Higher dose folic acid 5mg

[Redapple21]

I am feeling a bit worried about folic acid. I have been taking the recommended dose of 400 since before conception as part of a multi vitamin. Once I found out I was pregnant, I moved to Pregnacare which contains the same recommended dose.

I went to my booking appointment on Thursday and the midwife said as my BMI had crept over 30 (I am around 1.5 stone heavier than when I conceived my son 2 years ago) then I should take a higher dose, and she prescribed 5mg.

I've collected the higher dose and it is a lot higher. I'm now concerned the dose I've been taking wasn't enough. There's nothing I can do as I can't go back in time and I am now 9 weeks. I was just wondering if anyone else is in the same boat? For context I am 5ft 1 and around 11.5 stone. So I am overweight but I wear a size 14 clothes so it's not as though I would consider myself massively overweight. It's just unsettled me

clothes sizes are pretty meaningless, I’ve just spent a frustrated 90 minute’s wrestling with garments in a changing room (queuing each time!) because the labels don’t match my act size! BMI isn’t a measurement of how you look in a bikini, it’s a health risk indicator. However, If you were taking it pre conception then try not to worry, easier said than done I know, but you will likely have started off with a good store. Your midwife has now given you prescription strength so try to put it to the back of your mind and enjoy your pregnancy. Congratulations.

Exaxt same boat and was worried to. A midwife on here said that having taken them pre conception I'd probably already built up a reserve. Please also remember some women don't take them AT ALL and have a healthy baby. I'm now 27 weeks and baby is well

Thanks @Sara1988 that's helped to reassure me!

Yes I know what you mean @FactoryResetNeeded I think I'm upset with myself for letting my weight creep up so much since having my son. I gained weight when breastfeeding as I was constantly hungry, and I've never managed to lose it!

Please try not to worry about it as you were taking it regularly and lots of foods are fortified it's likely built up to good levels in your system.
I'm a midwife and I would say 95% of those who should be on the higher dose are not. I myself attended my GP at 5 weeks pregnant to ask for the script for it and they said no, said there was no such guideline. So it's really not being prescribed as it should be. Not saying that's ok or anything but more just to reassure you that it's really common for women not to be on it when they technically should be. Better to start now anyway that you know. Hope you feel more reassured

Ah thank you, that does reassure me. I had no idea about the higher dose. Hopefully I had a good build up of it anyway as you say. Thanks again xx

I didn’t get prescribed it until around 10 weeks but had been taking normal pregnancy vitamins since I found out. All is well and no harm done in my case so I’d try not to worry - easier said than done though I know!

Ah that's good to know, thank you xx

I had increased folic acid due to my BMI also but mine wasnt prescribed this until my first booking appointment with the midwife, I’m sure I was about 9/10 weeks pregnant maybe even later when I started taking the increased dose.
I now have a very happy, healthy 15 week old baby boy.
Congratulations by the way x

I was on the 5mg on both pregnancies, was about 10/11 weeks pregnanton first and closer to 4 months on second. Both girls fine.

I didn't start the higher dose until around 8 or 9 weeks but had been taking regular dose for several months while TTC. At 28 weeks pregnant baby is developing well with no concerns. So don't worry too much!

Thanks everyone this has really helped to reassure me xx