Folic Acid - Is My Baby Doomed?

[ceejay]

Hi all.

I just found out I'm pregnant... the walk-in clinic's blood test confirms it. Last period was 4 1/2 weeks ago.

I was NOT taking folic acid until three days ago when I found out I was preggers. I also do not eat a very balanced diet usually. I try to fit in veggies when I can, but to be honest, I'm really not the greatest about that stuff (though obviously that changed starting the day I found out). I haven't even been eating cereals lately, damn it... what on earth was I thinking?!

Have I doomed my baby? From all the information I've read, I certainly seem to be a prime example of a horrible mother already -- usually people say "well, if you've been eating a balanced diet, you're fine" but I haven't. Awful, awful mother.

Please tell me how much trouble I'm in.


PS: I should mention I haven't really felt any pregnancy symptoms at all yet. I'm 30 years old, do not smoke or drink, ideal weight, generally healthy.

[Twiceshy]

It's always helpful to remember that many people have been born without all of the modern research surrounding pregnancy, and the human race has survived.

There's really no reason to believe any harm has come to your pregnancy due to a lack of folic acid. Should you proceed with the pregnancy, the doctor will probably prescribe folic acid for you, along with prenatal vitamins.

[Laughingmouse]

There's a lot of information around about pregnancy, these days, but this is a fairly new situation. For centuries, women have had healthy children without the benefit of this information.

Be careful and kind to yourself. There are a lot of people who take great pride in telling you everything you should be doing without considering the affect their information has on you.

Any special care you might need will be addressed by your physician.

[ceejay]

Thanks folks.

This is my first pregnancy, and my husband and I are both very happy but very worried first-timers.

Everything is spooking me these days, from "there was a little bit of blood after intercourse!" to "I've been feeling slightly crampy for a week". I know I'll likely feel much better after I see my obstetrician, but naturally she's booked up until the end of April, so by then I'll already be 12 weeks along and not worried about these things anymore (hopefully).

Good to know I have people to talk to.

[curiosity101]

Many pregnant women decide not to take Folic Acid at all yet still do not get negative effects. Even though you are starting late, if you take it consistently you should be fine. Try to start tightening up your diet and taking your supplements for your baby's sake, everything will roll smoothly once you have that under control!