My wife started taking folic acid from august20th. setp10th we tried for baby and we were successful.she is almost 2months pregnant now. i read somewhere that folic acid should be taken beforehand to prevent neural defects. what are the chances my baby has not suffered from those defects. first scan has showed its a twin. should we take 5mg or 10mg ?
Hi, Folic acid supplements are given to prevent defects in the babies spine and brain from 3 months before conception to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Brain and spine development takes place between 25 and 35 days of life approximately which is the critical period when adequate folic acid should be available. Since your wife had taken folic acid before she conceived, it is very unlikely for you to have a neural tube defect in your babies.Also, neural tube defects are more common in women with previous babies with neural tube defects, women who are diabetic, epileptic and who have certain enzyme deficiencies. Usual dose of folic acid is 400 micrograms only. In women with higher risk like diabetics, epileptics previous babies with defects, or women with twins we give 5 mg.10 mg is not advisable. Hope this helps. Regards