Folate or folic acid

[Blessedbymybabies]

Hi Atomic. I was wondering if I could get your opinion before I TTC again in a couple months...You probably remember me and my story. I lost my baby at 16 weeks and it came shortly after dropping 3 mg of folate cold turkey. as you may recall you had told me that dropping folate cold turkey may cause unexpected losses in the second trimester. Until now I beleive this may have caused it. My question is, this time around, should I just continue taking regular folic acid? I dont have any medical issues that require folate but I only took it hoping it can help prevent any heart defect that my previous baby had. As far as I know this baby was healthy, it was a loss for no apparent reason, results came back with nothing...

since I probably will be taking 4 mg I would like to continue taking folate but im scared when the time comes and I am supposed to wean off, if i make a mistake and drop too fast that I could cause harm again. Im wondering if its just safer to take folic acid and drop it when the time comes, or am I supposed to wean off folic as well?

I guess im just so worried to do anything wrong. I want this next try to be my rainbow baby, I want my last baby so bad. Im still swaying girl as well but in the end I just want a healthy baby. Could you please guide me in what to do? I believe in the end whats meant to happen will ultimately happen but I trust your advice and frankly I do not like my family doctor at all these days (medically...not personally) I have not been on any vitamin since my loss but will start a month before ttc so Id like to know from now if I should go for folate or folic.

Thank you

[atomic sagebrush]

You have to wean off folic acid as well. PLEASE do not ever drop any vitamins or minerals cold turkey, ever (but especially when pregnant).

I know it's super nerve wracking to come off of it. I sweated bullets with my 4th and 5th coming off the FA (I had to take high dose folic acid with them because my 3rd has mild spina bifida) But it has to be done and ALL of us are doing that without any trouble as long as we do it over the course of time gradually by spacing doses further and further out till down to the amount in the prenatal.

I really really really think you are wayyyyy better off on folate. PLEASE take folate and then wean off as we discussed. Folate is better because you will be sure that even if you have any underlying genetic things happening (some people have a genetic inability to utilize and excrete folic acid properly) then you'll be safe taking that. But just wean off it gradually when it's time.

[Blessedbymybabies]

Thank you so much Atomic. I’ll absolutely do that. I’ll be sure to stock up on folate this time. It’s hard to find in my city I’ll order plenty online this time to be sure I’m never in the situation where I have to find it somewhere last minute and have no choice but to go without it like last time. I’m 100% following this advice when the time comes. Wish I could give you a big hug Atomic. You always put me at ease.

[atomic sagebrush]

and coming your way!!!