When to start taking Folic Acid

[LookingForwardNotBack]

This is probably a really stupid question but I'm genuinely a bit confused. I went to the docs and saw a nurse last week, just a regular check-up, and during the appointment it came up that DH ad I want to start TTC later this year.

I said I was planning on coming off the pill in May to give things a chance to settle down and we have a big holiday in September so once we're there we've said we will stop not trying (if that makes sense!). Kind of whatever happens happens from then. Nurse said obviously to start taking Folic Acid when I come off the pill and start TTC.

My question is, because I plan on stopping the pill a few months before we actually start TTC should I start taking it when I stop the pill or when we're actually trying? As I say, sorry if it's a stupid question but I've got myself really confused even though it's a few months away yet!

I would start on the folic acid immediately you come off the pill, if not before. You could conceive in the first month of trying.

Take FA 12 weeks before ttc so that it is in your system (so, if you're planning ttc from September, I would start taking it in June).

Continue to take it whilst ttc and for at least the first 12w of pregnancy.

Best wishes to you

Thank you both so much, sensible me could probably have worked it out but I just managed to completely confuse myself! I really appreciate your help

Folic is most important in the months leading up to conception and then up to the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. I'd start is asap, as mentioned above you could catch first month.

Definitely start it now. Research is now showing that taking it for 12 months before TTC can reduce risk of premature birth. The doctors that I work with say that if you are a woman of child bearing age then you should take it just in case whether you want children or not. I am starting TTC today and have been taking it since Jan 2014. You can't take it too early :) good luck!

That's really interesting, hadn't occurred to me to start taking it before then. Will pick some up when I'm shopping in the week. Thank you all and good luck Night

Thanks Looking wishing you a very smooth TTC experience :)

I planned to start trying last month, am 2 weeks pregnant already, so had started prenatals containing the folic acid last year, so 12 months before. Good luck TTC!

Thank you and congratulations Focus !!