I deserve to be flamed for this question.

OxAMYxO · November 2008

But I'm going to ask it anyway.

So on Monday my doctor wrote me a script for extra folic acid to take on top of my regular generic pre-natal. I go and fill it today and notice warnings all over the package saying dont take more than one dose and if you do call poison control, blahblah.

Well if my pre-natal has the 100% daily recommended amt. of folic acid in it, how am I not overdosing by adding to that? Am I going to die in my sleep tonight? Should I wash the pills down with some lunch meat and redbull?

JARbaby · November 2008

Do a google search about safe levels during pregnancy.

greenmtbride · November 2008

I think you're supposed to take 800 mg. Not sure why you would need more than that.

Manalyzer · November 2008

No flames here. However, when you are pregnant, you need more Folic Acid than a non pregnant adult. Therefore, you can take more. HTH.

bancbev · November 2008

Don't forget the sushi and soft?unpasteurized?cheese.

Geekchick921 · November 2008

I find this weird. I'm pretty sure all PNVs have more folic acid than regular multivitamins. I can't imagine you'd need an extra folic acid supplement, especially something you need a prescription for. Also interesting, I could have sworn that, since folic acid is water soluble, your body should just excreet any excess.

I would call the office tomorrow and ask the doctor.

OxAMYxO · November 2008

Well and its not like they've got my bloodwork back already and have determined that I actually NEED it. Hm. All she said was, "you need to be taking more folic acid than is in pre-natals"

Neudorfer · November 2008

you should call your doc back or consult with your pharmacist to double check if you're really worried about it. its good that you're paying attention though!

NewlywednOhio · November 2008

My pre-natals only had 600mg, and you need 800mg daily. So, I made sure I ate foods that contained folic acid each day to supplement- leafy greens, strawberries, etc.

HTH!

OxAMYxO · November 2008

I just called the pharmacy. They said this is typical of OB's to recommend. Confused

NewlywednOhio · November 2008

OxAMYxO:
I just called the pharmacy. They said this is typical of OB's to recommend.

You only need 800mg daily. No need to take more than that.

schmoodle · November 2008

When doctors instruct me to take meds I generally try to avoid reading the labels. Half of the meds that REs prescribe to maintain pregnancies, if you read the lable, are contra-indicated in pregnancy. I figure they know more than we do. And I'm guessing if your doctor prescribed extra folic acid you need it for some specific reason that likely trumps the one size fits all disclaimers on the bottle.

schmoodle · November 2008

NewlywednOhio:
OxAMYxO:
I just called the pharmacy. They said this is typical of OB's to recommend.

You only need 800mg daily. No need to take more than that.

Some pregnancies do require more than that depending on various complications and other factors (for example, many people with MTHFR mutations take extra folic acid, or family history of neural tube defects). If her doctor is telling her to take more it's probably best that she listen to him/her.

Spockles · November 2008

I take 1000mg of folic acid. Thats actually the amount that's in my prenatal vitamin (Prenate DHA, which is an Rx vitamin).

I would really listen to what your doctor has told you to do. I don't think they would prescribe you something if you didn't need it for your baby.

kmgourley · November 2008

schmoodle:
NewlywednOhio:

OxAMYxO:
I just called the pharmacy. They said this is typical of OB's to recommend.

You only need 800mg daily. No need to take more than that.

Some pregnancies do require more than that depending on various complications and other factors (for example, many people with MTHFR mutations take extra folic acid, or family history of neural tube defects). If her doctor is telling her to take more it's probably best that she listen to him/her.

Exactly. Some women take 2000-5000mg of folic acid if they've had a baby with a neural tube defect or other issue. You won't die in your sleep, but if you want a specific reason why your OB gave you the prescription, definitely call.

sabloja · November 2008

I take extra folic acid because of MTHFR. Does the doctor think you have this? MTHFR makes it hard for the body to metabalize folic acid so they wan to make sure that you are getting the right amount.

LukyNLuv · November 2008

I take 1600 mcg of folic acid everyday and everything with baby is fine.

TimsMayBride · November 2008

Have you had a lot of vomiting or diarrhea that you told your doctor about? Perhaps your doc is worried about that. Just because you're putting it in your mouth doesn't mean it's being absorbed, especially if you're vomiting or if you have diarrhea.

amberdl28 · November 2008

My doc told me to take 1200 of folic acid for the 1st trimester then after that go back to the 800. The prenatals she prescribed me have 1200 or she said just to take an extra 400 with the other pills.

Leenie_89 · November 2008

My OB and the research I've done on my own all say that you can have up to 5000 a day. Since folic acid is water soluble your body will flush out anything that isn't needed. From what I've read, in Europe they generally recommend to take much more folic acid, in the 4000s.

OxAMYxO · November 2008

Nope, so far everything is a-ok with me, besides the usual morning sickness and what not. Like I said, they dont even have my lab results back from my blood tests, so I guess she just thinks its necessary for all pg women to have extra folic acid.

I survived the night, so I'm going to continue to follow her orders.

Thanks ladies!

cotner · November 2008

I also took 4 mg extra of folic acid in the first trimester. The reason my OB put me on extra is because of neural tube damage to DHs brother who was born without a skull. I took the extra in my first preg. and am doing it again. PNVs do have the recommended amount of folic acid for those without a family history or other circumstances, but there are plenty of women who take extra. It won't hurt you, but if you are concerned call the doc and ask why he felt the need.

mommiella · November 2008

The normal dose for pregnant women is 800 micrograms. With my last pregnancy, and this one, I was prescribed 4000 micrograms due to a family history of neural tube defects. Folic acid is water soluble. Whatever your body doesn't need, you will pee out. It's not one of those vitamins you can really overdose on. Ask your doctor to confirm.

2007wife · November 2008

hmm..good question.. plus a lot of foods like cereals and breads are fortified with folic acid.

maybe the pills are a different form and therefor more potent?

cosmobella · November 2008

Some people require more folic acid than others. Medical history, being overweight, and being on certain medications can all warrant higher doses of folic acid. If your doctor prescribed extra folic acid, I'm sure he/she has a reason. If you want more information, ask your doctor for the rationale.

Also, there are some vitamins on which you can overdose, Vit A is an example.

KelliO924 · November 2008

schmoodle:
NewlywednOhio:

OxAMYxO:
I just called the pharmacy. They said this is typical of OB's to recommend.

You only need 800mg daily. No need to take more than that.

Some pregnancies do require more than that depending on various complications and other factors (for example, many people with MTHFR mutations take extra folic acid, or family history of neural tube defects). If her doctor is telling her to take more it's probably best that she listen to him/her.

Ditto this. Your doctor had some reason for you to do this, it is always good to ask that reason, but I would go ahead and do it. There are contraindications with pregnancy and aspirin, but some people need a baby aspirin to prevent clotting in pregnancy. Is it possible that they tested your homocysteine levels?

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