Folic acid BMI over 30

[PeanutsMama1926]

Hello!

I remember from previously if your BMI is over 30 you should take additional folic acid

Googling shows you should take 5mg instead of the 400mcg, but the 5mg is only available on prescription??

I seem to remember you dont get free prescriptions until you're so far along [correct me if wrong!] so id have to pay for it if I got one now. Would taking 2x 400mcg cover what's needed for now? And would that cause any issues do you think??

Meant to add im only 4 weeks, due april 4th 2026

Thanks in advance!

Like a lot of mamas I only get Stat SMP which doesn't cover even half my bills so im trying to save everything I can 🫣

Forgot to add im only 4 weeks, expected due date 4th April 2026

No, you would need to 12 of the over the counter usual 400 mcg to reach the same dose.
5mg only available on prescription.

You have to ask your GP for it. They shouldn’t have a problem giving it to you though. My GP wasn’t aware of the recommendation until I asked for it!

Keep the receipt for your prescription and you should be able to claim it back once you get your exemption certificate (double check this though).

Did you have to pay for it though?? I can't remember when the free prescriptions kick in 😫

Yes you will need to pay upfront (although if you get a sympathetic pharmacist they might just mark it as covered under exemption, mine just ticked it off as no charge) - because you won’t have had your booking appointment and this is when your exemption is applied for. I’ve just checked online though and you can claim back costs from before the certificate was issued as long as it’s within the certificate coverage times (certificate is normally backdated 1 month so from that date) . You will need form FP57 from the pharmacy and need to claim the refund within 3 months of payment. So just make sure your booking appointment is within a month of your prescription and you should be able to claim it back.

You need to get at ASAP. You’re supposed to take it when TTC.

I doubt many women realise they need to take 5mg if their BMI is over 30 unless a doctor or midwife mentions it. I do have a BMI over 30. I have 1mg folate, 400 iu folate in my vitimins and then I take 400 iu of folic acid. I prefer the natural form but I dont take 5mg. Nobody mentioned that to me to be honest.

I took 5mg from trying to conceive. I paid for the prescriptions. It’s worth it. From my booking appt at 8 weeks they gave me my exemption email

Buy a cheep pot of the 400mcg ones and take 12 a day.

That’s 360 tablets a month. I can’t find any pots that have 360 tablets for less than a tenner. OP is better off even if out of pocket for the first month. The 5mg boxes have a month’s supply in.

Just ask your GP. I was sent a prescription that lasted 12 weeks 🙂

Yes but she might not be able to get a prescription yet. It important she takes it ASAP.

Also Sainsbury’s have 90 tablets for £1.40.

Rather than taking a huge amount of individual tablets a day I think you're better off asking GP for a prescription. Mine gave me 2 months at a time of 5mg folic acid, and then I got my exemption email at my 8 week booking.

💯

I forgot how quickly it came through, I think mine was in my inbox by the time I got back to the car!

I’m aware of the importance (was on it for 3 years solid as it wasn’t a straight uncomplicated journey for me) but a prescription can be available by the end of the working day if you call and request via receptionist/dispensary (if your surgery has one). Taking 12pills a day to do the job of 1 is a bridge only if absolutely necessary.

Thanks everyone for your replies! Ive rang GP just then and receptionist has said she'll pass to prescribing team and they will either pass to pharmacy within 48 hours, or they'll reject it and receptionist will call me back for an appointment

Defo dont want to be taking 12 of the other ones i didnt realise it would be that many lmao!!!

Thanks again x

Should I continue taking Folic Acid now that I am pregnant?

Yes absolutely

The neural tube closes at 28 days post conception, so if it were a concern, I'd definitely just take 12 of the 400s rather than wait until a prescription arrives.