Benefits of 5mg folic acid after 12 weeks?

[Louisa89614]

Hi all, wondering if anyone has any experience/or been advised to continue taking 5mg folic acid after 12 weeks?

I’m taking the higher dose due to previous loss and high BMI. But is there any benefit taking after 12 weeks?

Only reason I’m thinking of stopping is because I think it’s contributing to my nausea (was taking it for months happily pre-conception but definitely seems to be a trigger now I’m pregnant).

Have my 13 week scan on Friday and just praying baby is there after MMC in January.

Thanks in advance!

Folic acid is taken to help form the babies neural tube. After 12 weeks it's formed so you don't have to take it after 12weeks.

I stopped at 12 weeks with both my children

Thanks @lady725516 for speedy reply. Yes that’s what I always thought too. I can’t seem to see any other reason to continue taking beyond that from all my google searching. Thanks very much!

There are benefits but they're fairly minor compared to the reasons for taking FA in the first trimester (neural tube defects).

NHS says it's fine to stop after 12 weeks and my midwives told me to as well. There's more and more research indicating a link between FA supplements in the second and third trimester contributing to the ever increasing asthma rates so I didn't want to risk it and opted to stop after the first trimester.

Really interesting @Juno231 thanks for that. I will happily stop taking it then 😁

Thanks again both. Much quicker than me asking my midwife 😂

I think it depends on the reason you're taking it.
My midwife said I could stop mine (I'm 31 weeks) but asked the consultant last week and he said no I should continue. I'm on it due to some medication I'm taking though that apparently effects your folate levels or storage or something ha. So as a general rule I think after 12 weeks it's fine to stop but I'd definitely check, my consultant was very sure I should just carry on.

Thank you @Tiredmum31111 that’s useful to know too. I’m not on any other medication (bar aspirin) so assume it will be fine for me to stop. I can always ask when I get my bloods done on Friday and have consultant appointment mid-August so will check then too.

After experimenting taking it in the PM rather than AM yesterday, and instantly throwing my dinner up, I’m just really keen to stop! 😅

My lactation consultant told me that taking it after 12 weeks can result in over development of the mid line and lead to increased risk of tongue tie.