Raspberry leaf in pregnancy: its safety and efficacy in labor.
- 2001-03-04
- Journal of midwifery & women's health 46(2)
- M Simpson
- M Parsons
- J Greenwood
- K Wade
- PubMed: 11370690
- DOI: 10.1016/s1526-9523(01)00095-2
Study Design
- Type
- Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
- Population
- 192 low-risk, nulliparous women who birthed their babies between May 1999 and February 2000 at a large tertiary-level hospital in Sydney, Australia
- Methods
- double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial; raspberry leaf tablets (2 x 1.2 g per day), consumed from 32 weeks' gestation until labor
- Blinding
- Double-blind
- Duration
- from 32 weeks' gestation until labor
Objective
Many women consume the raspberry leaf herb during their pregnancies in the belief that it shortens labor and makes labor "easier."Methodology
Because of the paucity of research regarding this herb, particularly in relation to pregnancy and birth, the authors undertook a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The sample consisted of 192 low-risk, nulliparous women who birthed their babies between May 1999 and February 2000 at a large tertiary-level hospital in Sydney, Australia. The aim of the study was to identify the effect and safety of raspberry leaf tablets (2 x 1.2 g per day), consumed from 32 weeks' gestation until labor, on labor and birth outcomes.Results
Raspberry leaf, consumed in tablet form, was found to cause no adverse effects for mother or baby, but contrary to popular belief, did not shorten the first stage of labor. The only clinically significant findings were a shortening of the second stage of labor (mean difference = 9.59 minutes) and a lower rate of forceps deliveries between the treatment group and the control group (19.3% vs. 30.4%). No significant relationship was found between tablet consumption and birth outcomes.Conclusion
The lack of significant differences between the groups on measures expected to demonstrate the effect of raspberry leaf ingestion during pregnancy on labor prompted consideration of the issue of effectiveness of dosage level. Suggestions for further research are offered.Research Insights
The only clinically significant findings were a shortening of the second stage of labor (mean difference = 9.59 minutes) and a lower rate of forceps deliveries between the treatment group and the control group (19.3% vs. 30.4%).
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Moderate
- Dose
- 2 x 1.2 g per day
The only clinically significant findings were a shortening of the second stage of labor (mean difference = 9.59 minutes) and a lower rate of forceps deliveries between the treatment group and the control group (19.3% vs. 30.4%).
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Small
- Dose
- 2 x 1.2 g per day