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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Folic Acid Required During Pregnancy?

hi...i am pregnant for 9weeks, i just came to know that day before yesterday. and i went to GP yesterday, doctor was asking me , am i taking folic acid or not? as it was not known to me that i am pregnant, so i didnt take any folic acid supplements, doctor prescribed me 5mg , once daily for 28 days, when i dont have diabetese, thalasamania, or any kind of previous bad pregnancy record, this is my first pregnancy. so i am confused to take this high dose, when the norman dose is .4mg. i am 26, and me and my husband healthy, dont have any complications.
Fri, 14 Aug 2015
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OBGYN 's  Response
Hello and I hope I can answer your question.

I am unsure why your doctor advised you to take a higher dose of folic acid, perhaps they wanted to make up for the time you haven't been already taking it.

Folic acid has been shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (abmormalities of the brain and spine) when taken in early pregnancy. It is good for you anyway and is not harmful taking it in doses up to 5 grams a day.

So I do not know why your OB gave you the higher dose, but it isn't harmful at all and has no side effects.

I hope this information was helpful and best of luck with the pregnancy.

Take care, Dr. Brown
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Is Folic Acid Required During Pregnancy?

Hello and I hope I can answer your question. I am unsure why your doctor advised you to take a higher dose of folic acid, perhaps they wanted to make up for the time you haven t been already taking it. Folic acid has been shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (abmormalities of the brain and spine) when taken in early pregnancy. It is good for you anyway and is not harmful taking it in doses up to 5 grams a day. So I do not know why your OB gave you the higher dose, but it isn t harmful at all and has no side effects. I hope this information was helpful and best of luck with the pregnancy. Take care, Dr. Brown