Taking extra folic acid after 12 weeks?

[Deleted User] · April 2014

I had purchased a folic acid-only supplement from Wal-Mart back while ttc-ing, and it was 400mcg per serving. When I first got my BFP, I stopped taking those and started taking my regular prenatal, which has 800mcg per serving. At one of my early appointments, I asked my doc if it would be okay to take the folic acid supplement in addition to my prenatal, bringing my daily folic acid intake to 1200mcg. She okayed it, saying there's no harm in taking extra.

Well now I'm 14 weeks along and wondering if there's still a point in me taking the additional folic acid? It kind of dawned on me in the past week or so that the extra amount was probably most beneficial during the crucial first tri development stages. I'm wondering if I should cut it back to just my prenatal now, and save what's left of my FA supplements for when I plan to ttc again (it has a pretty long shelf life). What would you guys say? Is it kind of pointless for me to be taking the extra now?

KJsbabe · April 2014

It definitely couldn't hurt to continue taking it. I took an extra 800 all though out my pregnancy with DD and am doing the same with this one. I would check with your doctor before you stop taking it, just in case.

2redtulips · April 2014

I have been taking 4mg of folic acid since six months before conceiving (based on high risk for spina bifida). So, more than 4x the regular dose.

I asked my doctor after the first trimester if I should stop taking it, and he said he usually keeps women on it for the duration.

I have done a little reading/research on my own as well, and it looks like there are potential benefits beyond just protecting against neural tube defects. Definitely ask your provider, but I say keep taking it.

Mr. & Mrs. Woodtick · April 2014

My RE asked me to take an extra 400mcg when I found out I was pregnant. When I was released to the OB, she in erased me to 1mg a day. I would talk to your doctor but I don't think it would hurt to keep taking it. I will take it until I deliver.

Heeb918 · April 2014

I still take it and have been since my first m/c. But I am taking due to MTHFR. OB says I can stop once LO is here.

voplo · May 2014

I am taking Preg Vit 5 by doctors prescription. It has 5 mg of folic acid. I'll be taking this until I stop breastfeeding according to my doctor. He said that the benefits of taking a high dose of folic acid outweigh (by far) the risks.