Family Forum / Pregnancy / Pregnancy / August 2007

definitely still helpful it's up to 12 weeks that it's relevant, I was
checking recently what the start timing was and was surprised to find
it's 3 months before conceiving, I didn't see any info about range of
efficacy dependent upon start date, though there must be at least some.
I'm afraid I'm not entirely clear how folic acid is stored/used in the
body, you may be able to help my taking a slightly higher dose to try
and boost the levels in your system, but I'm not sure if that's how it
works.

Cheers
Anne

Congratulations!  I wouldn't stress too much about the folic acid.
It's sometime in the fifth week that the neural tube closes, so you'll
be getting it in there before the game is over.  And fortunately the
risk of neural tube defects is very low to start with.  Also, if you
live in the US, over the past decade or so flour (and perhaps other
foodstuffs?) are now enriched with folic acid.  It's becoming harder
for research to show the association between taking folic acid
supplements and birth defects, as most of the population has a more or
less adequate supply.

Kate, ignorant foot soldier of the medical cartel
and the Bug, 4 years old

B'shaa Tova Bryna! I wouldn't worry about the folic acid. Just start
taking a prenatal vitamin now.

Aww!  Congrats!!!!
As far as folic acid goes, I really have very little advice.  I had had
enough issues trying to remember a basic pre-natal vitamin...

Congrats!  (This is why I lurk here every so often, lol...

Irene

I also just found out I am five weeks pregnant. And have not been
taking folic acid as well (started taking the day I found out). Also,
I also dont have a well balance diet (which I have changed).  I read
that folic acid should be taked upto 3 months prior to pregnancy.  How
much harm does the lack of folic acid initially cause for the baby?

Congratulations!!  Just get a great prenatal going asap and enjoy!
I'm 20wks with # 3 and never find out I'm preg until 5wks or so.  I
swear by my prenatal since I hate (can't take) the horse pills.  Mine
is an organic liquid, tastes good and has DHA (brain/eye development),
Folic, Iron (non-constipating) and other top shelf nutrients.  I swear
by it for how it makes me feel also... my skin look amazing (very
fresh), hair/nails grow beautifully and, unlike some other prenatals,
doesn't add unnecessary weight.  Yes, some prenatals can do that
because of the fillers they use to make the pills!  The brand is
'Buried Treasure' and name is 'PreNatal Plus DHA Complete'.  Search
for it online or pick it up at Whole Foods.  Keep in the fridge.

Happy Pregnancy!