Folic acid - isn't it too late now though

Discussion in 'First Trimester' started by Aries29, Apr 28, 2016.

  1. Aries29

    Aries29 Well-Known Member

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    Well I had my very first midwife appointment , it was basically 10 mins giving them my name and address and a wee sample .

    I have my actual booking in appointment at 10 weeks next week

    So basically midwife advised I should take 5000mcg !!!! folic instead of the normal 400mcg
    Basically because I'm overweight so she's contacted my gp to get it prescribed
    I'm only just 30 so neural tube defect risk should be low and my last pregnancy was healthy

    But the neural tube is closed at 7 weeks according to research I've read so surely taking a higher dose now at past 9 weeks is not going to make a huge difference

    And it makes me feel like poop , horrid stomach cramps etc . However she insists I take it :-(

    Feeling deflated :-(
     
    #1 Aries29, Apr 28, 2016
  2. Sparklegirl

    Sparklegirl Well-Known Member

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    Is it Almus in a blue box? I would speak to the doctor to see if there is an alternative which might make you feel a little better.

    I take that one, only because I actively asked my doctor if I should be and indeed I should. I am not pregnant yet but hoping I will be soon, I hope you get it sorted
     
    #2 Sparklegirl, Apr 28, 2016
  3. mummywanabe

    mummywanabe Well-Known Member

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    I have a BMI of 32 nobody has mentioned to me about taking a higher dose
     
    #3 mummywanabe, Apr 29, 2016
  4. BunnyN

    BunnyN Well-Known Member

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    I was perscribed a high dose. The doc never mentioned it so Im not sure if it was a mistake. I saw a different MW after and she said to split the tablets as I didnt need that much. I seem to remember her saying to take the folic acid until about 11 weeks just to be on the safe side.
     
    #4 BunnyN, Apr 29, 2016
  5. Phoenix85

    Phoenix85 Well-Known Member

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    #5 Phoenix85, Apr 29, 2016
  6. Birdie

    Birdie Well-Known Member

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    ^^^^^^^^ what Phoenix said..... I have no idea of there is any point taking a high dosage once the neural tube is closed, but try folate rather than folic acid if you do want to follow their advice & FA make you feel rubbish.
     
    #6 Birdie, Apr 29, 2016
    Last edited: Apr 29, 2016
  7. Beeee

    Beeee Well-Known Member

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    I take the higher dose due to my BMI being 30.8. I asked my consultant whether I can stop taking my vitamins at 12 weeks (I probably won't stop anyways). I was advised that it's best to take them up to 20 weeks.
     
    #7 Beeee, Apr 30, 2016
  8. Aries29

    Aries29 Well-Known Member

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    My midwife said anyone with a bmi over 30 should be on a higher dose but she didn't say why :-/

    But basically my bmi is over 30
     
    #8 Aries29, Apr 30, 2016
  9. scn

    scn Well-Known Member

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    Mine is over 30 and I haven't been told to take the higher dose. Strange how much it differs x
     
    #9 scn, Apr 30, 2016
  10. Aries29

    Aries29 Well-Known Member

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    Is folate available in stores though ? Holland and Barrett maybe ?
    Folic acid makes me really ill and gives the most horrific stomach cramps .
    I bought pregnacare which hurt my stomach so I then bought all the bits separate and worked out that it wS only the folic that seemed to cause the cramps. I have heard that folic acid is harder for some people to convert them others

    I'll try the folate version but I am eating lots and lots of green veg too :)
     
    #10 Aries29, Apr 30, 2016
  11. Phoenix85

    Phoenix85 Well-Known Member

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    I don't know if you could get it in a local health food store, you'd have to check.

    I bought mine off amazon and just got free delivery (3-5 working days) and they arrived the next day! So fab service.

    I didn't take any, first bloods at 13 weeks were fine, I eat tonnes of green veg etc, but then my 28 week bloods showed enlarged red blood cells which can be a sign of B12 and/or folate deficiency, so I decided to take both. I already had B12 tablets I'd not bothered taking *oops*. TBH I think it was more likely a B12 issue but haven't had either confirmed, just taking them both 'just in case'.
    When I went for follow up bloods the nurse said the baby takes all of it from you so the baby is fine but you end up deficient.
     
    #11 Phoenix85, Apr 30, 2016
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