Looking for reassurance - accidentally took too much folate in first trimester - looking to hear from anyone that was prescribed 5mg folic acid for medical reasons

[Iloveshapesiloveshapes]

I'm very anxious after previous complicated pregnancy and I know this is colouring my perception of the speculated risks.

I accidentally took too much methyfolate for a few days very early in pregnancy (as in significantly too much, I ran out of prenatal and used another bottle we had that had a very high dose per tablet)

To be clear all research and recommendations are that folic acid supplementation is extremely important in early pregnancy, there's no doubt about that. There is some speculation and research about possible negative effects of very very high folate levels but I won't link to it as I don't think it's helpful, although I think it stands to reason that you can have too much of a good thing!

I'm really just looking for some anecdotal stories of people who were prescribed a much higher than usual dose for medical reasons (5mg) and how your children are, just for reassurance?

So you took 5mg rather than 4mg? I wasn't prescribed 5mg myself but it is common for those taking certain anti epileptic drugs and isn't considered dangerous.

My DC seem to be fine at aged 5 and 9. I took 5mg folic acid for each pregnancy. I don't know what the potential risks are of large doses of folic acid, but, for me, the benefit to my unborn DC outweighed those risks.

To add, I was prescribed the 5mg because I was on anti-epileptic drugs

I took pregnacare and a separate folic acid tablet so I'm guessing that would be two doses. It was recommended due to earlier mcs. Child is 8 and doing well.

Hi,

I'm not in this situation but the NHS says :

"Some women will be advised to take a higher dose of 5 milligrams (5mg) of folic acid each day until they're 12 weeks pregnant if they have a higher chance of having a pregnancy affected by neural tube defects."

So, I don't think they would routinely recommend this if there were significant risk attached to it !

www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/why-do-i-need-folic-acid-in-pregnancy/

I totally understand how you feel, I've obsessed over similar things, but I really don't think you've done any harm here.

I was prescribed, and took, 5mg in both my pregnancies as I’m diabetic. Many many women take this dose.

I took the higher dose in both pregnancies due to medical history.
Both children are happy and healthy.
Have you spoke to a pharmacist or doctor prescribing the high dose about your concerns. I am sure they can ease your concerns.
If it helps in 1 pregnancy I wasn't aware til almost 9weeks (messed up cycles) and had not been on folic acid, had some alcohol and also been handling chemotherapy drugs. My gynae doctor reassured me on all of it.

Hi i was prescribed 5mg due to my age, ds is fine. Folic acid is water soluble so REALLY hard to overdose on. You just wee out what you dont need, best wishes for the rest of your pregnancy x

Thank you all, each story is really reassuring! I'm too embarrassed to tell the midwife. I hate these pregnancy anxieties, it'll be something else tomorrow I'm sure

Just a hopeful - anyone else? - before I try to put this worry to bed!

I had to take 5mg as I was a fatty, my DS is 9 and nearly my height happy and healthy.

I was prescribed 5mg due to my bmi being quite high. It’s becoming more and more common I think.

I'm on 5mg after complications with my last pregnancy (I'm young with no medical conditions). I was trying to take loads of the 400mcg ones as I was also taking pregnacare which has a dose in and my midwife told me not to worry just take both, so I'm actually taking just above 5mg. If that's on midwife advice I'm sure you'll be ok.
Also as PP said it's hard to overdose due to the way it's excreted.
Also you're meant to take folic acid 4 months before conception I think, which I imagine shows it takes a while to build up stores so it's unlikely a short sharp run of a higher dose would change much.
Hope you feel better.

I took 5mg because of the arthritis drugs I'm on. DS is nearly 9 months and totally fine. I think you have to take a massive amount for it to have a negative impact.

Folic Acid is a vitamin (vitamin B9) and will not harm you or your baby if you take 5 mg a day (midwife here).

Folic acid is water soluble so you're unlikely to overdose

I vaguely remember from my pharmacy days that the only vitamins you can overdose on are A E and K ??

Definitely must not have too much A when pregnant.

I took 5mg folic acid from about 6 months prior to pregnancy and the first 3 months(t1 diabetic). Ds is a happy, healthy and bright 6 years old.
5mg folic acid is routinely prescribed for those with diabetes and quite a lot of other medical conditions, which wouldn't be the case if it was massively risky.
Also, I have read that you pretty much can't overdose in folic acid as your body gets rid of any not used.
Please do talk to your midwife about this and about any of your anxieties as she will be able to reassure you. I had massive anxiety about everything in pregnancy and it really helped to have someone explain what the actual risk was.