I'm at the very end of my pregnancy with my second baby. I am due any day now, and I am doing anything thing I can think of to get this baby out. I've tried all the old wives tales I can find, pineapple, hot wings and spicy foods, eggplant parm, acupressure, walking, jumping, sky diving (jk), etc...
One thing recommended by almost every source I consulted is Red raspberry leaf tea. Red raspberry leaf tea is supposed to be really good for pregnancy and women's health in general. It is said to strengthen the uterus and promote overall health for the female reproductive system. It doesn't bring on labor, but supposedly makes labor and delivery easier. One of the great things about this tea is that it doesn't cause contractions, so its safe to drink throughout pregnancy. It is even said to prevent miscarriages.
There are a lot of different sources that you can read
about the benefits of drinking this tea, here are a few that I read:
"It is naturally high in magnesium, potassium, iron and b-vitamins which make it helpful for nausea, leg cramps and improving sleep during pregnancy. The specific combination of nutrients in Raspberry Leaf makes it extremely beneficial for the female reproductive system. It strengthens the uterus and pelvic muscles which some midwives say leads to shorter and easier labors." Wellness Mama
"...strengthens the longitudinal muscles of the uterus, which increases the power of contractions and facilitates childbirth. Other pregnancy related uses for red raspberry leaf tea include preventing miscarriage, regulating labor contractions and relaxing the uterus during childbirth..." livestrong.com
"Since ancient times, Raspberry Leaf has been traditionally used by midwives and Western herbalists during pregnancy as well as to help ease the discomfort of menstruation, and to strengthen and tone the uterus." Yogi Tea
If you want to do more research, just Google "red raspberry tea benefits," or ask your doctor.
This tea has a great taste, kind of earthy and sweet flavor. I usually like to add some honey and enjoy a hot cup in the morning and one in the evening (your supposed to drink 3 cups a day, according to the box). The only problem is that its 90 degrees out. Yeah, the hot tea thing isn't happening in this weather. So, I decided to try making a pitcher of iced tea.
Who doesn't love an iced cold glass of tea on a hot summer's day?
Sometimes tea that is really good hot, is a disaster when put on ice. This is not the case with raspberry leaf tea. Its SUPER AWESOME! No kidding. I could drink this all day (and I have been). Its a great way to stay hydrated because, I am (sadly) more likely to drink iced tea than water.
Plus, my husband won't touch it since I told him that it was to support the uterus and pregnancy. He has taken to calling it my "gross uterus tea," he has no idea what he is missing out on. Usually a pitcher of tea wouldn't last a day in our house but since I'm the only one drinking it, it last a little longer.
Super Awesome Preggo Iced Tea
- 2-3 bags of raspberry leaf tea (yogiproducts.com)
- 2-3 bags of pregnancy tea (traditionalmedicinals.com)
- water
- optional: sweetener of your choice (sugar, honey, agave, stevia, etc... don't use fake sugars, aka Splenda, Sweet'N Low, etc... these are not good for you or your baby)
- optional: mint leaves
If you are using a sweetener, put the desired amount (I used about a cup of sugar for a standard pitcher, about 60 oz.) in a glass liquid measuring cup. Pour in about a cup or two of boiling water and stir until the sweetener has completely dissolved.
Take the tea bags out of their envelopes and tie the strings together. Remove the little tags from the end of the strings. Put the tea bags into the measuring cup with the hot water and sweetener. Cover and let steep for about 5 minutes.
Remove the tea bags from the water. Pour the water into a pitcher and fill the rest of the pitcher with cold filtered water.
Serve with ice and mint leaves.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor, nor do I have any medical training. The statements made here have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
