Why Folic Acid Still Matters During A Long Fertility Journey

Trying for a baby can sometimes be more of a marathon than a sprint and sometimes, the longer a fertility journey takes, the harder it can be to keep up healthy habits. If you’ve found yourself questioning whether to still keep taking a daily folic acid supplement, or losing hope, getting a bit blasé or forgetful, you’re not alone. Here’s why staying consistent is still vital, no matter how long your fertility journey lasts.

Why Is It Important To Take Folic Acid Before And During Pregnancy?

Folic acid supplements are recommended because intake increases maternal folate status and low maternal folate status is a risk factor in the development of neural tube defects in the developing foetus. Neural tube defects are serious congenital conditions that include anencephaly and spina bifida. For maximum benefit, folic acid should be taken daily, ideally for at least three months before you get pregnant and throughout the first trimester.

It’s normal to start feeling burnt out and for motivation and routines to slip when cycles come and go without the result you’re hoping for. But skipping your folic acid regularly could mean your folate levels aren’t optimal when you finally do conceive. Sticking with your daily folic acid supplement gives you a biological safety net, so your folate levels are always above the protective threshold, whenever conception occurs.

Because foetal development happens in the very first weeks of pregnancy (often before you know you’re pregnant), your body needs to be ready, saturated with folate in advance.

Make Taking Folic Acid A Daily Habit

If daily supplements are starting to feel overwhelming, building support systems into your routine can make things a bit easier. Use a pill organiser or set phone alarms/reminders so it becomes automatic and less reliant on willpower.

After months or years of trying, finally seeing a positive test is a huge milestone. Keep taking folic acid consistently during your pregnancy, especially throughout the first trimester. Folic acid has also been shown to support maternal tissue growth throughout pregnancy, so you do not need to stop taking it after the first trimester.

While fertility journeys can be long and exhausting, keep hopeful, keep healthy, and keep supplementing folic acid.

For More Information:

For more information about preparing for a healthy pregnancy see Shine's Folic For Life website and the Tommy’s pregnancy planning tool.