Folic Acid before TTC

[Rebale]

Hi Everyone. I recently started taking Folic Acid, 5mg as prescribed by my GP since I stopped my POP. I asked my GP how long I should be taking the FA before TTC as I had seen a few websites that stated that three months before TTC would be ideal (I am aware that it is not always possible in different circumstances). My GP stated that I could TTC straight away whilst taking FA and that there is no research that backed the three month period before TTC. The NHS website just states 'all women who could get pregnant should take daily folic acid before they're pregnant and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when the baby's spine is developing'. I am just wondering if anyone else has been told the same?

I’m interested in knowing if it helps conception... sorry to hijack your thread lol

I think it doesn’t matter if it’s 3 months or a few weeks prior to TTC. I mean some people don’t know they are pregnant and they get by just fine without taking it x

If you're taking the high dose (which you can only get on prescription) then I was told you have to be taking it for at least one month prior to starting TTC to allow the FA to build up in your system.

@BriocheBuns

I’m interested in knowing if it helps conception... sorry to hijack your thread lol

I think it doesn’t matter if it’s 3 months or a few weeks prior to TTC. I mean some people don’t know they are pregnant and they get by just fine without taking it x

It doesn't help conception, it lowers the chance of neural tube defects occuring.

I used to work with neurologists and they advised that all women of child bearing age take a folic acid supplement as they felt that by the time you know you are pg it is a bit late. I read that taking it for a year before TTC also reduces risk of premature birth so that is what I did.

Folic acid is most important in the first few weeks of pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. Women who are not consciously TTC may find out after this period so it may be too late. Unless you have any risk factors it’s safe for you to start taking when you start TTC.

There is evidence that shows that it also helps egg quality, for which you would have to take it 3 or 4 months before to have an effect. But again this is only an issue if you have risk factors, are older, previous miscarriages etc.

@Bouncytree - that’s interesting about it helping egg quality, I’ve had 3 losses and the GP recently asked me if I was taking Folic Acid after my third loss, it was the first thing he asked x

Sorry to hear that @BriocheBuns, I’ve had MC also. Yes I found that interesting also. Have you heard of it starts with the egg? It’s by Rebecca Fett a biochemist who had trouble conceiving so did all this amazing research. Her research suggests that you can improve egg quality (as opposed to the idea that u can’t because u have then from birth). She also recommends ubiquinol...a little on the expensive side, but worth it you’ve had trouble and it makes a difference. I’ve just started taking it this month.

@Bouncytree - sorry for your loss 💓 it sucks doesn’t it. I’ve heard a lot of ladies mentioning it on various threads but haven’t read it, I need to get a hold of a copy and sink into it because a lot of people have benefited from it I hear x