TTC at age 38.5 -- better to start folic acid & wait 30 days or start right away?

[Anonymous]

Worried (for no reason other than age) about birth defects and I'm wondering if we should TTC right away or I should start on folic acid first and then try next month. I had two prior healthy pregnancies at age 34 and 36. We thought we were done and just decided to go for #3.

[Anonymous]

I would just start taking the folic acid now and try anyways. Chances are you won't get pregnant in the first month, but even if you do, chances are you aren't folic acid deficient if you have a reasonably good diet. They put folic acid into everything nowadays.

[Anonymous]

Will you take prenatal vitamins or folic acid alone?

[Anonymous]

It actually takes a few months for folic acid to build up so the most important part in preventing birth defects is taking it BEFORE conception

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It actually takes a few months for folic acid to build up so the most important part in preventing birth defects is taking it BEFORE conception

All true. But so many foods are fortified with folic acid these days. If you eat cereal, bread and/or pasta, you're likely covered right there. And bonus points for spinach and other green, leafy vegetables.

I vote for starting prenatal vitamins right away and TTC at the same time.

Bonus question: What does your OB say? I bet you could call and ask.

[Anonymous]

I honestly cannot imagine calling my OB with that question. I feel neurotic enough posting it on DCUM! I think we're going to start trying tonight (just entering the window) and I'll pick up some prenatals tomorrow, because as a PP noted I do eat a fairly balanced diet, it's unlikely we'll get pregnant on the first try, and I have no other risk factors for defects. Of course, Murphy's Law--I will get pregnant on the first try and will spend the next 40 weeks stressing about my lack of folate!

[Anonymous]

OP- enjoy tonight! Fingers crossed for you. I'm sure you are fine. If you eat a balanced diet you probably have plenty of folic acid. Drink an extra glass of OJ tomorrow and relax

[Anonymous]

I would do prenatal w/ the folic acid now if you're planning on getting pregnant. I didn't take vitamins until after I found out I was pregnant, at age 37, and I had a baby with a deep sacral dimple. Luckily it was closed and didn't affect the spine. He started walking at 10 months and is totally fine and very smart. However, for the first few months of his life I was very concerned.

Also, orange juice has lots of folic acid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would do prenatal w/ the folic acid now if you're planning on getting pregnant. I didn't take vitamins until after I found out I was pregnant, at age 37, and I had a baby with a deep sacral dimple. Luckily it was closed and didn't affect the spine. He started walking at 10 months and is totally fine and very smart. However, for the first few months of his life I was very concerned.

Also, orange juice has lots of folic acid.

OP here. Thank you for sharing your story. It's a good reminder of how important folate is. Did you find out during your pregnancy?

We started trying Friday night and I went out an got some prenatals (w/ folic acid) yesterday.

[Anonymous]

FWIW, I don't think age is related to the birth defects caused by lack of folic acid - those could happen to anyone.