Is St. Johns Wort ok during pregnancy?

Understanding St. John’s Wort During Pregnancy
St. John’s Wort, scientifically known as *Hypericum perforatum*, is a popular herbal remedy primarily used for treating depression and anxiety. However, its safety during pregnancy remains a topic of considerable debate among healthcare professionals and researchers.
Limited Research and Caution Advised
Despite its widespread use, there is limited data on the safety of St. John’s Wort during pregnancy. Most available literature suggests that while the herb is commonly used in Europe and the United States, the lack of comprehensive studies raises concerns about its potential effects on both the mother and the developing fetus.
Healthcare providers often emphasize the importance of caution. According to various sources, including MotherToBaby, the information regarding St. John’s Wort is based on existing literature but should not replace professional medical advice . This highlights the necessity for pregnant individuals to consult their healthcare providers before continuing or starting any herbal treatments.
Potential Risks and Benefits
Some studies have indicated that St. John’s Wort may not significantly increase risks such as prematurity or adverse birth outcomes, but these findings are preliminary and not definitive. The consensus among experts is that while there may be some evidence suggesting fetal safety, more extensive research is needed to draw conclusive results.
Moreover, St. John’s Wort is known to interact with various medications, which can complicate treatment plans for pregnant women who may already be on prescribed medications. This interaction can lead to reduced effectiveness of certain drugs, including those crucial for managing pregnancy-related conditions.
Recommendations for Pregnant Individuals
For those considering the use of St. John’s Wort during pregnancy, it is crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the risks. The general recommendation is to avoid using St. John’s Wort unless prescribed by a healthcare provider who can monitor its effects and interactions with other medications.
In summary, while St. John’s Wort is a widely used herbal remedy, its safety during pregnancy is not well-established. Pregnant individuals should prioritize discussions with their healthcare providers to explore safer alternatives for managing depression and anxiety during this critical period.

Who should avoid St. John’s Wort?

For people with major depression, there’s some concern that taking St. John’s wort may increase the risk for mania. Women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should not take St. John’s wort.

What herbs interfere with birth control?

Other herbal remedies that may affect how well your birth control pills work are:

• Saw palmetto. Some people have tried it for hair loss.
• Alfalfa. It’s used for kidney, bladder, and prostate problems.
• Garlic pills.
• Flaxseed.

What does St John’s Wort do to hormones?

St. John’s wort might increase the breakdown of estrogen. Taking St. John’s wort along with birth control pills might decrease the effects of birth control pills.

Does St. John’s Wort increase estrogen?

St. John’s wort might increase the breakdown of estrogen. Taking St. John’s wort along with birth control pills might decrease the effects of birth control pills.

Can you take St. John’s Wort while breastfeeding?

According to the Drug and Lactation Database (Lactmed), hypericin and hyperforin are poorly excreted into breastmilk. One study noted a slightly increased frequency of colic, drowsiness and lethargy among breastfed infants whose mothers were taking St. John’s wort.

Is St. John Wort safe while pregnant?

John’s wort if you’re pregnant. It’s been shown to increase the muscle tone of your uterus during pregnancy. This could cause an increased risk of miscarriage. It has also caused congenital (present at birth) conditions in animal studies.

Why don’t doctors prescribe St. John’s Wort?

St. John’s wort limits the effectiveness of many prescription medicines. Combining St. John’s wort and certain antidepressants can lead to a potentially life-threatening increase in your body’s levels of serotonin, a chemical produced by nerve cells.

Does St. John’s Wort affect fertility?

John’s Wort has not been well studied to see how it might affect male fertility (ability to get a partner pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects above the background risk. There are case reports of sexual difficulties (reduced desire or ability to perform) in people taking St.

What does St. John’s Wort do to birth control?

John’s Wort is associated with increased metabolism of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol, breakthrough bleeding, follicle growth and ovulation. Women using OCs should be cautioned that St. John’s Wort might interfere with contraceptive effectiveness.

What is a natural antidepressant for pregnancy?

Some well-known herbal preparations (phytopharmaceuticals), including St. Johnʼs wort, California poppy, valerian, lavender, and hops, possess antidepressant, sedative, anxiolytic, or antidepressant properties and could be used to treat mental diseases such as depression, restlessness, and anxiety in pregnancy.