Folic Acid

[wilson83]

Hi everyone, My husband and I have finally decided to take the plunge into parenthood. Obviously we are both very nervous, but feel its a good time. We are planning to start next Febuary, and so yesterday I went and bought some folic acid. On the container it said to take it at least 3 months before. I had planned to start taking it in November, is this safe? or should I leave it until December to be within the 3 months? Also, what exactly is folic acid for? And finally are there any couple out there also trying, do you have any advice? Are you just as worried if it's the right time? Many Thanks

[redcrx]

folic acid is perfectly safe to take before trying for a baby, sanatogen even make one with multivitimins for pre-pregnancy too.
If i remember correct, folic acid is advised to assist in neural growth and preventing spina bifida.
Its a substance naturally found in beans but is also added to cereals as other foodstuffs.

heres some info http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.a spx?articleId=913

[mattie]

During her pregnancy, my wife avoided eating anything with nuts in, as its supposed to reduce the likelihood of your baby having a nut allergy. Don't know if this is true or not.

[Hellion]

You can take folic acid at any time, start taking it now and you keep taking it while you are pregnant. Word of 'warning' don't assume that you will instantly become pregnant in February. We spend all our teens and 20's trying not to get pregnant and your mindset is that you will instantly fall the minute you stop using contraceptives. I thought this and it took me four years to get pregnant!

[Compostella]

Wilson83

Yep we're in the same boat and worried/nervous

Its took us 2 years and 1 miscarriage to get pregnant and we are only 7 weeks into this one so far.

Don't worry about having to take folic acid for 3 months before, lots of people don't start taking it until they find out they're pregnant and most of them go onto have healthy babies. You can take folic acid every day from now if you want and its as safe as houses.

Obviously you want to give the baby every chance but don't mistakenly think that everything has to be done textbook, life isn't like that.

Every pregnancy is different, just as every person is. The BBC website has a good calender that can give you your fertile dates based on your cycle length. Remember that theres only 2/3 days per month that you can conceive.

Its good to see you being a responsible couple and taking time to plan which is more than can be said about some people.

Just remember that you'll be one lucky person if you get pregnant 1st time

[wilson83]

Thanks for your answers. We are fully aware that it could take months to fall pregnant. We aren't looking to fall straight away, but that's the earliest we want to start. We would start now, but I have to wait until December before I find out about my current situation at work. If things don't go as planned than obviously we won't start trying until it's a good time. My main worry at the moment is when do you know for certain that it's the right time? Everyone I have spoken to so far have said there is never a good time, its just finding a good time. Do people agree with this? Particularly men as my husband is very anxious.

[wilson83]

Compostella, Thanks very much for your answers. I am sorry to hear that you have had such a hard time getting pregnant, I hope everything works out well with this pregnancy. It is very weird, everyone keeps saying "oh you wont get pregnant straight away etc etc" but I have two close friends that fell within a matter of weeks of trying. So I cant help but feel a little odd. I wonder why some people fall straight away and others wait months, or even years. I have always had this feeling (since I knew about how babies were conceived), that I would fall pregnant soon, but would have problems carrying to term. If it's true I will be very spooked. I having very mixed emotions at the moment. This morning I was really happy and excited of the thought (more so when my mum was ecstatic) and this evening Iam thinking maybe its not a good idea. Its such a massive responsibility and I am thinking maternity pay is crap so will we have enough money to pay the mortgage and bills, on top of buying baby stuff. Its so confusing. I feel like my brain has gone to mush :o) I would really love clear cut answers! But then wouldn't everyone. Goodluck, take care x

[Compostella]

You know, I'm a man!

Never thought I'd feel this strongly about kids, but I do so thats how I know its the right time I guess.

Being surrounded by them, seeing lots of young families, seeing lots of baby adverts. There can't be more of them all, I'm just noticing them now.

Unless your name is Abramovich, them I guess financially it will never b perfect but we don't even think about the money side of things now, everyone else seems to get by.

They say that you'll know when its right so trust your insincts, they're not usually wrong.

Best of luck

[wilson83]

Compostella, I am sorry if I offended you by assuming you were a women. I have never heard a man that is so passionate about having kids. I wish there were more out there like you (including my husband). i was beginning to think the same with regards to money. Everyone has been saying that you just manage and some how survive, which I think we would do. But Steve (my hubby) is not so sure. He thinks our jobs need to be a bit more secure, which I know he is right about, but I am just gutted because its now looking like another year before we can start trying. I might not have a job by christmas. And unfortunately steve's wages won't cover everything. I am absolutely gutted and feel like my heart has been ripped out. I was so looking forward to trying in the new year! :o(