I am 35 1/2 weeks pregnant. My doctor told me at 36 weeks to begin drinking red raspberry leaf tea to help things along. How does it work? Will it induce labor? I have read conflicting things about it and want to know about anyone else's experiences.

Red raspberry leaf tea is a uterine tonic.

Here is a quote


Evening Primrose Oil and Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

Neither will actually induce labor. While some lay midwives will argue that statement about the Evening Primrose, which is the reason it is not recommended until 36 weeks or "full term", almost all sources with experience agree that it does nothing that the body was not ready to do on its own. I will repeat this at the end of this section, to make sure you understand this, as there is a lot of confusion and misconception surrounding these two substances.

Found here...

Natural Labor Induction Methods (http://www.maternitycorner.com/mcmag/articles/preg0007.html)

As a L&D nurse myself, I recommend just waiting to let nature take it's course.


it is not recommended until 36 weeks or "full term",

Full term is 38 weeks, minimum, not 36.

In addition... Same source


Red raspberry leaf tea is a uterine tonic used by Native Americans for thousands of years. It tones your uterus by helping to "focus" your Braxton Hicks contractions. Think of its job as helping your uterus do more effective exercising while you are pregnant. It does not "cause" contractions and can be safely used throughout pregnancy. It is contraindicated for those having complications "just in case", however, by most doctors who do not understand its use. Many women safely use it from the moment they learn they are pregnant at six weeks until months after delivery. (It helps to tone the uterus after delivery as well, shrinking it back to size more quickly and reducing bleeding.)

Again, neither of these actually causes labor to start!