STM+ moms, did you take folic acid?

magpie1127

I keep reading that I should start taking a folic acid supplement a few months before TTC. Anyone have recommendations? I usually pretty wary of over the counter supplements. Did anyone's doctor have a preference?

24karat

General reccomendation is to start taking a prenatal or folic acid prior to TTC so you have a store built up, then continue the supplements for a few months PP if breastfeeding.. Folic acid is very important in early pregnancy.

Why are you wary?

SmileyJay

I don't understand why you would be wary of vitamins? You should educate yourself about how vitamins work and how your body uses them/filters out the excess. 
Get on a good prenatal. I take the gummy forms. https://www.drugstore.com/vitafusion-prenatal-adult-vitamins-gummies-berry-lemon-and-cherry/qxp261672
They taste so good I always remember them They one I take has 800 mcg of folic acid along with DHA and 100% of other important vitamins. I also take a B complex vitamin because I do not eat red meat and it can't hurt. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that women who take the recommended daily dose of folic acid starting at least one month before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy reduce their baby's risk of neural tube defects by 50 to 70 percent. For me, that is enough reason to take the vitamins.
That is not to say that millions of healthy babies are born each year with minimal prenatal care, but the American diet is often deficient in core nutrients and you really should supplement. I eat a lot of vegetables, especially dark greens, so my folic acid is probably fine anyways... but better safe than sorry! 

SmileyJay

Just reread... you are wary of over the counter supplements. Gotcha... How about giving your doctor a call then? There are prescription vitamins but I don't think that is necessary. A naturally sourced vitamin like the one I take should be good along with a healthy diet. 

Twinkie0612

My OB/GYN told me just to take a PNV, OTC is fine. During my IVF cycles, my RE prescribes me an additional folic acid supplement and if I get pregnant will prescribe a prescription PNV.

magpie1127

Thanks everyone! Lots of great advice here! The reasons I tend to prefer adding vitamins/nutrients via food rather than via supplements is because vitamins/supplements aren't regulated by the FDA, so you essentially have no proof of what's inside the bottle. I definitely plan to take something though, I was just hoping to see if your doctors had approved any specific brands for you. Looks like most of you found PNVs that had enough frolic acid, so maybe I'll just go that route.

magpie1127

Er...folic* acid, though "frolic acid" sounds like a lot of fun.

Jags8

magpie1127 said:

Thanks everyone! Lots of great advice here! The reasons I tend to prefer adding vitamins/nutrients via food rather than via supplements is because vitamins/supplements aren't regulated by the FDA, so you essentially have no proof of what's inside the bottle. I definitely plan to take something though, I was just hoping to see if your doctors had approved any specific brands for you. Looks like most of you found PNVs that had enough frolic acid, so maybe I'll just go that route.

Frolic acid...hahaha

gogadgetgo

The folic acid in a pnv should be enough. There's also added folic acid in commercial cereals and naturally in dark leafy greens. That should cover everything!

laurenstar18

I take the rainbow light brand...

Disneygeek77

My first child had heart defects, so I actually took extra folic acid with my subsequent pregnancies because there are some studies out there suggesting that folic acid not only helps with neural tube defects, but heart defects as well.   So I take 4000 mcg a day of folic acid and it is through prescription.  My one PNV has 1000 mcg of folic acid and then I take an additional 3 1000 mcg of folic acid. 

I am not positive, but I want to say that if a vitamin is given as a prescription, then it does have to meet FDA regulations.  So if that is your concern, then perhaps ask for a prescription.  After insurance, I pay $6 a month for my vitamins.  $3 for a 30 days supply of PNV and $3 for my extra folic acid. 

magpie1127

MandJS said:

My OB advised me to make sure my PNV had enough folic acid, and if it didn't, to take an extra supplement. Why wouldn't you take folic acid?

Oh, I have no problem taking folic acid, I'm just looking for a doctor-recommended one!

Is taking a PNV a few months before TTC overkill?

DebateThis

magpie1127 said:

My OB advised me to make sure my PNV had enough folic acid, and if it didn't, to take an extra supplement. Why wouldn't you take folic acid?

Oh, I have no problem taking folic acid, I'm just looking for a doctor-recommended one! Is taking a PNV a few months before TTC overkill?

No. Every woman of childbearing age should be on a PNV. It can take time for the folic acid to be present in your body in high enough amounts to be beneficial to a pregnancy so start it before you're pregnant. I was on PNV's for years - the only extra thing they do is make your nails grow faster, lol.

Jags8

magpie1127 said:

MandJS said:

My OB advised me to make sure my PNV had enough folic acid, and if it didn't, to take an extra supplement. Why wouldn't you take folic acid?

Oh, I have no problem taking folic acid, I'm just looking for a doctor-recommended one!

Is taking a PNV a few months before TTC overkill?

I take a PNV as my normal daily vitamin. It's the VitaFusion gummy ones.