Folic acid

[sjm1308]

My GP mentioned today that I should be taking a high dose of folic acid whilst waiting for ivf. This could be months away yet as we are waiting for an egg donor. Just curious as to what others have taken and how far in advance? Also why do diabetics need a higher dose?

 

[Guzzler]

As far as I know folic acid is recommended for all those planning a pregnancy not just those who have Diabetes. Folic acid lowers the risk of spinal cord anomalies and (again, if memory serves) it is recommended that it be taken for a few weeks prior to falling pregnant.
Good Luck.

 

[sjm1308]

As far as I know folic acid is recommended for all those planning a pregnancy not just those who have Diabetes. Folic acid lowers the risk of spinal cord anomalies and (again, if memory serves) it is recommended that it be taken for a few weeks prior to falling pregnant.
Good Luck.

Yes it's just that I'm sure she said I should take a higher dose because I'm diabetic. I should have asked her then but I have white coat syndrome lol! Will speak to the pharmacy. Thank you xxx

 

[Guzzler]

Yes it's just that I'm sure she said I should take a higher dose because I'm diabetic. I should have asked her then but I have white coat syndrome lol! Will speak to the pharmacy. Thank you xxx

A quick google and it seems that the higher dosage is recommended for women with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes because of the slightly higher risk of anomalies.

 

[jade88]

With both my pregnancies I was advised to take the high dose 3 months before trying to conceive - with my first this meant I was taking it for nearly a year there’s no harm in taking it for a long period of time and you can get it on prescription. I was also advised to take vitamin D as most of us in UK lack this because of lack of sunlight! xx

 

[Ivy45]

I took the high dose tablets prescribed by my GP (5mg?) as soon as I started to have unprotected sex, so 5 months before conceiving.

 

[Ellie_Wilko]

Yep 5mg via the docs for all diabetics planning on becoming pregnant