Hi, Please dont yell at me. I am 17 weks pregnany with my first. I took prenatals religiously for the first three months, I began to throw them really bad towards the end so my doc told me to take 2 flintstones a day instead. I have been doing this for the past month but not taking folic acid, should I be? I have a doc's appointment next week, but I checked on the internet and ther is such conflicting evidence, I also eat apples and salad everyday which has a lot of folic acid, plus what is in the flintstone. Should I just go to the drugstore and get some? Please dont tell me Im a bad mom!
2007-05-11 06:45:29 · 12 answers · asked by Julie C 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Honey - you are not a bad mom at all!! I am 18 weeks with my third and the entire first three months I didn't take a thing because I was so sick. It is never too late. If you can take the folic acid, it is a good idea to do so but you shouldn't worry about it. I took my prenatals religiously with my first and did not take one vitamin the entire time with second and they are both perfectly healthy!
We do what we can... Don't even worry about it. Take it if you can and enjoy this wonderful experience!!
Good luck!
2007-05-11 06:51:25 · answer #1 · answered by cyndi71mom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Folic acid is an essential part of eliminating neural tube defects within the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. Since you took it during that stage you're still better off than having not taken anything. While there are a lot of foods high in folic acid, the body does not absorb that type of folic acid at as high a rate as it does from a supplement. If you can tolerate a folic acid supplement on top of the Flinstones I'd suggest it, but the biggest dangers from folic acid deficiency are behind you at this point.
2007-05-11 06:54:25 · answer #2 · answered by Heather Y 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Folic Acid is necessary for the development of the nervous system of a fetus. Adequate folic acid in healthful diets may reduce a woman's risk of having a child with a brain or spinal cord birth defect. Talk to your doctor about what amount of this is needed in pregancy or ask a nutritionist or pharmacist.
The info I gave to begin with is printed on the label of the folic acid I take and that is 400 mcg. daily just for nervous system health reasons. Some vitamin b mixes have this in them. Check the bottle. IT is usually more concentrated and longer lasting in foods to stay in one's system better, just be sure that you are getting a high enough amount to help in this. Best wishes with your new baby. Asking about this is showing concern for that so I am sure you will be a good mom that looks out for the well being of her child. Flinstone vitamins are made for the levels children need. Taking them are a good way to supplement nutrients that you don't tolerate adding with the prenatals that may be too high dose for your system or women just vomit alot in the first trimester with the baby developing most then.
2007-05-11 06:58:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did the same as you. I took Flintstones vitamins every day and never took any folic acid supplements. My baby was born on April 25th and he was perfectly healthy.
My baby weighed 7 pounds 1 ounce. I don't think you should worry to much if you are eating foods that are rich in folic acid.
2007-05-11 07:15:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know the folic acid is most important in the first trimester when the baby is developing the spine cord and bones and muscles which is what the folic acid does so your baby don't get spina bifdia or other spinal problems. You are now in your second trimester so I would not worry too much your babys most critacal development is over, make sure you eat well take the flinstones and try to eat food and drinks with folic acid in them you and your little one will be fine, congrats
2007-05-11 06:51:36 · answer #5 · answered by squuishee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is recommended that you start taking folic acid before you're even pregnant, and as many of us know, we don't always do that! Folic acid is meant to prevent spinal deformities and it is important during the first trimester. You're already in your second and you sound like you're eating healthy and you have your vitamins. I think that since your doctor didn't even mention it to you, you should ask him since he knows your medical history. I wouldn't worry about it too much because there are MANY women who don't even take vitamins adn they have healthy babies. If your pregnancy is progressing normally, please don't stress yourself out. Just call up the doctor or speak to a nurse. They won't yell at you or think you're a bad mother.
2007-05-11 06:53:25 · answer #6 · answered by keonli 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
flintstones have folic acid in them. 2 of those equal up to the amount of folic acid u need for that day.
2007-05-11 07:00:17 · answer #7 · answered by Mz Hollie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i have no proof of this but i have had 4 children and the only one i took folic acid with was my 3rd which was born witha heart defect and past away shortly after birth...thats just my experience though...just eat healthy and take vitamins as your stomach can handle them..and you should be fine
2007-05-11 06:56:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should be fine. I'm 37 weeks and also take Flintstones since the prenatals suddenly made me sick. You sound like you're eating well and taking care of yourself, you and the baby will be fine!
Congratulations!
2007-05-11 06:53:18 · answer #9 · answered by Jen 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
hunnie listen I'm not going to yell at you but Folic Acid is a pretty improtant thing. There are some things that can happen if you dont get enough while you are pregnant. Like Neural tube defects and such. I have a friend who has a son with spina bifida, its a neural tube defect as far as I know but its just quite saddening. I would definetly talk to your dr. about it he/ she would know best.
2007-05-11 06:51:24 · answer #10 · answered by Tamme M 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋