Feb
Pros and cons?
If so, how soon beforehand?
One month, three months, six months… ?
Answer:
If you are planning to become pregnant you should take folic acid supplements and, once pregnant, continue to take the supplements for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you take folic acid supplements it reduces the danger of having a baby born with a defect of their spinal cord such as spina bifida.
What’s folic acid?
Folic acid (folate) is a vitamin and is needed to make new cells in the body. The body does not store very much folic acid. You need a regular fresh supply to keep healthy. Pregnant women in particular need a good supply of folic acid which is used by the developing baby.
Many foods contain folic acid including vegetables such as spinach, sprouts, broccoli, green beans, and potatoes. Some bread and breakfast cereals are fortified with folic acid.
Folic acid supplements and pregnancy
You should begin taking folic acid tablets before becoming pregnant (from the time you plan to become pregnant). If the pregnancy is unplanned then start taking folic acid tablets as soon as you know that you are pregnant. Continue to take folic acid tablets for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy - even if you eat a good diet. You can buy folic acid tablets from pharmacies.
If you take folic acid tablets in early pregnancy you reduce the risk of having a baby born with a spinal cord problem such as spina bifida. This is because the early development of the baby's spinal cord requires a regular good supply of folic acid.
What dose should I take?
For most women the dose is 400 micrograms (0.4mg) a day.
If your risk of having a child with a spinal cord problem is increased then the dose is higher (5mg a day - you need a prescription for this higher dose). That’s, if:
you have had a previously affected pregnancy.
your partner, or a first-degree relative, have a spinal cord defect.
you have coeliac disease (as your intake of folate may be affected by this condition).
you’re taking medication for epilepsy.
you have sickle cell anaemia or thalassaemia.
In addition to folic acid supplements, you should eat a healthy diet when you’re pregnant which should include foods rich in folic acid.
Are there any side-effects or risks when taking folic acid?
No. Folic acid is a naturally occurring vitamin which your body needs. It is not a drug (medicine). By taking these supplements you’re just making sure that you get a good, regular amount of folic acid which you need especially during pregnancy.
Further information
Information on the Department of Health's website - www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAn…
Hope this helps
Halcon
Answer:
If you’re trying to concieve, it is a good idea to take vitamins and folic acid before hand. Especially the folic acid. Because folic acid is what helps reduce the dangers of having any neural tube defects. Since the neural tube closes within the first few weeks of conception (before you would know you were pregnant), taking folic acid for this reason is important before pregnancy. (Although it won't hurt too bad if you don't..it's just an extra precaution).
When you take vitamins before you get pregnatn it just makes for a more condusive environment for a baby to thrive and lower your chances for miscarriage!
Answer:
I started on One-a-Day prenatals with DHA six months before trying to conceive. My GYN said they’re great for all women of child-bearing age to take throughout their lives. They’re formulated with the right amounts of iron, calcium, folate (folic acid), and other minerals to keep us healthy; as a bonus, they are great for our skin, nails, and hair!
Another reason to begin a healthy prenatal vitamin (and healthy lifestyle in general) before you get pregnant is so that you have a routine already established when you find out you are pregnant. There’s no way to to predict if/when you’ll get pregnant for sure, even if you are monitoring your fertility, so my physician said that you should begin acting, eating, and exercising, etc. as if you already are pregnant as soon as you begin trying.
Good luck to you, and I hope this info helps!
Answer:
3 years! Not even kidding. Anyhow, that's what we are supposed to advocate. Most people can't plan that far ahead.
Your diet over the past 5-10 years can affect the pregnancy! Extraordinary.
Start eating as healthy as you can as soon as you can. If you need to take vitamins to get all the nutrients you need, so be it, but don't take any huge doses.
Answer:
Absolutely! It's even good for women to take prenatals if they're NOT planning on getting pregnant. I take them when I'm not pregnant, and I took them while trying to get pregnant. And I take them now that I’m pregnant. And I’ll continue to take them for a LONG LONG time!
Answer:
yep, as soon as you decide to get pregnant, even though none of my pregnancies were planned and I didn't begin taking them till after i found out. All of my babies are still healthy, folic acid is a must from the start of conception- it is the most important for them.
Answer:
Yes you should. Three months beforehand is best. Folic acid is proven to prevent all kinds of birth defects and prenatal vitamins will help fill the nutritional voids in your diet and get your body in tip-top shape for conceiving.
Answer:
Yes, if you’re ttc you should be taking vitamins I would state 3 months so you have a good amount of folic acid. I can't think of any cons to taking vitamins, even though all natural ones are superior. Any health food store will have them. Good Luck
Answer:
Yes, ideally all women of childbearing age should take prenatals, to build up folic acid. Begin now. OTC vitamins are as good as prescription.
Answer:
3 months before you start trying to conceive they recommend taking folic acid. As for the vitamins you dont have to but it desnt hurt being in tip top health before trying. Good Luck.
Answer:
Yes, reason being that the baby's neural tube begins forming early in the pregnancy…sometimes before we even know we’re pregnant! Better to be safe and if your TTC to take a prenatal with F.A.
Ideal of luck
Answer:
YES. Doctors do suggest it if you're planning on getting pregnant. Myself personally i started taking vitamins and folic acid 3 mos prior to conceiving. Good luck.
Answer:
Yes! As soon as you start TTC you should be on prenatal vitamins. They reduce the chance of birth defects and stem abnormalities, which occur very very early on in formation.
Answer:
Yes, the folic acid also helps with the implementation.
Answer:
Completely! My doctor put me on a pre-natal vitamin and extra folic acid 3 months prior to ttc! Ideal of luck!!!
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As soon as you confirm that you will be TTC, then begin taking the vitamins!
Answer:
It is a good idea. Eating healthy and exercising would help too.
Answer:
Yes! It helps get your body prepared and it's good for the baby