Is it ok for a pregnant woman to take St. Johns Wort? she has had no complications in the pegnancy so far.?

WHOAH WHOAH! St. John's Wort is NOT a vitamin. Just because it is not FDA regulated does not mean it is not a major med. In fact, St. John's Wort is known to have interactions with many medications that are metabolized by a specific "cytochrome" in the liver. Your friend should not take this without checking with her doctor, especially while she is pregnant. Herbal supplements and vitamin supplements are medications just like aspirin (made from the bark of a tree) and morphine (made from the poppy plant), don't let the fact that they are called "natural" convince you otherwise.

If your friend is depressed while pregnant, there are many reasons she should talk to her doctor about it, not the least of which includes her being able to get through the first few months with a new baby and her own exhaustion.

The problem with taking herbal supplements is that you can never be 100% sure of what you are getting. These supplements are not yet regulated by the FDA and so things like potency, and dosage can be different from product to product. The other problem is that many of these substances have not be thoroughly tested for safety in pregnancy, and so we don't know what the outcome may be. St. John's Wart is often taken for mild depression and mood stabilization, and as such it effects brain chemistry. This is true for the chemistry of your baby's brain as well. I really recommend that you tell your doctor what you take, how much, and how often, as well as what benefits you experience from this supplement. Better safe than sorry.

don't ask us..ask a doctor.