Folic acid?

[skyerojo]

Thinking of TTC later this year, so spoke with doctor earlier about starting on folic acid. Had read you should ideally have around 3 months worth in your system before you start TTC.

She said this isn't true, and to only start taking it from moment we actually start trying.

Is that definitely right? Feel like everything else I've said suggests starting 3 months prior... so advice v welcome!

I'd always heard what you had. That a build up is good for at least 3 months prior 🤷🏼‍♀️ In any case, I don't think it will do any harm!

It won't do any harm to start taking them beforehand.

Have you asked her why this differs from what you had come to know through researching it?

It could be a change in how much medical professionals know about what you need in your body but it could also be that this is someone who's not well informed. You can get a second opinion and theirs may differ and you won't know who is right unless you hear their reason(s). Could it be detrimental in some way to have to much of a store of folic acid for you personally? It's important to ask these things.

It is what I knew TTC 6 years ago but I didn't do it before my last pregnancy, mainly because I forgot. What I was advised was that folic acid in the supplement form isn't the best way to get your supply of folic acid, it's best taken via food high in folic acid so a good healthy diet should be sufficient unless you have deficiencies and/or other medical issues. That being said, it's very important to take the folic acid supplements during the first trimester to support a healthy diet as you need more of a store of it then.

In my opinion (without medical knowledge and just going on what I know), I don't see how it can do harm but only a medical professional can really answer this 100%.

Strange right?! This is really helpful, thank you all.

I did say I was surprised to hear that, and why would other advice suggest otherwise etc. They said if I really wanted to then wouldn't do me any harm but (politely) said it would basically be a waste of my time and money.

I'm going to do it anyway! Was just interested to know if I was alone in thinking the 3 months prior thing was the normal way to do things. Seems not 😊

Well, think about the amount of women who don’t know they’re pregnant until well into first trimester. I really wouldn’t overthink it. We’re trying and im only taking a small amount of folic acid within iron tablets I was already taking

That seems really strange that she said that. I saw my doctor a couple weeks ago and she said it was great that I had started taking preconception vitamins the month before trying.. I think it's one of those things where it's nice to have it built up in your system but not by any means crucial so they don't like to worry anyone. I'd just start taking it op and start TTC whenever you want irregardless of when you started the folic acid.

Also, folic acid is beneficial to sperm health and mobility so it might be worth starting your partner on them too.

I was TTC 13yrs- so taking folic acid for that entire time. I asked the consultant if this was harmful and she said in no way at all. I cannot understand why your Dr would advise ONLY to start when TTC! I personally would start earlier, but ask next time what evidence they have to say start later.

One thing to note- that my GP never told me, was that if you are overweight, you should be taking 5mg of folic acid (generally prescribed)- not the regular 400mcg OTC.

Folic acid has been shown to improve egg quality. This is probably why it was recommended 3 months prior to beginning ttc, it takes 3 months for an egg to mature for ovulation.

You should take it in its natural form which is methyl folate and is more easily absorbed than folic acid.

@CC4712 that's interesting that you're actually meant to take more (and so much more) if you're overweight. I take medication that unfortunately is suspected to make folic acid less available in my body, so I've been taking a double dose of 800mg and thinking that must be the max. I had no idea that up to 5000mg was a safe dose of external factors are at play. Thanks so much for that! I think I will up my dose to 800mg in the morning and 800mg at night

@teaontap21 As I mentioned in previous post, I TTC 13yrs! Although I was only overweight towards the end of the that time, it was only during the last round of IVF that the consultant mentioned the higher dose of folic acid. The various GP's I saw and fertility consultants both abroad and in the UK never mention this. best of luck.