How many cups of raspberry leaf tea can I drink when pregnant?

Raspberry leaf tea has been drunk by women for centuries, as a natural way to prepare the body for childbirth. Packed with nutrients like fragrine, iron, calcium, and magnesium. Fragrine in particular is believed to strengthen uterine muscles and potentially ease labor. But how much raspberry leaf tea is safe to drink during pregnancy? Let’s break it down, one sip at a time...

When Should You Start Drinking Raspberry Leaf Tea?

Timing is everything when it comes to raspberry leaf tea. It’s not recommended during the first or second trimester because of its stimulating effect on the uterus. Animal studies have shown that it has this impact. Instead, start drinking it at 32 weeks of your pregnancy. This ensures your body begins preparing for labor without any undue risks.

How Many Cups Should You Drink?

We suggest a gradual increase in your tea consumption from 32 weeks of pregnancy onwards:

• Week 32: Begin with 1 cup of The Final Push per day. This allows your body to gently adjust to the tea’s effects.

• Week 33: Increase to 2 cups per day, drinking at whatever time of day suits you.

• Week 34 onwards: Enjoy 3 cups per day until your baby arrives. By this stage, your body is gearing up for labor, and the tea can hopefully help tone your uterine muscles effectively.

This gradual approach ensures you reap the benefits of raspberry leaf tea while minimising any potential side effects.

Why Does Raspberry Leaf Tea Help?

Fragrine, the active compound in raspberry leaf tea, is thought to tone and relax uterine muscles simultaneously. Studies have shown that drinking raspberry leaf tea during the third trimester may shorten the second stage of labor (pushing) by about 10 minutes and reduce the need for interventions like forceps 6. Whilst this isn't a guarantee for all women, it has shown to help the majority of women who take it. Additionally, its rich nutrient profile supports overall pregnancy health.

Safety First: Who Should Avoid Raspberry Leaf Tea?

While raspberry leaf tea is generally safe for most women in their third trimester, there are some exceptions:

• If you’re expecting twins or have had a previous C-section 6.

• If you’ve experienced bleeding during pregnancy or are at risk of premature labor 6.

• If you have gestational diabetes or other complications—always consult your midwife or doctor before starting 6.

For those with uncomplicated pregnancies, raspberry leaf tea can be a wonderful way to naturally support your birth preparation.

How to Brew Raspberry Leaf Tea

Brewing raspberry leaf tea is simple:

• Add one whole leaf teabag of The Final Push raspberry leaf tea to your mug, cover with freshly boiled water
• Let it steep for 2-3 minutes and remove the tea bag from the mug - place in a small pot by your kettle, or in a sealed container in your fridge
• Re-use your tea bag to brew a second cup - place the tea bag back in your mug and cover with freshly boiled water - leave the tea bag in as you drink your second cup
• You can add honey or lemon if you prefer a sweeter taste. Or let it cool, and add ice and any juice or soft drinks that you like

The Final Push

Whilst raspberry leaf has some incredible natural benefits, it's worth noting that on it's own, it is an acquired taste...particularly in dust form, it has a high tannin level making it bitter, and it tastes like a very earthy green tea.  That is why we add whole peppermint to The Final Push raspberry leaf tea - as this makes it delicious, and helps combat indigestion and heartburn which can be a huge issue at the end of pregnancy.

This means it will naturally increase your oxytocin levels - also linked to helping in labor.

So remember, raspberry leaf tea can be a gentle yet powerful way to naturally prepare your body for labor during the third trimester. Start with one cup at 32 weeks and gradually increasing to three cups by week 34. You can then safely enjoy its benefits without overloading your system. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about drinking raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy.

So brew yourself a comforting cup (or three!) and let nature lend a helping hand as you approach this exciting new chapter of life.