Complementary medicine use for psychiatric disorders during pregnancy
There are no reports of congenital malformations occurring with omega-3 fatty acids use during pregnancy, though studies with large sample sizes have not been performed. It is preferable to encourage patients to include fatty fish in their diet (avoiding those with high mercury concentration1), or foods rich in flaxseed oil, in order to obtain the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.
Limited evidence suggests that there is no increased risk of congenital malformations associated with the use of St John’s wort during pregnancy. However, it is preferable to use an antidepressant with more efficacy and pregnancy safety data (eg a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor [SSRI)]); see Antidepressants use during pregnancy.
Consider advice for use of complementary medicines in pregnancy in accordance with Principles of psychotropic use during pregnancy.