Vitamins and folic acid

[inastrangenewworld]

Hi so I went to my GP the other day to ask for advice on vitamins and folic acid prior to conception. She wasn't much use and couldn't really help and waiting for her to call back.
My aunt had a baby with severe spina bifida who unfortunately passed away. Do you think I should take the higher dose of folic acid? She couldn't really answer then I asked if I would need a prescription and she said no could just buy them is that correct?
Also when have people usually started taking vitamins and folic acid please?

Sorry for all the questions

Push for the prescription only 5mg of folic acid. And take over the counter vitamin d.

I'm on the higher dose of folic acid (5mg) for medical reasons. You have to have it prescribed as it's a lot higher than normal. My nurse was clueless too but luckily I was referred to a preconception clinic at my hospital and they were very clued up and got me a prescription there and then!

I had to start taking it 3 months before I was allowed to start TTC and once I get that BFP (staying positive) I'll then have to take it until 12 weeks.

Vitamin D you can just buy over the counter.

Great thank you for responding I will get it prescribed.
So do you take just folic acid and vitamin d then not a multivitamin?

After my first scan I saw MW who gave me 7 tubs of vitamins! I think I got Folic Acid at my booking appointment. I can't take the vitamin everyday as it gives me chronic stomach pains with constipation which nothing at all helps!

Multivitamins generally contain too much vitamin A, which in excess can cause developmental issues. Avoid.

Nhs recommends folic acid and vitamin d. There are pregnancy vitamins you can take or you can just take the 2 recommended

Don't take normal vitamins - you shouldn't be having too much Vit A. Take pregnancy vitamins (stuff like pregnecare - but honestly, tescos own is exactly the same) 3 months before even TTC.

I also took (and still do - I'm 39weeks pregnant) an extra folic acid and Vit D ontop of my pregnancy supliment. Midwife said anything the body doesn't need, you just per out so it can be a waste of money but it was less than a couple of quid from tesco so I take extra.

I take 1 of each (pics included) every day.

You just pee out*

Great thank you everyone for your advice. Just want to be as prepared as you can be lol