Preconceive Tablets

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > P



How does it work?

Folic acid is a B vitamin that is an essential requirement of the body. It is needed for making the genetic material of cells (DNA), and thus for growth and development. Folic acid is particularly important for the maintenance of a healthy nervous system and in the formation of red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. Folic acid should be taken by all women planning pregnancy and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This is essential for the development of the baby's spinal cord and nervous system, and to prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects. These include spina bifida and malformations such as cleft palate or cleft lip. Women who have not been taking folic acid supplements and suspect they are pregnant, should start at once and continue until the twelth week of pregnancy.

What is it used for?

- Prevention of neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida

Warning!

- A higher dose of 5mg folic acid is recommended to prevent neural tube defects if you or your partner has spina bifida, or if a previous child was born with neural tube defects. Discuss this with your doctor.

Use with caution in

- Epilepsy

Not to be used in

- People with tumours that are dependent on folate for growth
- Vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anaemia) unless in combination with vitamin B12

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine is recommended and safe to take during pregnancy.
- There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used by breastfeeding mothers.

Side effects