Archived Articles: 07-25-2001

Raspberry Leaf and Pregnancy

By Steven Bratman, M.D.

Herbalists have long believed that raspberry leaf tea taken regularly during pregnancy can prevent complications and make delivery easier. However, until recently, there has been no real evidence that it is safe or effective for this purpose.

A recent double-blind placebo-controlled trial set out to remedy this lack of evidence.1 This study evaluated the effects of red raspberry in 192 pregnant women. Treatment (either placebo or 2.4 g of raspberry leaf daily) began at the 32nd week of pregnancy and was continued until the onset of labor. The results failed to show any statistically meaningful differences between the groups. Red raspberry did not significantly shorten labor, reduce pain, or prevent complications.

On the plus side, researchers noted a tendency toward improvement in some aspects of pregnancy, although it was not statistically significant. They speculate that a higher dose of red raspberry, or use beginning earlier in pregnancy, might have produced greater benefit. Further research will be necessary to discover whether this hypothesis is correct. One reassuring aspect of this study was that red raspberry did not appear to cause any harmful effects.

1. Simpson M, Parsons M, Greenwood J, et al. Raspberry leaf in pregnancy: its safety and efficacy in labor. J Midwifery Womens Health.

2001;46:51–59.

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