should I still take folic acid?

[candr]

I have been taking folic acid with vitamins and just fnished them, the next pot is just folic acid and have just seen small print saying take up to 12 weeks pregnant, I am 18 weeks - do I still need to be taking it?

I shouldn't think so. Always thought it was up to 12 weeks too.

My MW told me it was really important to take up to 12w then no problem (and possibly beneficial) to continue taking throughout pregnancy.

Some pregnancy vitamins (for example Pregnacare Plus) contain folic acid and are recommended for use throughout, so I don't think there is any problem at all. I did it when pregnant with DD and am doing so now at 15w.

My midwife said take up to 16 weeks, but I haven't read/know any different. I still had enough left so just carried on taking!

It won't harm you to keep taking them but there's no real need to. Folic acid helps things form properly and by 12 weeks it's all formed anyway according to my GP. Plus a lot of foods like bread and cereal are fortified with Folic acid so you're getting some from other sources. I take Pregnacare all the way through (did with DS and will be with this one) and that has Folic acid in it.

Official NHS advice here - for the first 12 weeks.

I think you'll be fine to stop.
When pregnant i take folic acid 5mg my whole pregnancy due to previous abruptions.
My old consultant said there was evidence to suggest taking the higher dose may help prevent my having another abruption, so i imagine there would also be no problem with you continuing to take them.

Thanks guys, feels very strange not taking any pills at night after so long on the pill and straight to Folic tablets.