2 questions! 1 about folic acid and 1 about iron supplements

[Ellegirly 74]

Hi all
Now into my 14th week of pregnancy...
I stopped taking folic acid every day from last week as everywhere I've read says you should only take whilst trying to conceive and up to the 12th week of pregnancy, am I right to have stopped now taking it?

Next question, sorry to be cheeky!

I am still very very tired all the time and was told it would be worse in the first trimester but would get better after this. Well I know I am only JUST entering in to my second trimester but I am so low in energy all the time and just so tired, I was wondering if maybe I am low in iron?
I have my blood tests in a few weeks, shall I hold out until then and wait for the results or should I call my midwife? I don't want to take any supplements if they are unsafe.

Thanks all if you can advise me I'd really appreciate it.
xx

[redcrx]

its ok to have stopped taking folic acid supplements.

You may still just be tired as you are just out of the first trimester. Perhaps increasing you diet in iron rich foods will help, or perhaps take a supplement thats specifically made for pregnant women, sanatogen do one as do other companies. Dont take a general multivitimin though as there are some vitimins that are not advised to overdo during pregnancy.

[Psychick]

One way to get an idea of whether you are anemic or not is to gently pull down your lower eyelid. The bit you see inside should be red/pink. If it is white, it could be that your are anemic.
The blood tests will confirm this. In the meantime though, do as redcrx has suggested and eat iron rich foods and see how that goes. Dont just go out and by iron tablets though as you may end up taking too much......speak to your midwife first or wait for the results of the blood tests.

[Compostella]

1. You are fine to have stopped with the folic acid

2. Have a big juicy steak