Sacral dimple - folic acid

[Atomant]

Wasn't quite sure where to post this but hopefully someone here might know the answer.

DD is 21 mo and was born with a sacral dimple she had a scan at 16 weeks which confirmed it was closed so docs said she'll be unaffected by it. So far this seems to be the case, she walked quite early and runs around all day long. I took folic acid every day for 6 months prior to conception & during pregnancy.

We're now thinking about TTC baby number 2 but i wondered if I should be taking a double dose of folic acid or if it wouldn't make any difference?

GP was suitably vague but said they didn't 'think' it would matter.

Anyone any ideas?

TIA

Well, according to my GP women with a history of spina bifda are recommended to take something like 4mg of folic acid which is ten times more than the 400micrograms your 'average' pregnant woman will be recommended to take.

B vitamins are water soluable and as such are quite difficult to overdose on - you just pee out what you don't need.

In your situation, with a clueless GP, I would be increasing my dose simply because a) it won't hurt and b) higher doses are proven in cases with previous history (of which sacral dimple could be considered the absolute mildest form).

I'm not an expert, but it seems common sense to me

Good luck!

Yes, probably. Women with a history of spina bifida or similar defects are advised to take a higher dose of folic acid. I am taking a higher dose (5mg) for a different reason, but you have to get it on prescription so would need to persuade you dr.
Show him or her this
www.patient.co.uk/health/Pregnancy-and-Folic-Acid.htm
My GP had to look it up on the internet to see how much to prescribe me so yours probably won't mind if you save them the effort by printing out the information!

It isn't a fantastic idea to overdose on folate or any other drug (even vitamins are technically drugs and are not without potential side effects), unless specifically recommended to do so by your consultant. Absolutely talk to your Dr, it sounds like you're a candidate for higher-dose folate, but always work with your medical team on your management.
See
www.cks.nhs.uk/pre_conception_advice_and_management/management/detailed_answers/what_to_check_in_all_women/advice_on_folic_acid
for the guidance that NHS GPs and consultants will follow.