Is Raspberry Leaf Tea Safe to Drink with Gestational Diabetes?

Raspberry leaf tea has been used by pregnant women for millennia due to it's believed benefits for pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester when it’s believed to help tone uterine muscles and prepare for labor. However, if you have gestational diabetes (GD), the situation becomes more complex, and it is advised to be cautious and talk to your midwife or health care provider before drinking raspberry leaf.

What is the potential impact of raspberry leaf tea on blood sugar levels?

Research suggests that raspberry leaf tea may have hypoglycemic effects, meaning it could lower blood sugar levels. While this is great for managing GD as part of lifestyle and diet changes, it can be negative if you are on medication.  If drinking raspberry leaf leads to unexpected drops in glucose levels, this can stop insulin or other medications helping to manage your blood sugar levels. A case study looked into pregnant women with GD experiencing hypoglycemia after drinking raspberry leaf tea at 32 weeks of pregnancy, and it showed that the tea dropped blood sugar levels strongly - so you shouldn't take it if managing GD with medication.

Does raspberry leaf increase risks of hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia can cause dizziness, fainting, and other complications that may affect both mother and baby. For pregnant women with GD, maintaining stable blood sugar levels is really important to avoid risks like preterm birth or complications during delivery.  Whilst it would be unusual for raspberry leaf tea to dramatically reduce your blood sugar levels, it is a herb and everyone will react differently to it.  So testing your blood sugar levels 

What should you do?

If you have GD and are considering drinking raspberry leaf tea at then end of your pregnancy:

• Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Speak with your midwife or doctor before introducing raspberry leaf tea into your diet. They can help monitor your blood sugar levels and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

• Start Slowly: If approved by your healthcare provider, begin with one cup a day and monitor how your body responds.

• Monitor Glucose Levels Closely: Regular testing will ensure you avoid hypoglycemic episodes.

While raspberry leaf tea may offer benefits for labor preparation, its impact on blood sugar levels makes it a potentially risky choice for women with gestational diabetes. So always prioritize getting professional advice before drinking raspberry leaf to ensure a safe pregnancy.