Pregnancy can be a beautiful, magical, and at times, extremely uncomfortable experience. Especially when you’re past your due date with no baby in sight. So it’s no wonder the internet is full of tips and tricks to naturally induce labor. There’s one that’s taking over #pregnancytok: The Starbucks “labor drink” aka the Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade with raspberry syrup, which many pregnant women claim induces labor. To get to the bottom of whether this drink lives up to the hype, we called up Lizzy Swick, a registered dietitian who specializes in pregnancy nutrition.
Does the Starbucks drink really induce labor?
It’s not that simple. While the drink is a fruity iced tea, it’s the four pumps of added raspberry syrup (which, unrelated to the pregnancy phenomenon, Starbucks recently discontinued) that has some people thinking it can help them go into labor. Here’s why: Raspberry leaf tea has been used by generations of women to trigger labor. It’s thought to strengthen the uterine muscles and shorten labor, says Swick.
The problem: There’s no raspberry leaf tea in the Starbucks Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade, whether you add the raspberry syrup or not. There’s also only anecdotal evidence to suggest thateither raspberry leaf tea or the Starbucks drink can induce labor (though one study suggests raspberry leaf tea could potentially shorten part of your labor).
Whether it's the drink that’s sparking labor or the fact that someone is just at the tail end of their pregnancy, is up for debate. Plus, it’s worth noting that the Starbucks drink doesn’t work for everyone.
But can I at least try it?
Swick says it’s best to steer clear of the Starbucks drink if you’re pregnant. She explained that it's made with a few herbs that may be harmful for pregnancies, including licorice root and hibiscus. If it’s consumed during pregnancy, licorice root may be linked to lower IQs, behavioral problems, and early puberty— while hibiscus may put you at risk of a miscarriage.
As for raspberry leaf tea, Swick says it’s generally safe —as long as your doctor gives you the OK. It likely won’t help you go into labor, though. At the most, it may help “tonify the uterus, but not stimulate it,” Swick says. Meaning, it may help make for a smoother labor. At the very least, you’re getting an additional boost of antioxidants and vitamins from the tea, she says.
Is there anything I can do to help start labor?
We get it if you’re over the belly bump, the swollen ankles, and needing someone’s help anytime you stand up. Swick gave us a few safer ways to get things moving: Walking, nipple stimulation, and rest. “I know this isn't necessarily what people want to hear,” Swick says, especially if you’ve already tried them all. Her advice: “The best thing that you can do to get that process going is to be in a place of calm.”
theSkimm
Approaching or hitting your due date might have you looking to try anything and everything to get your baby moving. Instead of trying the viral Starbucks drink to induce labor, opt for the proven methods. And call up your doctor if you have any concerns about your pregnancy.
This content is for informational and educational purposes only.It does not constitute a medical opinion, medical advice, or diagnosis or treatment of any particular condition.
FAQs
“Red raspberry leaf tea has been said to boost blood flow to the uterus and thereby trigger contractions,” according to pregnancy pundits on the site. “No study has proven these claims, however, and experts say that the lack of quality data makes this tea a risky bet.”
How to make a Starbucks pregnancy drink? ›
What are the ingredients of the labor inducing starbucks drink 2024?
- starbucks secret menu drinks! # starbucks #greenscreen. ...
- Venti iced Passion Tea W/ Lemonade Add 4 pumps Raspberry syrup. ...
- Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade with 4 pumps of Raspberry Syrup. ...
- I said 2 pumps but she gave me inclusions, is that what that is?
Pregnant women looking to jumpstart their labor have long turned to raspberry leaf tea because it's thought to be a uterine tonic that boosts blood flow to the uterus and strengthens the uterine muscle fibers. That, in turn, is believed to get the birthing process started by triggering contractions.
Is drinking Starbucks bad while pregnant? ›
The short answer is yes, pregnant women can drink coffee.
Does hibiscus induce labor? ›
Known as the emmenagogue effect, hibiscus tea and extracts can encourage blood flow to the uterus to help stimulate menstruation. Side effects, in theory, can include cramping, bleeding, early labor, and even miscarriage.
How to order Starbucks when pregnant? ›
Starbucks Hot Brewed Coffee While Pregnant
While a Tall or Grande may be the go-to drink size for non-expecting Starbucks fans, for a pregnancy-safe Starbucks drink, consider ordering an 8oz “Short” size instead. For their Blonde Roast, a Short has 180mg of caffeine and a Pike Place has 155mg.
How to go into labor tonight? ›
Natural ways to induce labor
- Get moving. Movement may help start labor. ...
- Have sex. Sex is often recommended for getting labor started. ...
- Try to relax. ...
- Eat something spicy. ...
- Schedule an acupuncture session. ...
- Ask your doctor to strip your membranes.
Are there natural ways to ripen the cervix?
- Acupuncture.
- Breast stimulation.
- Castor oil.
- Enemas (injection of water or liquid into the rectum to clear the colon).
- Herbal supplements.
- Hot baths.
- Sexual intercourse.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
So if all is well in your pregnancy can start drinking 1 cup of raspberry leaf tea at 36 weeks and increase up to three cups a day anytime after 37 weeks. Because it does promote uterine contractions, it is recommended to not start drinking raspberry leaf tea until baby is considered full-term.
What is the Starbucks labor tea for pregnancy? ›
“Red raspberry leaf tea has been said to boost blood flow to the uterus and thereby trigger contractions,” according to pregnancy pundits on the site. “No study has proven these claims, however, and experts say that the lack of quality data makes this tea a risky bet.”
So it's no wonder the internet is full of tips and tricks to naturally induce labor. There's one that's taking over #pregnancytok: The Starbucks “labor drink” aka the Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade with raspberry syrup, which many pregnant women claim induces labor.
What triggers the start of labor? ›
Labor usually starts two weeks before or after the estimated date of delivery. However, the exact trigger for the onset of labor is unknown. While the signs of labor may vary, the most common are contractions, rupture of the amniotic sac (“breaking your water”) and bloody show.
What herb makes you go into labor? ›
Fenugreek stimulates the muscles of the uterus and can help to bring on labour. Do not use during pregnancy. Black Cohosh is known to increase and normalise uterine contractions, as well as relieving any nervousness experienced before or during labour.
Which fruits induce labor? ›
Here's a list of some foods that are purported to get labor going:
- Pineapple. There's nothing quite as sweet as fresh pineapple. ...
- Dates. The fruit of the date palm tree, dates are very nutritious. ...
- Spicy food. ...
- Prego pizza. ...
- Maternity salad. ...
- The “Inducer” pizza. ...
- Eggplant. ...
- Cupcakes.
“Red raspberry leaf tea has been said to boost blood flow to the uterus and thereby trigger contractions,” according to pregnancy pundits on the site.
What drinks to order when pregnant? ›
Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Order During Pregnancy
- Soda water with a splash of pineapple juice.
- Lemonade with a splash of soda water.
- Half cranberry juice and half ginger ale.
- Cranberry juice and soda water.
- Half Sprite and half orange juice.
- Non-alcoholic ginger beer, like Reeds (Also, great for morning sickness relief!)
What are some alternatives to caffeine?
- plain water with lemon or lime pieces — but be mindful that acid can affect tooth enamel and lead to decay so rinse you mouth with plain water after drinking acidic fluids.
- herbal teas — make sure the teas are caffeine free.
