Aibu to ask how many took folic acid before getting pregnant?

[Worriedmum2be]

In a bit of a panic here, was 4 days late so took test today, not really expecting to get a positive result (been very sporadically ttc) and yes got the positive!
DH and I decided to start ttc about 2 months ago so I bought the folic acid, took them for a week, then went on hols and forgot to pack them. Since then I have been taking them off and on ( around 40 pills since sept) and we have continued to ttc but not very often ( around once a week) I really meant to get back into the routine of taking it then we'd make a concentrated ttc effort.
I'm now completely panicking that through my lax attitude to the folic acid I will have destined my baby to some neural disorder!
Could I please have some reassurance?! I'm seeing the doctor on thurs but have spent all day today feeling sick with nerves and regret.

I did but it took me a while to get into the habit (both times). Taking some must be better than taking none and I'm sure you'll take them religiously from now until 12 weeks. Try not to worry and congratulations!

Mum of 3 healthy boys here...aged almost 20yrs, 12.5yrs and 9yrs

Never bothered taking it

You have been doing far, far better with your folic acid consumption than many, many mothers of healthy babies.

Congratulations on your pregnancy :)

Took it with neither as both oh were unplanned and didn't rake during as with both had severe hyperemisis.

Take not rake .... Sorry

I am a community midwife and the majority of women seem to tell me that they stared taking folic acid either when they found out or when they saw the gp so from that point of view you are ahead of the game. At least you have been taking some - better than none - for a little while and your can start in earnest now that you know.

Congratulations

Don't panic! Sure your Gp or midwife could reassure you. Think of all those people who don't know they are pregnant for a month or two.
You are being very good taking folic acid this early - just right time!

Don't worry too much. I took them for a while when ttc but stopped when it looked unlikely that I was going to get pregnant any time soon. Started again when I found out I was pregnant but then I got hyperemesis and couldn't keep anything down for 10 weeks. Still waiting on baby to make an appearance but dr just said to take them when I could and not worry.
Start taking them now and don't worry too much.
Congratulations!

Not before at all...

And sporadically during first trimester
Only. Kept forgetting

There there. Even before the introduction of FA tabs neural tube problems were rare, and if you've been taking them regularly (although not daily) and have an otherwise reasonable diet it's extremely unlikely you're deficient. Keep taking the tablets now, and very best of luck.

isn't there loads of folic acid in bread and cereals for this sort of situation? if you think about what you've been eating/drinking i'm sure there have been plenty of processed foods with vitamins and minerals added.

I took it better while TTC than once I discovered I was pregnant (both times)!

Also loads of folate in brocolli and marmite if you eat them. I do. A lot.
And have been eating childrens breakfast cereals since I went off "adult" breakfasts

wtf is brocolli?

Thank you all so much!! I feel a lot calmer now. I already have a DD who's 2 and I was so ultra careful with that pregnancy, took folic acid from 3 months before ttc and continued through pregnancy. I was looking at her today and thinking she's so perfect and worrying that the next would be I'll and it would be all my fault! Hormones already!

Oh and I've taken my tablet for today and they're sitting out ready for tomorrow, I will not forget again!!

I didn't take any before conception as DS was unplanned and couldn't take anything for the first 4 months as I suffered really badly with morning sickness. 38 weeks later and one very healthy little boy arrived!
Congratulations!!
xx

I have to say mumsnet is far better than any other website. I looked up a few today and they were all doom and gloom about people who hadnt taken folic acid prior to conceiving. It's lovely to get the views of mums who've been there

Worried I keep my vitamins on top of the coffee jar. Cup of coffee in the morning and pop my pills. Simple :)

Congratulations on your pregnancy

I took folic acid prior to conception but didn't realise that I was in a "high risk" group who needed a higher dose before their pregnancy (diabetics, epileptics and coeliacs or if Spina Bifida runs in the family) ideally for 3 months prior to conception.

My dd was born with a NTD (Spina Bifida) and is in a wheelchair.

This occurs in the first 4wks of pregnancy but most mums to be don't realise they are pg.

I am delivering a speech tomorrow at the Welsh Assembly tomorrow on behalf of SHINE to launch the "Go Folic campaign to raise awareness of the importance of taking folic acid prior to conception.

Ha ha ha.

Read this as Aibu to ask how many took acid before getting pregnant?

Do you eat cereal daily? Because it is fortified by law with folic acid. That daily extra bit can only help too.

It'll be fine. Congrats

OP only a small percentage take it before conception for any length of time - you are already 'above average' I am sure. Plus cereals, breads, snacks, marmite and greens are full of the stuff.

You are totally fine - remember 50% of pregnancies are unplanned and the vast majority of those are fine!

Chill. The fuck. Out. :)

I say it with love, but if you stress about every little thing as much as this then you will do yourself and your baby more harm than good.

How many people get pregnant and don't know that they are pregnant for a while? No folic acid there.

I did and then when I got the positive I stopped and started taking it.

Nope, I can't take it, folic acid and also iron supplements make me throw up.