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Original poster

Folic acid?!

12 replies

dancingunicorns123 · 30/12/2017 17:22

My mother had to take extra folic acid through all 4 of her pregnancies. Should I be taking extra? I'm 6 weeks and my midwife appointment is in 2 weeks time. I'm concerned I should already be taking extra if she had to?

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pastabest · 30/12/2017 17:25

Did she say why?

Often it's weight related.

Take the recommended dose until you are told otherwise.

Original poster
dancingunicorns123 · 30/12/2017 17:34

@pastabest
She was always the same as me (very slim), her first was still born at 28 weeks, had encephalopathy and cleft lip and palate then had a miscarriage at 9 weeks then had 3 healthy children however still had to take extra folic acid with all 3 health pregnancies

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Original poster
dancingunicorns123 · 30/12/2017 17:36

@pastabest the other three, extra was just a precaution

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MagicFajita · 30/12/2017 17:39

So the extra folic acid was for brain and spine development then? I had to take it for the same reasons.

Have you explained this to a doctor? They'd be the best to advise. I don't think your mum's need for 5mg means that you would need it too though.

Original poster
dancingunicorns123 · 30/12/2017 18:00

@MagicFajita I didn't know until now and my midwife appointment isn't for another 2 weeks, should I see a doctor?

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MagicFajita · 30/12/2017 18:05

If you are worried then definitely yes, as putting your mind at rest while pregnant is very important for keeping your anxiety levels low.

I am pretty sure that having a spina bifida or other ntd pregnancy isn't something that you "pass on" if you see what I mean so I wouldn't think that it's something that will directly effect you.

gryffen · 30/12/2017 19:26

400mg of folic acid and vitamin D is important during first 12 weeks - I'm on 5mg due to pernious anemia and surgery.

Are you taking any pregnancy vitamins like Centrum etc?

Original poster
dancingunicorns123 · 30/12/2017 19:29

@MagicFajita I've emailed my doctor, thanks!

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Original poster
dancingunicorns123 · 30/12/2017 19:29

@gryffen yes I'm on pregna are

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Original poster
dancingunicorns123 · 30/12/2017 19:30

@gryffen *pregnacare

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user1485778793 · 30/12/2017 19:39

I take the higher dose as I have spina bifida, i only started taking the higher dose at 9 weeks. But my midwife said it would be fine as I'd already had some in the pregnacare tablets. So even if you do have to wait a week or so you'll probably be fine

hopingandprayingthistime · 30/12/2017 19:51

Family history of neural tube defects = 5mg folic acid should be taken daily. Good idea to check with your GP so you can get on it if you need to.

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