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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Question about higher dose folic acid

31 replies

WonderfulCheese · 29/11/2023 21:57

Holy smokes, I got two lines!

Facts:

I have had a number of miscarriages, up to 20 weeks.

I do have two little ones who made it.

I'm 40

I'm bmi 31.7.

I must be 4 weeks pregnant.

Question:

I Know I need a higher dose of folic acid - 5mg was prescribed last time. However I only have the over the counter ones, which are 400micro grammes I think. I don't really understand why the extra weight requires a dose over ten times the usual, but can I just take ten of the smaller tablets? Feels a bit weird, and when I was previously told to take aspirin, I was told I couldn't chop a generic aspirin in half.

I tried calling the antenatal department today to book in but was told they couldn't help me before 8 weeks - but I just wanted the answer to my above questions and I have tried googling.

If anyone has been in this situation, I'd be grateful to hear from you :-)

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

MixedCouple · 01/12/2023 04:25

https://www.imrpress.com/journal/CEOG/48/2/10.31083/j.ceog.2021.02.2304/htm

This is a journal and why

Obesity, neural tube defects and folic acid—A complex relationship

Obesity is associated with twofold increased risk of neural tube defects (NTD). Research has repeatedly shown that about 70% of NTD are folic-acid dependent. Yet, there is controversy whether folic acid status is the main determinant of th...

https://www.imrpress.com/journal/CEOG/48/2/10.31083/j.ceog.2021.02.2304/htm

Botanica · 01/12/2023 06:15

Good advice above on switching to natural folate rather than folic acid.

Worth checking your MTHFR genetic status rather than just upping your dose on synthetics that might at best be doing nothing for you, or at worst be damaging.

Sass12 · 01/12/2023 06:39

Do you think anyone can take this high of dose in pregnancy? I haven’t the slightest idea but want to make sure I’m getting enough! X

DemelzaRobins · 01/12/2023 08:34

Sass12 · 01/12/2023 06:39

Do you think anyone can take this high of dose in pregnancy? I haven’t the slightest idea but want to make sure I’m getting enough! X

My understanding is that high dose folic acid is prescribed to women at higher risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect. That might be because Mum has a particular medical condition or takes certain medication.

I take sulfasalazine for psoriatic arthritis so Rheumatology told me I had to take 5mg of folic acid daily when TTC and then throughout my pregnancy, until birth.

If you think you should be prescribed 5mg of folic acid (info on NHS choices about which women need a higher dose), I would contact your consultant or GP.

If you're not in a high risk group then the usual recommended dose for pregnancy would apply, unless a doctor advises you otherwise.

DemelzaRobins · 01/12/2023 08:37

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vitamins-supplements-and-nutrition/

Vitamins, minerals and supplements in pregnancy

Find out about vitamins, minerals and supplements in pregnancy, including why you should take a folic acid supplement.

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vitamins-supplements-and-nutrition

HelenAtTheGym · 01/12/2023 08:58

I didn't know all these special cases! I learnt something today!

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