Folic acid

Sansa · 13 January 2023 04:57

Hi there! It’s been 8 months since my ectopic and I am confused about taking folic acid. My ectopic was treated with MTX.

I saw on the CDC website that they recommend women take folic acid one month before trying to concieve. Is this right? I see other posts suggesting 3 months. I wasn’t sure if ectopic pregnancies have different requirements.

Thanks

EPT_Host_22 · 13 January 2023 09:44

Hi Sansa,

I’m so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss, and I will do my best to answer your questions. During treatment of MTX, it is not recommended to take folic acid as there is interaction with the drug.

However, once Doctors have confirmed the drug has worked, you can take folic acid. After levels non-pregnant, the Trust recommends taking folic acid for 12 weeks before trying to conceive. This is important as a shortage of folate could lead to neural tube defects in a developing embryo, and the supplement is needed for the embryo’s healthy development.

Please take good care of yourself, and know that we are here for as long as you need.

With good wishes,

Michele

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

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Elephant_1 · 25 January 2023 20:53

Hi Sansa,

I was wondering about this too. I was wondering if I could double the dose of folic acid for a couple of weeks, and whether that would that improve my potentially damaged cells… I don’t want to wait to try again… I feel the only way I’ll get over my body ‘failing’ me is if I have a successful pregnancy.

For reference, I had MTX 2 months ago.

Xxx

EPT_Host_22 · 27 January 2023 09:14

Hi Elephant,

As I am not medically qualified, I would encourage you to speak to your GPs about any changes to the dosage of folic acid. Increasing dosages of any supplements can have potentially harmful impacts.

While there is no clear, researched evidence on how long a woman should wait to try to conceive after having treatment for ectopic pregnancy, we and other medical professionals advise you to wait for at least three months or two full menstrual cycles (periods) before trying to conceive for both physical and emotional reasons.

Physically, this timeframe is to allow your cycle to return and for there to be a clear Last Menstrual Period (LMP) date to be able to date a new pregnancy. The LMP date is what is used to decide when to scan a pregnancy; information that is invaluable in ensuring you are not suffering from another ectopic pregnancy. This wait also allows the internal inflammation and bruising from the ectopic and any associated treatment to heal.

In addition to the physical aspects of ectopic pregnancy, many women also feel an intense emotional impact. Taking time before trying to conceive again enables the necessary process of grief to surface and be worked through. The emotional recovery that is often needed can be significant and many underestimate this aspect. Some studies suggest that women who conceive immediately after treatment for ectopic pregnancy are more at risk of suffering a subsequent ectopic and, as painful as it is to think about, the incidence of miscarriage (which is not linked to an ectopic pregnancy) is 1 in 5 pregnancies, so taking that extra bit of time enables you some emotional recovery to feel strong enough to face whatever is coming next should there be further bad news.

However, you can start taking folic acid now. It is recommended to take folic acid for at least 12 weeks prior to conception.