Can you please tell me if it is safe to take St. Johns Wort during pregnancy?
We generally don’t recommend taking almost anything during pregnancy because we don’t want the responsibility in case a problem occurs, and the herb is usually the first to be blamed! That being said, the animal data shows St. John’s Wort is safe, i.e. no effects on reproduction, fetal development, etc. You could also consider taking SAMe (see article on this website) since it is a metabolite that is found in our own bodies naturally. Also important to take, especially during pregnancy and for some time afterward, is fish oil. It elevates mood, and is great for baby’s brain and other development. It helps with fertility, too, in women wanting to become pregnant. Dose is 3-6 gms/day. Use health food store brands, or the ethylEPA from Vitamin Research Products.
