Folic acid

[emmalouise88]

Hi just had my 1st antenatal appointment. I was already taking 5mg of folic acid. My midwife gave me some vitamins which contain vitamin c, vitamin D and folic acid. I didn't realise they contained folic acid as I would've asked the midwife there and then. Do you think I need to just take the vitamins midwife gave me or do I take it with the folic acid I'm already taking.

 

[chattychar1990]

I would just take the vitamins that the midwife gave you.
That will have the correct amount of folic acid in that you are meant to take.

 

[emmalouise88]

I was thinking that but she asked me if I was taking the 5mg as I need a higher dose because of a slightly higher bmi.so I'm a bit confused. Will phone them now x

 

[IVW]

Best to call up for clarity. You do also need to be taking Calcium and Vitamin D and as you go along introduce Iron - generally come as Iron and multi vitamins - great for when the tiredness hits x

 

[MoominGirl]

I would call and clarify. It sounds like the vitamins your midwife gave you were more like a multivitamin which would only have the standard dose of folic acid. If you were already taking 5mg then there's likely to be a reason for that so best to call and check.

 

[Sugarpop]

I was thinking that but she asked me if I was taking the 5mg as I need a higher dose because of a slightly higher bmi.so I'm a bit confused. Will phone them now x

If she said you need more then I would take the vitamins and the others. I am diabetic and taking pregnacare + 10mg of folic acid. I was told you can’t overdose on it so I am not worried.

 

[Sydney]

Raised BMI does trigger the requirement for 5mg folic acid in pregnancy. From my understanding, any excess is just excreted via the kidneys as it's a water-soluble vitamin. So you should be able to safely take both the supplements you have been given.

Taking too much folic acid can mask other deficiencies, however, your need to supplement is not a long term thing either, just for pregnancy, and then after you can resort back to obtaining it from your diet unless you have a folate deficiency or other medical reason to warrant supplementation.