St. John's Wort Caution Urged

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should think carefully before taking St. John's wort.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should think carefully before taking St. John's wort. Commonly used to treat depression, the herb can interfere with some medications prescribed during pregnancy, including antidepressants and certain painkillers. Animal studies also link the herb to lower birth weight. Finally, studies show that breastfed infants can experience drowsiness or colic when their mothers take St. John's wort.