Folic acid

[kentDee]

Hi everyone.

when are you supposed to stop taking folic acid? Im 13 weeks today.

They recommend you take it for the first 12 weeks

Definitely for 12 weeks but there is some evidence (my GP & midwife have informed me this pregnancy) that there are benefits from taking it throughout pregnancy and whilst b/f.

I've been taking it sporadically since 12 weeks but probably won't replace the pot when it's empty.

my doc said 15 weeks - but I wondered if that was more to do with the fact that I might not have a dating scan till week 16 (she thinks I'm 5+6 weeks by LMP, I think I'm 4+6 weeks from temp charting)

I'm still taking it at 21 weeks - it's good for our brains too isn't it so thought no harm. Expensive to continue though if that's a concern so I've also heard not to bother for baby beyond first trimester. O

I was told no need after 12 weeks. HOWEVER, I had a blood test at 28 weeks and found along with testing my iron levels, they also tested my B12 and folate levels (and found them lacking, whoops - too many cheese sandwiches, not enough spinach).
So it's up to you but it may be a new thing to check they're up to scratch, as they never tested me at 28 weeks for DS1. I guess it depends if you feel you eat a good diet or not.