Gestational Diabetes in a previous pregnancy - extra folic acid?

[Curiousrobin]

My EPU prescribed extra folic acid at 8 weeks as they said I need it since I had gestational diabetes in my previous pregnancy. First time I've heard of this as nobody said this with my 2 losses that I've experienced this year!
Anyway, I was told that once I've used up the 28 tablets I have, to ask my GP for more. Today I've asked GP to prescribe more, but they say you only need it to 12 weeks anyway, which I will be this week! But why would EPU tell me to get more from GP if I don't need any more?
Has anyone else had to take extra folic acid because of GD? How long for?

12 weeks only. What is your BMI?

27 before pregnancy, perhaps around 28 right now.

I had GDM in both of my pregnancies. I recently gave birth to my second child and I started taking folic acid from the moment i found out i was pregnant but my dose was increased from 16 weeks which is when I was diagnosed with GDM again. I was told by my GP during my 6-8 week check up that if i choose to have another baby then i’ll need to start the 5mg folic acid from when I try to conceive.

Thank you @Pinksoda08 I'm a little annoyed that nobody had said anything about extra folic acid to me. My booking appointment was the first I'd heard of this. Had anyone advised me I would have been taking extra before I started trying! It was never mentioned. Even googling I can't find any information regarding this! Unless it is a very new thing. Never had extra with my 2 losses. This time luckily I've made it to 12 weeks and everything looks great so far.

What is the link between higher folic acid and gd?

@StartedWithACrisp I have no idea. It wasn't explained to me.

The extra folic acid is to support neural tube development which can be affected by GD.

I had pretty severe GD in my pregnancy (IVF, family history and twins so a lot of contributing factors!) I was never advised to take extra folic acid, and I was under consultant led care with weekly appointments.