Folic acid

[Clo00]

Hi everyone! I'm just wondering if anyone has consulted their doctor before taking folic acid brought from the supermarket?

No. I started talk pregnacare 3 months before ttc.

Nope. A basic pregnancy multivitamin will give you a top up of most vitamins you need for pregnancy rather than just FA tablets.

They do recommend extra folic acid if you are overweight but they should prescribe that. I had to have extra iron in my twin pregnancy too. The NHS usually offer healthy start vitamins at booking.

No.
May I ask why you'd need to?

I had to talk to gp as I had a late miscarriage last year and the consultant recommended take the higher dose you can only get on prescription when we were TTC again. It wasn't really a conversation I just asked for the higher dose and it was put on repeat. It is also recommended if you have a high bmi.

Nope. Is the reason you’re asking because it says that on the side of the bottle? I noticed that the other day and thought... surely no one does that? But maybe some people do!

NHS says to take folic acid while TTC and you wouldn't go to your Dr to tell them you were trying!
www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/trying-to-get-pregnant/

I've been taking it daily for 5 years now...

@OneForTheJourney hiya if you dont mind me asking how is pregnacare for you. Hears it messes up ones period and has side effects. I'm thinking of taking it to help me get my period back. Had a mc a few weeks ago and yet to get my period. Thanks in advance

I don't think I can help to be honest. My little girl is 18 months. I started pregncare 3 months before ttc her. Then took it while I was breastfeeding her. I only stopped breastfeeding her when I found out I was pregnant with this baby. I'm now 33 weeks. Really can't remember it ever messing with my periods.

No. If you're worried, speak to a pharmacist.

@Lizbb pregnacare is just a multivitamin I don't know why anyone would claim it messes up cycles. Your body will use what it needs and discard what it doesn't. It'll be an odd coincidence.
I used it in previous pregnancies with no ill effects, I go with the much cheaper supermarket own ones now though. Do the same job for a lot less money.

@Chelyanne thanks. Just taking tesco folic and vitamin d.

@Clo00 I started taking OTC folic acid, but spoke with Dr yesterday. The appointment was more to discuss the NSAID I am taking as you cannot take it when pregnant and they recommend not taking when TTC either, as it can cause fertility issues, so wanted to know alternatives. So whilst I was on the phone asked about the folic acid, as my last two blood tests (within 2 years) have resulted in a folic acid prescription, even though I wasn't TTC, I just have a low count. If you have been prescribed it previously, and it's been a while since you have had bloods to check it, it could be worth a chat with either the Dr or advance nurse practitioner. Depending on surgery and/or receptionist, you might find they just give you one, as appt are scarce atm.

Otherwise, unless you have any indicators that a pregnancy could be high risk, I would just stick with OTC.

@SnooperTrooper12345

No. May I ask why you'd need to?

It says you have to on the label