try it. This is especially important if any of the following apply to you:
If you've already had a baby and your labour was very short
If you're scheduled to have a planned caesarean for a medical reason
If you've previously had a caesarean section
If you've ever had a premature labour
If you've had vaginal bleeding, or spotting in the second half of pregnancy
If you have a family or personal history of ovarian cancer, endometriosis or fibroids
If you have any complications or health problems in your pregnancy
If you have high blood pressure
If you are expecting twins
If you are on medication
If you have liver or kidney disease
Can I drink raspberry leaf tea if I'm breastfeeding?
No benefits have been shown in women who are breastfeeding, but no side effects either. However, some of the natural polyphenols (antioxidant chemicals) it contains can be found in breastmilk, so it’s always best to ask your doctor or midwife if you want to drink it while breastfeeding your baby.
How much raspberry leaf tea can I drink?
If you do wish to try raspberry leaf tea, it is recommended that you start from 32 weeks and drink 1 cup per day, and over a few weeks build up to 3 cups per day. It is not recommended to start if you are already overdue.
- Clare O'Brien, Midwife
Just remember that your ‘due date’ is just an estimate and the majority of first-time mums will go over this date if left to go into labour naturally. Staying hydrated, well rested and taking light exercise such as walking, can really help you be in the best physical and mental state for labour to start.
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Home / Pregnancy & birth / Pregnancy health / Raspberry leaf tea Pregnancy by week 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 29 29 30 30 31 31 32 32 33 33 3434 35 35 36 36 37 37 38 38 39 39 40 40 Baby By Month 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 Benefits of red raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy 
Medically reviewed by Clare O'Brien 22nd May 2025 
- Clare O'Brien, Midwife 
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