TTC #1. Is folic acid needed?!

[Littlemisssugarplum88]

Hi everyone,
I'm 27 and TTC baby #1 with my partner of nearly 3 years.
We have been having unprotected sex for about 12 months but not necessarily TTC, just if it ever happened it happened (which obviously it hasn't).
My doctor has advised me to start taking folic acid before pregnancy occurs. I just wondered if anyone else is taking folic acid before pregnancy and if it is actually needed as my iron levels are a good range.
Any advice is welcome.
Thanks for reading
Sarah xx

Hi Sarah,

Yes, anyone TTC should take folic acid (which is different to iron). The dosage depends on individual risk factors. Please read the NHS site for more information.

Good luck!

Yes absolutely - in fact advice is that women of child bearing age should take it.

Thank you for your advice, I have bought some anyway so I think I will start taking it :)
Xx

I have spina bifida take your folic acid

Sorry that looks so blunt didn't mean to be

Definitely take it. I paid under £2 for 90 tablets at Tesco so not expensive (unlike Pregnacare).

In fact this post has reminded me take today mine so thank you.

Google Anacephaly and that should give you your answer.

Ooh thanks String, that sounds better than the £9 i paid is it covered with PREGNANT LADY branding?

Re the Anacephaly thing - be aware there are some really awful images on that google search.

The doctor told me to start taking it straight away but obviously as I haven't got pregnant earlier (even tho we weren't officially trying) I'm just wondering how long it might take to conceive and if it would be OK taking the folic acid on a long term basis before pregnancy xx

It's fine taking folic acid long term .

Ok thank you! Are there any other vitamins/ supplements anyone could recommend or is folic acid the main one?xx

Yes folic acid is to prevent spina bifida in your baby. It is nothing to do with iron levels or anaemia in pregnancy. And it is most effective at supporting your baby when it is minute, before you have a positive test so you need when TTC as if you only start once you have a positive test the damage could already be done.

I'm so glad I posted on here, you're all so helpful.
What's everyone's story? (If you don't mind sharing) :) xx

It is advised to take folic acid for three months or more before getting pregnant and continue for at least another three months from the beginning of the pregnancy.

I had to take megadoses of folic acid when I was pregnant with DDS and they will need to take mega doses I might say to them to take it now can't do any harm (they are adults)

We ttc our second for 14 months. Ovulation sticks the lot. We both took pre pregnancy vitamins and caught that month. Doesn't hurt and cousin help

Oh that's quite reassuring that you fell pregnancy on taking the supplements. I've had a blood test done recently which showed my ovulation levels were slightly on the lower side (I explained to the doctor that even tho we weren't actively trying I was still a little weary that I hadn't been caught after using no protection for 12 months). I am currently awaiting a gynae referral. Hoping that it will it be straight forwards :/ xx

*pregnant