Anyone taking an extra Folic Acid supplement?

[Gina209]

When I had my first Prenatal Appointment I told her I've been taking Prenatals since October 2007 she said that she wanted me to continue taking those but also an extra 400 mcg of Folic Acid. So I picked some up today and I was reading the back and it said if you are Pregnant consult your physician first..which I did, but why would it say that if its great to take in the first place?

And I was also just curious if anyone else is taking an extra dosage of Folic Acid?? She said its better for the babys development, against genetic disorders and such. But changing anything in my routine makes me nervous, but I'm gonna follow the doctors orders.

[StressHead]

I had a look and the UL Upper limit for pregnant women is 800µg (Sorry couldn't get the proper m symbol in last post)
Folic acid only protects against neural tube deficiencies it does not protect against other malformations. We are actually only told to take this supplement until 12 weeks when the neural tube is developing (I am in the UK)
Taking too much folic acid can mask Vitamin B12 deficiency apparently but this is only a problem for vegetarians.

[StressHead]

All of this really concerns me. Our government recommends taing 400mg a day for a healthy pregnancy. My prenatals have a double dose in them which I don't mind taking because I have two babies but I have stopped taking my individual 400s.

When I was studying I did food science and overdosing on Vitamins can put a huge demand on the liver and kidneys which are responsible for purifying the blood. Anything other than the RDA CANNOT  be utilised by the body and so the organs have to excrete it.

Gina what does the internet say?

[evthing4reason]

I take a prenatal plus 2-3 mg of folic. in canada they have done new research and recommend up to 5 mg a day when you are ttc and for the first trimester

[Atia_Julii]

This is all so interesting.  I've been on 400 mcg of folic acid for years.  (I have a Mom who I think is hinting that she wants granchildren. Ha!) But then I started taking a prenatal that already has folic acid in it, so I stopped taking the folic acid in addition.  Maybe I'll start taking that again!

Also - I saw my prenatal has B6 in it.  It says 104% of the daily value I need.  I wonder if that's enough to make my luteal phase longer or if I should take a B6 in additon to my prenatal.  So many decisions! ;-)

[Mea426]

Gina~ my friend took prenatals her first trimester and had so much nausea they told her to just take the flintstone vitamines and she would be fine. She's having her baby tomorrow. So I think it just depends on your Dr. and how they feel about it you know. I'm sure with everything your taking your going to be just fine. You may get a little constipated though taking so many but hey your getting everything you need right!! LOL  :)

[Gina209]

Well my Prenatals already have 800 mcg of Folic Acid and she told me to take another 400 mcg. It seems like a lot to me but she's a doctor, wouldn't she know? I just get scared in changing things, especially while Pregnant ya know?

And regarding your Flintstone post, I bought those before I even bought my Prenatals! I had heard so much about Prenatals making women sick that I just took Flintstone for a couple months and I LOVE them, yummy! But then my doctor told me it wasnt enough and she wanted me on a Prenatal, so I switched. But I still have half a bottle and I think their so yummy!

[jessyboy007]

I take 2 flintstones vitamins a day , and sometimes the fish oils,,thats it! doc says as long as you get 400 mcg its okay!!

she also said not to over do it , that its not good!!!

[natemomma27]

i have my prenatals...but honestly i dont take them EVERY day...i sometimes miss a day (usually only a day).  i usually forget the prenatals b/c i try to take them at night so my stomach doesn't get upset and by night fall all i want to do is fall over into a coma! i can't drink OJ either, it seems to acidy for me so should i take folic acid pills with breakfast? doe they make any one's stomachs upset or no?

[martikadragoon]

My dr. had me on An extra Folic Acid Supplament for the beginning of my pregnancy.
I also took fish oil pills for a couple months too (til I was past 1st trimester)

It IS ok to take them together. You'll be fine.
so will the baby

[Gina209]

Thanks Ladies! I also have Fish Oil pills but I didn't know if it was okay to take all of them together. And than I think there are so many women who take a lot of vitamins and I think I am taking too little? haha I just worry too much! Thanks though, I'll start taking these tonight!

[Cheesecake7]

I take 2 prenatals, so I take 800mcg of folic acid a day. For awhile I was on 1200 mcg a day.  It is good for the baby, and to overdose you have to take a ridiculous amount, so you are completly safe!

[Brittny27]

I took my prenatal and an extra 800mcg of folic acid.  I also took calcium w/vit d, lipil dha supplement (fish oil) I was taking about 8 pills a day.  I had to buy one of those weekly pill containers so I would know if I had taken my pills that day or not.  I never knew how true it is that you cant remember anything while pregnant.