Folic Acid

[Superstar41]

Hey all!

Been reading up on pre natal vitamins this morning and seeing that you should be taking folic acid for 2-3 months before conception! anyone doing this?

[londongirl12]

It helps but it's not compulsory and won't make a huge amount of difference

[SarahTTC2020]

@Superstar41 I am yes, it doesn't help you conceive it protects against spinal disorders like spina bifida in early foetus development so if you take it whilst TTC then you're building levels up in your body ready 👌

[kirinm]

I take a high dosage of folic acid because medication I take reduces my natural folate levels. I didn't start trying until I'd been taking them for 3 months. They do absolutely no harm to you so I would take some.

[Elouera]

Yes. I've been taking it for years! Its recommended that any women of child bearing age that isn't using reliable contraception should take it.

Some countries fortify their flour with it, as its so important. I believe the UK are considering it too.

[dementedpixie]

Yes I did take folic acid before trying to conceive

[Superstar41]

Thanks everyone ! We started trying this period just gone but not properly just sort of stopped using contraception and if it happens it happens for a bit and then if that doesn't work we will be trying properly! So going to order some today And get cracking for a few months with it before properly trying !! X

[Fran2020]

I've been taking the pregnacare conception to help me ensure I am getting enough of all the vitamins.

[TheDaydreamBelievers]

Folic acid is critical - start it now! Not to conceive but to make sure baby develops properly once you do. It's most critical right at the start of development in utero, and many people eats diets low in folate, so they ask you to take it and build up a reserve whilst TTC. Additionally, as women may not know they are pregnant for 2+ weeks, taking it whilst TTC makes sure your baby has it right from the start.

Interestingly, as another poster has said other countries in Europe put it in flour, bread, milks... and the failure of the UK to do so has been considered a huge failure in pre-conception care, along with failure to warn against drinking alcohol and failure to take women off of valproate (see here for a published article on this, there are a few others too: academic.oup.com/jpubhealth/article/41/2/e209/5076112)

[Superstar41]

@TheDaydreamBelievers thank you! Bought some yesterday and started taking last night :):) thank you!!