I was given methotrexate at the end of April and currently in the 3 month wait to TTC after injection and currently waiting for hcg to fall from 150. When I do hit 0, I want to prepare my body as best I can for when I can TTC again.
I know methotrexate depletes the body of vitamins therefore what did you all take following methotrexate, is the recommended dosage of folic acid enough or did you take something like pregnacare conception?
What worked for you?
Thank you for your time. P.s. I have also posted in preparing for next pregnancy forum too but thought I’d ask this forum also. Thank you.
Sorry to hear of your ectopic. I started back on prenatal vitamins once my HCG dropped to zero. I’m in Canada, so not sure if they are different there. But it’s just a multi vitamin with 1000 folic acid. (I forget the measurement of the dosage)
I was told I couldn’t take anything for the three months when my hcg dropped below 7 I was discharged. I thought we are not to have alcohol or any vitamin supplements inside those 3 months. Although I could be totally wrong.
Thanks for the info lily. Danielle in the booklet the hospital gave me it says no vitamins until I hit not pregnant levels, then once I hit not pregnant I can start taking vitamins again. But I might be wrong too. If anyone out there would like to help us??? I will check with the hospital on Wednesday also when I go to have more blood taken and I can let you know too. With regards to alcohol, I’m not sure, I’m just avoiding alcohol completely to be on the safe side. I was told as well to not stay out in the sun, how long does that ban last for, the whole 3 months? X x
Dear Keeponhoping,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss.
With Methotrexate, you should wait until your hCG levels have fallen to below 5mIU/mL (your doctor will advise you when this is through blood tests) and then take a folic acid supplement for 12 weeks before you try to conceive. This is because the Methotrexate may have reduced the level of folate in your body which is needed to ensure a baby develops healthily. The Methotrexate is metabolised quickly but it can affect the quality of your cells, including those of your eggs and the quality of your blood for up to three months after it has been given. The medicine can also affect the way your liver works and so you need to give your body time to recover properly before a new pregnancy is considered. As it affects the liver, you should refrain from drinking alcohol until the levels have fallen to a non-pregnant state.
A shortage of folate could result in a greater chance of a baby having a neural tube defect such as hare lip, cleft palate, or even spina bifida or other NT defects. This is why the “wait” and then taking the recommended dose of folic acid for 12 weeks before trying to conceive is so important.
I hope this answers your queries, please continue to use the forums for information and support for as long as you need.
Sending much love,
Karen x
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Hi Karen, thanks for your help and Danielle hope Karen’s cleared up some answers for you too!
Thank you both it most diffently helped xx