What week does the neural tube close?

[Adayinthelife]

I'm pregnant - I think 4+3 weeks.
I have been taking 0.4mg of folic acid for over a year as we were TTC - just the ones you can buy in a supermarket. I stupidly thought it was the only dose there was available.
I have a very very mild form of spinabifida occulta, hence me taking the folic acid in the first place, I thought I was doing all the right things.
When I spoke to the Dr yesterday and mentioned if I should be doing anything else, she said I need to be taking 5mg of folic acid (or 5000mcg compared to the 400mcg I was taking).
That's a HUGE difference, and I am now massively, massively panicking that I've now caused the baby to have spinabifida.
I've looked online and all the information is so confusing. So I was wondering if anyone knew for certain what week the neural tube closes, as I'm unsure if it's week 4 or 6. If it's week 4 I know I've probably really fucking up...if it's week 6...maybe...just maybe...I'm not too late?

[MadameJosephine]

It's 4 weeks after conception so week 6. Don't beat yourself up about it, you can't turn back the clock now just start the higher doses ASAP, every bit helps. You may find that you have a lot of folicacid sources in your diet anyway so your intake is probably higher than you think.

Congratulations on your pregnancy

[Swanny84]

I didn't know you needed to take extra until I saw this post. Says online that as you have to get higher dosage on prescription, please don't beat yourself up, you've taken folic acid for a year at correct dosage & most people don't know they are pregnant at 4weeks 3 days so your probably not alone (I haven't taken a higher dose and I'm 6 weeks) says also to take it till your 12 weeks pregnant, so if I was you, I'd get prescription off doctor and take it till 12 weeks. Being a mam brings you a lifetime of mixed emotions, try not to feel guilty already. Women who conceived by accident don't usually have any folic acid. Positive thinking Hunny, good luck and thank you for post, I'll ask tomorrow about upping my dosage too xx

[Adayinthelife]

Swanny84 - Sorry, I think in my panic I didn't make my post clear! I'm really sorry. I only need to take extra because the baby would be at higher risk as I have spina bifida occulta. Normally 0.4mg would be fine for expectant mums

[Adayinthelife]

Oh and thank you madamejosephine!

[GreyTS]

My dd2 also has a mild version of spina bifida occulta, detected at birth because she had a very deep dent in the base of her spine. She is fine, will probably never have any problems but I found out that my brother has the same thing, wish my mother had told me as I would have taken the higher dose if I knew the risks. However it is v likely that your dc will be fine, from what I was told the risks increase with each pregnancy. Make sure the sonographer at all your scans knows so they can check super carefully. Best of luck for the rest of your pregnancy, would say don't worry but I'm sure that won't help

[Swanny84]

Thank you. Found an article which said once pregnant you should take 0.6-0.8 and with history of spinabifida you'd get prescription off doctor. Hopefully everything will work out for you xx

[Adayinthelife]

Thank you GreyTS - your experience is reassuring :)
Swanny - I picked up my prescription yesterday, so started it this morning. Just hope it works in time!

[Swanny84]

I hope so too hunny, positive thinking :) xx