Folic acid safe after first 12 weeks?

[3rdtimelucky73]

Hi all,

I've been taking a prenatal multi-vitamin since TTC which contains folic acid. I'm about to run out but would like to continue taking a multi-vitamin but I was wondering whether I need to change to another?

i.e. I know folic acid is recommended from TTC til 12 weeks, but is there any reason I shouldn't taking it after 12 weeks.

It's not that I think I particularly need them, I just think they can't do any harm.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance for your opinions x

[CouthyMowEatingBraiiiiinz]

Yes. In fact, pregnant mums with epilepsy have to take MASSIVE doses of it every day from pre-conception right through to delivery. Far, FAR higher doses than would be in your prenatal multivitamin.

[CouthyMowEatingBraiiiiinz]

(Firsthand experience. I have to take 5mg per day, rather than the tiny tiny amount of micrograms that will be in your vitamins.

[Wommer]

I think after 12 weeks you don't NEED folic acid as the tube surrounding the spinal column is formed by then and it helps prevent defects to this.
There's no problem with still taking it though, it just not so crucial.

[wonkylegs]

Yes it's safe - I had to take huge doses throughout pregnancy (and still do) , far higher than prenatal vits , because of a pre existing medical condition. Double checked it with drs at the time but it's all fine.

[CouthyMowEatingBraiiiiinz]

The only reason most people stop taking it at 12 weeks is because often they are taking it as a stand alone tablet, and the risky period for a healthy woman has all but passed.

In the case of people with epilepsy, the risks are greater, so they have to take far higher doses, for longer, with absolutely no ill effects to their baby whatsoever.

It is totally safe.

[3rdtimelucky73]

Thanks ladies, you've confirmed what expected.

Did you all take multi-vitamins too?

[Dillydollydaydream]

I have 3 dc and took pregnancy multivitamins from ttc to birth.

[PragmaticWench]

I don't usually take multi-vitamins but have continued them after the first trimester (now in third) as the extra vitamin c helps the absorption of iron, and I'm anaemic.

I'm taking the pregnacare ones with the extra capsule of omega oils as they're supposed to aid brain development for the baby. Who knows if it actually works, I decided that if it wasn't known to be harmful, it would be a good idea.

[QueenofNightmares]

I'm taking the healthy start multi vitamins and they have folic acid, vitamin C and Vitamin D in. Was given them at first Midwifes appointment when I was 12 weeks so I should imagine its fine

[blackcurrants]

I'm in the USA and they advise taking a 'prenatal vitamin' (eg pregnancy multivit with folic acid and iron) for the duration of your pregnancy, AND for the first 6 months that you breastfeed.

Since they're pretty risk-adverse here I'd take that as an indication that it's safe.

[3rdtimelucky73]

Thanks all, that is pretty much what I thought - no harm....

These are what I've been taking: www.solgaronline.co.uk/Solgar-Prenatal-Nutrients-Tablets-120-Tabs_p_631.html?

[3rdtimelucky73]

Ooops www.solgaronline.co.uk/Solgar-Prenatal-Nutrients-Tablets-120-Tabs_p_631.html?

[AlisonDB]

I stopped taking the multi vit when i was 13 wks with DS 1 as i felt my diet was good enough thst i didnt need to carry on taking them,
However i became in the later stages of preg, very anemic,
I was then prescribed iron, vit C and folic Acid,
The folic acid helped produce new red blood cells, for the iron to then cling to and the Vit C is need to absorb the iron,
So i would say Yes its still worth taking,
I am still taking the multi vits now with DS2, im almost 32 wks, partly my diet is very poor, i still have morning sickness, and partly i want to reduce the chance of me becoming anemic again.

[nananaps]

Im 25 weeks and still taking triple the normal dose.

Neural tube formation should be complete by 12 weeks, however i am carrying on as my diet isnt great and i am ahem...an older lady so need all the help i can get

[3rdtimelucky73]

Alison you've still got MS? I keep telling myself I've only got a few weeks to go.....

nananaps I'm oldie too! ;)x And my diet is not what it was! x

[AlisonDB]

3rd time,
Yes I'm afraid so, with my 1st DS the sickness stopped dot on 12 weeks, this time has been SO different I was adamant that I was expecting a girl, but no we have another DS! :-)
My MS is controllable.
But only cos I'm surviving on what I call beige foods,
Bread, cheese, chicken, potatoes, pears, apples, grapes,

Fingers croseed you dont have MS for this long!
X

[PrincessPumpkinshoutsBOO]

Hiya, just adding my confirmation that it is safe, I am taking the pregnacare multi vits, and my consultant has advised I carry on taking them until birth.

[TeaandHobnobs]

When my DS was born at 31+5 he was out on a folic acid supplement until he reached term - which suggests to me it would be good to continue taking folic acid?

[gemdrop84]

When pg with dd I was advised by my midwife to take folic acid throughout my pg to term as I was anaemic, as folic acid helps iron absorption. Seem to be ok this time round (fingers crossed) so stopped at 12 wks.

[3rdtimelucky73]

Gem that sounds like a good reason to carry on, I have been anaemic on the past and it's something they're going to keep an eye on.

Thanks for everyone's comments.