What foods can you eat after having the methotrexate?!

I found out 3 weeks ago i was having a miscarriage and then last thursday i found out i was having an etopic pregnancy as my hcg levels were not going down and found it on the scan. They gave me the jag ad told me i couldnt eat anything with folate or folic acid in but didnt tell me what i could eat so i was wondering if anyone could tell me as im being sick alot and feel so drained from it

I am following your post and hoping someone has better answers than me.

I live in the US. Nutrition labels don’t usually report folate (which occurs naturally) but are required to report when folic acid (an artificially produced vitamin) is added.

Unenriched, refined grains are generally very unhealthy but are low in folate. They are also hard to find. White rice noodles are probably okay. Apples especially without skins are very low folate. Cheese is probably safe. Also lots of other fruits without skins like pears and peaches. Potatoes without skins.

Everything about our experience is terrible and I’m sorry we have to go through it.

Im.sorry about your loss. The whole experience is horrible. Have you been sick with the jag as i have quiet a few times and the pain is more even when walking around the house

Lorna_CJ9303:
Im.sorry about your loss. The whole experience is horrible. Have you been sick with the jag as i have quiet a few times and the pain is more even when walking around the house

Yes, this whole experience is horrible. I’m not sure what you mean by jet lag. I actually haven’t taken methotrexate yet but expect to tomorrow when I get my most recent hcg back.

Dear Lorna_cj9303,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss.

Unfortunately I am not medically trained so cannot give you specific advice on your query but will do my best to give you the information you have requested.

We advise to stop taking folic acid suppliments until your hCG levels have fallen below 5mIU/mL as taking folic acid suppliments at the same time as methotrexate can interfere with treatment.

As far as the Trust is aware there is no need to avoid foods that contain folic acid and we would recommend a healthy diet to aid in your recovery.

If however you wish to follow your Dr’s advice, I have added a link which identifies foods rich in folic acid that you can avoid.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins- … folic-acid

As a gentle reminder, 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. 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 folic acid for 12 weeks before trying to conceive is so important.

Sending much love,

Karen x


If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering?

Further information is available at www.ectopic.org.uk

Email us at ept@ectopic.org.uk.

Our helpline is 020 7733 2653 (available Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm).

Detailed medical information can be found on our website. Please remember online medical information is NO SUBSTITUTE for expert medical advice from your own health care team.


I was told at hosptial on friday to avoid foods with iron and folate in them as it interferes with the drug. So have basically lived off crisps chocolate and toast the last few days. Its drained me and mentally im draines from this entire experience as this was the 2nd scan they done in a week and didnt find it the first time. I feel helpless to my family as im not allowed.to do anything. Even walking is uncomfortable and sore but the bleeding is at a minimal which ia worrying me as its meant to get worse

I was also told to have luke warm or.cold showers no hot baths and no.hot water bottles for the pain buy why?

Dear Lorna_Cj9303,

We are not aware of any medical evidence that states you should avoid foods rich in iron and folate. We recommend a healthy balanced diet and I think this will help, especially over eating crisps and chocolate.

I am not sure why you have been informed not to have hot baths or showers. The only thing I can think of is that sometimes people can feel a little dizzy and unwell after surgery and a hot bath or shower may make the dizziness worse. I cannot imagine a cold bath or shower would be comfortable for you though. We often recommend a hot water bottle for pain relief so again, I am unsure as to why you have been advised to avoid this. If you are concerned, perhaps discuss these matters with your GP as sadly I am not medically trained.

Sending much love,

Karen x


If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering?

Further information is available at www.ectopic.org.uk

Email us at ept@ectopic.org.uk.

Our helpline is 020 7733 2653 (available Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm).

Detailed medical information can be found on our website. Please remember online medical information is NO SUBSTITUTE for expert medical advice from your own health care team.