when should i start taking folic acid vitamins and how long for?

Answer 1

If not before you get pregnant, then as soon as you attempt to get pregnant or find out that you are pregnant. It helps to eliminate neural tube defects like spina bifida. The neural tube is formed and supposed to be closed within the first couple of months of pregnancy. So it is most important to have the folic acid in the beginning of the pregnancy.

Answer 2

You need to have sufficient amounts of folic acid in your system at conception in order to minimize the chances of neural tube defects, so start taking folic acid now. Some women also take prenatal vitamins before they're pregnant, but any good multivitamin will do. Once you're pregnant, follow your doctor's advice about what to take.

Answer 3

Folic Acid Is so important for your baby you need to take it before you get pregnant or as soon as you find out. You can also eat dark green vegetables which are a great source for folic acid but i would still take my vitamins....

Answer 4

I have seen several postings that people have had a hard time conceiving until they started taking the folic acid. My OB/GYN told me to start right away to get it built up in my system. This way, the developing baby won't drian me of essential vitamins & minerals. A minimum of 400 micro grams per day with food is what I was instructed to take, but check with your OB/GYN to be sure this is right for you. It isn't very colstly either - a 90 day supply for under $10 or so.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

You should start taking them while you are trying to conceive, and then all during pregnancy. You would continue them after pregnancy if you are going to breast feed, although sometimes vitamins and iron are hard to digest for the baby. I know someone that has a 12 yr old and still takes a prenatal vitamin because it's got so much good stuff for a woman in it.

Answer 6

The suggestion is that you start taking them as soon as you decide you want to get pregnant, and take them for as long as possible - including whie you are breastfeeding, if you do.

I took my prenatal vitamins for the first 3 months of my pregnancy until I just couldn't stomach them anymore. Some doctors will tell you to just take 2 childrens' vitamins if you can't take the prenatals - talk to your doctor if you have that problem. It's either that or eat lots of oranges while you're pregnant - that's what I did, but I was majorly craving oranges.

Answer 7

If you are considering TTC they recommend taking folic acid
and vitamins for three months in advance. You need to take
prenatal vitamins for the whole duration of your pg. Longer
if your breastfeeding.
Good luck!

Answer 8

You should start taking them when you're trying to conceive, and take them through the duration of your pregnancy. Actually, all women of child bearing age (whether they're going to have kids or not) should take folic acid. It's crucial for a woman's health--regardless of pregnancy.

Answer 9

if you are planning on becoming pregnant, you should start taking them right away. If you already are pregnant you should start them right away and take them until a couple of months after you give birth. If breast feeding take them for the duration of that. It never hurts to take vitamins even if you are not pregnant or a new mom. It helps keep you from getting sick as well.

Answer 10

As soon as you find out that you're pregnant and continue until you give birth,you can also get folic acid from orange juice.