4 wks preggo... folic acid???

Question

I hear how important folic acid is in the beggining of pregnancy, but I dont have a doc appt until September 16th. I just found out I'm preggers last thursday. Should I go buy over the counter prenatal vitamins? I feel worried that I was supposed to already be taking them, but I just found out??

Answer 1

go to pharmacy now, and start taking today  

Answer 2

Folic acid is needed to prevent neural tube defects.  Because the neural tube is already developed before most women know they're even pregnant, it is recommended that all sexually active women take a mult-vitamin containing folic acid (even if they're not planning to become pregnant).  Luckily though, most foods are now fortified with folic acid, such as breakfast cereals.

But to answer your question, you can purchase over-the-counter prenatal vitamins at any drugstore or even at Wal Mart.  They're less than $10.00, but when you get your prescription from your physician, you can get them from the pharmacy as part of the $4.00 prescription plan.

Congratulations and wishing you all the best!

Answer 3

Folic acid, sometimes called folate, is a B vitamin (B9) found mostly in leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach, orange juice, and enriched grains. Repeated studies have shown that women who get 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) daily prior to conception and during early pregnancy reduce the risk that their baby will be born with a serious neural tube defect (a birth defect involving incomplete development of the brain and spinal cord) by up to 70%.

Answer 4

Definately start taking them now, a pharmacy willtell you which ones to take

Answer 5

unless you have kidney or liver problems, i would go for it. it couldnt hurt. i did it with both kids. but, if you feel uneasy about takin them, load up on orange juice, spinach, plenty of fruits, veggies, and protein. oh! and lots of milk.

Answer 6

Yeah you probably should have started them already but its still pretty early so you should start them now. They're very important.

Good luck hun, and congratulations