Hi, I have just discovered this forum and it has been such a comfort through my ectopic pregnancy. I am a bit confused when to start taking Folic Acid again? I was treated with methotrexate on 19/11/16 and my hcg levels are now at 2 as of today (finally!!) EPAC have discharged me and told me not to start taking Folic Acid until 3 months after the the methotrexate dose and then we can TTC. But I have read lots saying to start taking it again once your hcg levels are 0, but not to TTC until 3 months after?? TIA xx
Dear EM11,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss. The advice about taking folic acid supplements following methotraxate injection can be quite confusing.
Following Methotrexate we and many other health care professionals advise that you should wait until your hCG levels have fallen to below 5mIU/mL (which yours have) 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.
I hope this answers you questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us again for any further information,
Sending much love,
Karen x
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Thank you so much for your reply, I will start taking Folic Acid again now x