Gestational diabetes is a usually temporary form of diabetes. During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that interfere with insulin, making it harder for the insulin to work, according to the University of Michigan Health System. If you have gestational diabetes, monitoring what you eat has become even more important than it was when you learned you were pregnant. You may have consumed raspberry leaf tea to alleviate your nausea, but now you need to talk with your health-care provider about the wisdom of doing that.
Gestational Diabetes
The University of Michigan Health System reports that pregnant women are generally tested for gestational diabetes between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy. Symptoms of gestational diabetes include thirst, frequent urination, nausea, hunger and blurred vision. Gestational diabetes, if left untreated, can cause complications including prematurity, increased birthweight, cesarean delivery and even neonatal death.
Raspberry Leaf Tea
Medicinal herbs are composed of the leaves, roots, seeds, flowers and bark of a plant. National Herbs Guide, a noncommercial website dedicated to educating consumers about herbal remedies, says that raspberries may be used to treat breastfeeding complications, endometriosis, hypoglycemia, symptoms of menopause and premenstrual syndrome. No mention is made of the fruit's effect on gestational diabetes. Without an authoritative source to endorse consuming raspberry tea during pregnancy, you're wise to avoid it.
Recommendations
The University of Michigan Health System recommends diet alterations and regular physical activity to regulate blood-glucose levels. The Mayo Clinic website suggests focusing on healthy carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich foods, heart-healthy fish and healthy fats, such as the monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats found in avocado, walnuts and olives. Avoid saturated fats, trans fats, high-sodium foods and cholesterol, such as egg yolks. Consult with your doctor about diet and physical activity.
Considerations
Alternative and traditional health-care providers don't appear to be on the same page, when it comes to raspberry leaf tea. The Baby Center website says that raspberry leaf tea is a uterine stimulant and may induce miscarriage. But it is often prescribed by midwives and holistic practitioners as a pregnancy aid. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, an evidence-based foundation composed of health-care professionals, considers raspberry leaf tea a safe beverage for pregnant women.
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