Does Folic Acid help?

[rebeccalouise]

So, today I went to my GP as I've just been diagnosed with PCOS, I needed him to refer me to a fertility clinic (hospitals orders). I asked him if there was anything I could do whilst waiting for my referral letter, to boost our chances of conceiving naturally. I was shocked when he said I should start taking Folic Acid, as it can help conception! I thought it was something taken in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy? or is it true, does it actually help women to get pregnant? I'm hoping so! We've been trying since June now, it's beginning to really upset me!

Thank you for any replies ladies. x

 

[mum140381]

its helped me with my last 3 pregs x i take the preg care as it has other vits in as well x

 

[rebeccalouise]

Ah, thank you! I'd love for us to conceive naturally! I've brought some Folic Acid today. X

 

[claudinator]

Folic acid is used for pregnancy as it can help prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. You should take a 400 microgram folic acid tablet every day while you are trying to get pregnant and until you are 12 weeks pregnant.
It doesn't help you get pregnant it protects the featus in early development

 

[lisap2008]

Yes folic acid improves fertility .

https://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0046276
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-412334/Folic-acid-helps-fertility-women.html
https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn1070-folic-acid-may-raise-chance-of-twins.html#.VJC18n8s5P0

 

[rebeccalouise]

thank you, it's nice to know something might help us! x

 

[spicyorange]

Agree with Claudia, it's not to improve fertility but it's vital for early development before you even know your pregnant, and egg health

 

[mera.mera]

My doctor told me it helps the egg to be in the best quality so it can be convinced

 

[apreslaube]

Prenatals including folic acid should begin 3 months before trying to conceive.

 

[tinytummy]

Your body needs folic acid when cells are growing and dividing very quickly. Taking folic acid for at least one month before conception reduces the risk of neural-tube defects, such as spina bifida, that’s why it is an essential part of prenatal vitamins. However, there is an increasing research done offlet for its role in conception. One study found out Women who take folic acid supplements every day has a better chance of getting pregnant.
Have a look at the below link.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-412334/Folic-acid-helps-fertility-women.html

There are also few studies, showing positive effect of folic acid on female as well as male fertility. So, make sure that you are getting enough. It is found abundantly in citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and tomatoes.

 

[tag74]

My doctor told me folic or folate actually helps "keep" a pregnancy. He recommends that all should be taking 1600 microgram folic acid tablet every day while trying to conceive and during the first trimester because it helps prevent (not 100%) miscarriages.

See I'm a mom age 40, I did this with my last and currently!

Good luck!

 

[mac1979]

If nothing else it will make your hair and nails go faster

 

[sweetB]

Just wanted to mention folic acid and folate are not the same. I have the mthfr genetic mutation (6-14% of women have it) so extra folic acid could actually harm me BC my body can't process it. If you've had recurrent miscarriages I suggest you look up getting tested for mthfr and try folate instead of folic acid.