Folic acid / vitamin question

MrsKimandIan

DH and I are going to begin TTC in 2010. I have heard that it is good to start taking vitamins early (I am not a huge vitamin person and I am guilty of not taking them since I was 10). I was wondering when you began taking folic acid supplements? Also, is there a difference between folic acid pills and prenatal vitamins? I plan on meeting with my OBGYN in July for my annual check up but I would like to get started on vitamin supplements. Also, feel free to say that I am crazy for planning so far in advance (sometimes I truly feel that way!).

JGM281207

You can start taking prenatal vitamins at any time, they are just a daily that has increased folic acid as well as other things that are helpful before you get pg. If you are taking a pre natal you typically won't need another folic supplement.

 GL

colliedog

I agree, look for a good brand of PN vitamins and get started right away, it's great to have a good base of folic acid in your system normally, as it helps with brain function and can help to resist altzimers!

I got this from https://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/folic-acid.cfm

Most women need 400 micrograms (mcg) of folate each day, even if they are not planning to get pregnant. Folate is needed before and during the first weeks of pregnancy to help prevent birth defects. Because half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are not planned, women who can become pregnant should aim to get 400 mcg folate each day. That way, if they do become pregnant their babies will be less likely to have birth defects.

Some women need more folate each day:

• If you are pregnant, you need 600 mcg.
• If you are breastfeeding, you need 500 mcg. 

AJflowers

I talked to my OB/GYN a year before I was going to start ttc.  He advised me that I should start taking Folic either a year before, or sooner if I was going off BC.  I started taking a PNV about 3 months before TTC as per OBs request (he recomm. a couple months before).

I now take PNV only.

calex33

Even though you aren't seeing your doctor until July, you can certainly call and ask for a recommendation for what PNVs to take. ?I started taking prescription PNVs prior to TTC based on my doctor's recommendation. ?As pp said, if you are taking PNVs, you shouldn't need a folic acid supplement.

mrsmel

most docs suggest taking a pnv 6 months before planning on ttc. they already have folic acid in them, no need for an additional pill.

i started taking while still engaged to make my hair grow -- there' no harm so start when you feel ready.

Redrose101307

it won't hurt you to take them now, i've been on them for over a year already. and while we were TTC, now we're on a break and i will continue to take them.

i take Target brand, there's really no need for a prescription. Oh, and take them at night so they don't upset your stomach.