folic acid

[geranium]

I know this is a ridiculously pedantic question but it's the sort of thing you get fixated on in early pregnancy:

how long should I take folic acid for? 12 weeks?, up to 6 months before due date (which would be about 13+ weeks)?, until end of first trimester (14? weeks) ?

and does it matter? will it, for example, do any harm to take the folic acid tablets for eg 14 weeks if the recommended time is 12 weeks?

Thanks and sorry about the question (although I am stopping myself from asking an even more neurotic question).

The recommended time to take a folic acid supplement is for 12weeks, you can continue throughout pregnancy if you wish, but there are no known benefits to this. Up to 12 weeks because this is when all your babys vital organs are developing.
hth

The single most important thing is to be taking it when you conceive. The neural tube is fully formed within DAYS of conception! But once taking it you can take it all the way through. It is absolutely safe and good for you for all sorts of reasons.
Go on, ask your more neurotic question!

I am taking Pregnacare which is a pregnancy multivitamin but contains folic acid - it is recommended to take this throughout pregnancy (and breastfeeding - last time I only tok). So I have carried on taking this. It depends if you are taking folic acid by itself or as part of a multivitamin. There is no harm in carrying in taking it but the major benefits are in the first trimester when the neural connections are taking place etc. HTH

I back up what the others have said. I took it until after 14 weeks as I had mc previously and my gp told me to and that there was no harm in taking it till then iykwim...

Im also intigued (sp..?) what the "even more neurotic question"...i'm all ears .

yes,come on ........spit it out!!

Geranium - if you can't ask neurotic questions on here then where can you!

I'm only slightly more chilled out expecting dd2. You think you are being neurotic now - just wait until dd/ds comes along - I'm sure you will be doing mad postings like the rest of us on feeding/sleeping/development etc - part of the joy of motherhood - and part of the fun.

These mners are keen to offer words of wisdom - so ask away - I always do - and find comments really helpful.

ok, should I ask neurotic question here or start a new thread? (powers of decision also temporarily suspended)

I agree with hotmama! Never in a million years did I think I would be asking "how to poo" after having dd..but you guessed it...after nearly a week of not going I felt the need to get some guidance!!!

Post a new thread but let us on this thread know once you have done it. Ties them up together then . Come on........

Hi,
Just wanted to say my (folic acid only) pill box says recommended for at least 14 weeks before conception and at least 12 weeks after.
I took folic acid for six months before i became pregnant and at around four months i took a combined folic acid and iron supplement until the birth. Iron supplement seemingly not advised until second trimester.
Blurb on pill box probably overstated.

Or foods like:

Spinach
sprouts
oranges
asparagus
broccoli
pistachio nuts
peas
cauliflower
and
marmite

all contain folic acid.

great, thanks for your help. I think I might just keep going to about 14 weeks. That will anyway use up my current supply.

Now off to start new thread (not very exciting so don't get your hopes up!). Will still be under the Pregancy topic.