Folic Acid Q

When I was pregnant with Brenna I took folic acid once I found out (4 wks) until 12 wks.

I've noticed few people mention taking folic acid In the months leading up to TTC. Why is this important? Should I do this next time?

I am pretty sure the recommendation from doctors etc is to take it for three months prior to conception. I didn't want to take elevit tablets for ages because of the price but I took just normal folic acid tablets from the chemist - I think they cost about $8.00 for three months worth.
The reason it is recommended is for healthy spine development etc and it plays a major part in reducing risks of spinobifoda.

The other reason for taking it pre natally is so that you have good levels in your body right from conception, this reduces the changes of a deficit causing neural tube problems right at the start

Yes am still taking elevit and did last time too. I have been pretty good both times but who knows if that is why?!? You can get it off ferrit for quite a bit cheaper and I did that. If you didn't take it last time and were good then you probably don't need to. So hard to know isn't it? All the marketing is just confusing!

Oh and I took Elevit from about 12 weeks with Ash on recommendation from my MW. Helps with iron levels etc. But there is another brand (Blackmores I think??) which apparently have all the same stuff in it but is alot cheaper.

I started taking Elevit about 3 months ago. We obviously didnt know when we were going to conceive but thought even if it took longer than expected at least I was getting a good dose of vits and minerals etc in preparation for carrying baby

As for expiry dates, personally I wouldnt take them if they are from 2006. I think most vits last 2 - 3 years in the right environment.

Edited for spelling

Edited by rianna08

I got mine thru my Dr $3 for 3 months supply much cheaper than Elevit.
My Dr recommended start taking them as soon as I come of the BCP they're aren't effective taken together. and up to 3 months before conception and after wards.
The main reason is the neural tube forms in the first 6 weeks of gestation when most woman don't even know they are pregnant, and folic acid helps ensure healthy development.
and reduced chance of spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
Get it thru your Drs on prescription then at the cheap price doesn't really matter how long you take it for.

Hey how did you get it for $3?? I paid $9.90 at the chemist with a script. Do you have to have a community services card??

I got mine on script from my MW once I found out I was pregnant. This time I asked my dr for a script before we moved up here so I can start taking it now.