Folic Acid intake post BFP

[aidansmum]

Atomic or any of the other helpful dreamers? :)

I am now 15 DPO and started taking pre-natal vitamins. I was taking 3 folic acid pills daily before that. Should I continue to take the same amount or can I just go with what's in the pre-natal vitamins?

Thanks for your help again

[Bigwish]

When you're taking prenatals and eat healthy again i would drop the extra pills.

[bunnywabbit]

Atomic or any of the other helpful dreamers? :)

I am now 15 DPO and started taking pre-natal vitamins. I was taking 3 folic acid pills daily before that. Should I continue to take the same amount or can I just go with what's in the pre-natal vitamins?

Thanks for your help again

Continue with the same amount until the end of your first trimester then wean off. Coming off too soon can cause problems for the baby x

See http://genderdreaming.com/forum/gender-swaying-general-discussion/29504-guide-swaying-after-miscarriage.html - see "Not enough folic acid or stopping folic suddenly."

[bunnywabbit]

the reason we take more folic acid is because the swaying diets are low in foods that naturally contain folic acid
once your diet is back to normal after a BFP and you're taking a prenatal you can reduce it down to just the recommended 400mcg.

I've been continuing with the 1600 (1200 plus prenatal) per day since my BFP as I thought I needed to be on it for my whole first trimester, then weaning off the prenatals only. Should I not be? Is that specifically just for those with repeated m/c?

[rainbowflower]

you need to be on the 400mcg the whole first trimester, not for MC risks but to prevent spina bifida, so just gradually reduce down to that?

[gafan]

Because I was on 1600 while TTC Pink for now I'm taking what's in my prenatal vitamin (800) and another 800 in the evening. After the first trimester I'll gradually decrease that to what's in the prenatal.

[atomic sagebrush]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA no no no you must continue the higher dose folic acid thru the entire first trimester and then and only then gradually wean off. You can either adjust the amount you're taking to incorporate the amount in the prenatals or just add in the prenatals. Increasing it is fine, DO NOT decrease the amount of folic you are taking.

[atomic sagebrush]

I've been continuing with the 1600 (1200 plus prenatal) per day since my BFP as I thought I needed to be on it for my whole first trimester, then weaning off the prenatals only. Should I not be? Is that specifically just for those with repeated m/c?

No you are doing it right.

[atomic sagebrush]

Because I was on 1600 while TTC Pink for now I'm taking what's in my prenatal vitamin (800) and another 800 in the evening. After the first trimester I'll gradually decrease that to what's in the prenatal.

Perfect!!!

[atomic sagebrush]

you need to be on the 400mcg the whole first trimester, not for MC risks but to prevent spina bifida, so just gradually reduce down to that?

400 is the barest minimum and it is not enough. It is the "just in case" dose for women who are of childbearing age. Many sources now suggest 800-1000 for preconception, and that is for people who weren't doing a sway diet. Our bodies "get used to" the higher dose of folic and it is very important to continue it thru the entire first trimester and then and only then gradually wean off. The baby's spine will be formed by the end of the first trimester.

[bunnywabbit]

A silly, somewhat unrelated question I've often wondered, but because of some of my health problems my already fine hair had thinned out a lot. Since starting on prenatals my hair has thickened up nicely. If I continue with various prenatals throughout pregnancy, will it have a similar effect on baby's hair too (ie. little round, smooth head vs. some hair), or does it not work that way?

[atomic sagebrush]

A silly, somewhat unrelated question I've often wondered, but because of some of my health problems my already fine hair had thinned out a lot. Since starting on prenatals my hair has thickened up nicely. If I continue with various prenatals throughout pregnancy, will it have a similar effect on baby's hair too (ie. little round, smooth head vs. some hair), or does it not work that way?

No not silly at all! While nutrients can help with making your hair thicker if you had a lack of them to begin with (esp. iodine and biotin) I think the real reason your hair is looking fuller is pregnancy itself. The pregnancy hormones can keep hair from falling out and this thickens up your hair - that is until your baby is a few months old and then it all falls out at once, rather shockingly at times!!!

Thus, I don't think that your prenatals will ahve any effect on your baby's hair, most of that stuff is largely determined by genetics and hormones. In my case that made for spectacularly bald babies but I know many people with super hairy babies even tho we both were on prenatals. :)

[aidansmum]

Will definitely keep the high intake. Thanks girls.
As for hair falling after birth...prepare yourself for a shock bunnywabbit, specially whilst breastfeeding. Mine fell by the buckets, all within 3 weeks! The fun never ends sister. :)

[Dana-Alicia]

Well with regards to hair. With my first two I had a serious B12 deficiency. After their birth, my hair came down to a sad little bunch, just depressing. But with my third I was on b12 shots and my hair got thicker during pregnancy and until now - he is 18 months - it's still thicker than ever. Can't believe this is my hair! But in my case there was a clear reason why I had such thin hair.

With regards to the folic acid, I've been on a high dose (5 mg instead of the usual 4 mcg) with my last 2 pregnancies, due to my daughters anencephaly. And I continued it through out the pregnancy. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

[bunnywabbit]

Will definitely keep the high intake. Thanks girls.
As for hair falling after birth...prepare yourself for a shock bunnywabbit, specially whilst breastfeeding. Mine fell by the buckets, all within 3 weeks! The fun never ends sister. :)

Oh no! I remember now... My sister's hair came out some after having DD2. Really don't want to think about it happening to me - I really don't have much to spare! Will bring it up with the doctor to see if she can suggest anything to help nearer the time. Hoping I remember!