Folic acid after 12 weeks

[MrsBP15]

Hello

im currently taking 5mg of folic acid due to bmi above 30. I’ve been taking it for about six months (and before that as part of fertility supplements for about 2 years). I think I’ve seen you should stop taking it after 12 weeks? Is this true? I’ve got my midwife appointment in two weeks time so could always hang on until then? I’m 13 weeks, 14 weeks tomorrow. Thank you so much!

With my daughter (6) you was advised to only take until 12 weeks but this time around they advised me to continue the whole pregnancy…

You would only need the higher dose until you have completed 12 weeks. Women with a higher BMI are more likely to be deficient in folate so are recommended to take the higher dose, this is all to prevent neural tube defects in the baby. The neural tube is closed by 12 weeks so that's why it's no longer required. However folic acid has other functions like helps maintain a good iron level so your standard pregnancy vitamins with 400mcg folic acid is enough for the rest of the pregnancy 😊

Thank you both for replying. Do we think it’s an issue if I continue to take the 5mg until I see the midwife in two weeks, just to be safe? I imagine it won’t be an issue if the neural tube is closed?

Wouldn't be an issue at all. I finished out what I had and then bought the standard. At least then you can get the OK directly from your midwife.

Thank you @remaininghopeful23 ive got enough and I’m seeing the midwife in a couple of weeks anyway so I may as well if it’s not going to cause any harm to me or the baby. I’ve also bought some extra vit d although my fertility supplement has vit d in it, do you think it’s worth taking more/can one take too much? I’m just obviously thinking about the fact that it’s basically dark all the bloody time and I’m in my office so much I barely see any sunlight!!

As far as I'm aware @MrsBP15 it is recommended to not overdo the Vit D supplements because Vit D helps you to absorb calcium, and taking too much can lead to problems with excess build up of calcium. I get what you're saying about not much sunlight, but I believe the standard dose covers you.