Folic Acid question.

I have just found out that i'm pregnant and would be approx 4 weeks. As we were not planning this i have not been taking any folic acid. With my first two pregnancies we were planning and i was taking it prior to falling pregnant.

Yesterday i went to the chemist to get my folic acid and the Chemist asked if there were was any history of spina bifida in the family as there was a stronger dose that can be sometimes given if there is. I said no but then on my way home was unsure if i'd said the right thing.

When DS2 was born they found a little dimple in his bottom crease and they sent some paed's to check it out while i was in hosptial. All was ok as they said they could see the bottom of the little dimple clearly. When i mentioned this to my MIL she said her eldest daughter had the same thing. I'm not sure what the extent of hers was but spina bifida was mentioned and something about maybe not being able to have children (she has 3 daughters with no problem carrying them). MIL also had 4 sons and i'm not aware of any of them having the same issue.

So to get to my question... with the information above would you say that i have a history of spina bifida in my family or not?

I'm a little concerned as i hadn't been taking any folic acid at all anyway and just with that now i suppose i'm worrying more. I'm yet to go and see my GP so obviously it will be one of the first things i ask him, just was hoping that someone else may have some answers for me in the mean time.

Thanks ladies :D

Hi Myboys

No you do not have a history of spina bifida. A dimple in the bum crease is quite common. When we see one we do take a closer look as spina bifida often presents as a hole in the same place as the dimple. Start taking the normal dose of the folic acid now, I’m sure that everything will be fine.

Alan, thanks so much for the quick reply. I know DS is all good but with that and my SIL i was wondering if anything was hereditary. Thanks for putting my mind at ease :D

Have a great Easter weekend :D

Good questions Myboys ... I'd been a little haphazard with my folic acid but am now taking it daily ...

I had a bit of a read and i would also be getting folate in quite a bit of the food i eat but as to whether it is enough i'm not sure :dunno: Main thing is we're taking it now :D

Oooh K - congratulations!!!

Thanks Kim, it was a bit of a surprise but we're excited. Hope you and your lovely children are well xoxo Can you believe our little men are 1?! :D

:dance: :lol: :dance: :lol: :dance:

xxoo

:D xoxox