Dear friend
Thank u very much for ur message, It gives me some reassurance. i took folic acid after confirming my pregnancy.now the doc has advised me to take that well before next pregnancyI would like to inform u that, I suspect the reason to be folate deficiency as I am unable to find any other reason; I came to know that it could be due to genetic reason as well. But I find it can be confirmed only after genetic counseling.
I belong to Cochin n my husband is working at bangalore, I will be indebted to u, if u could name a good n experienced OB in Blore. Myself n husband r so worried that we don’t know wat to do. We want to prepare well for the next pregnancy well. Rest lies in god’s hands.
Hope u n ur brother r doing well n also ur mother . I only knew wat she must have gone through at that time, with out medical science not so much advanced if its in India.
Waiting to hear from u
shiny
Friend replied. There are many forms of neural tube defects - spina bifida, encephelocoel, meningomyelocele etc. I don't know all the terms because I am not at all an expert. But they are all considered to be neural tube defects. Friend replied. I don't know whether you can test for blood levels of folate. But I am sure you can check out at any local blood test clinic. The thing is, extra folate will just spill into urine. So, I think 5 mg might have been set as a highest limit beyond which folate supplement is not going to be any more effective. You might have to do some internet search for better info. Also, you can obtain info from the Indian Spina Bifida Association.

If you trust your doctor, then just follow what he/she says. Otherwise get a second opinion.

Good luck, Friend Friend replied. Shiny,

\"; right now am taking 5mg daily. i will ask doc do i need to increase the dose.\";

I am not a doctor but 5 mg sounds sufficient. Here in US that is the dose recommended for people who had a baby with NTD. So you should be fine.

\";u told me abt the defective metabolism of folate.is that related to any disease\";

I am not sure about disease, but it is related to a gene which many people in the general public have. I don't think there is a relation to being underweight.

\";becoz am underweight and the doc has advised me to wait 6 months for next pregnancy.\";

The best for you is to consume a very healthy diet full of green leafy vegetables. In india we get such a wonderful variety to fresh greens. Consume that daily. Even black eye beans (rongi in english) is a high source of folate. Eat a well balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Limit coffee. Take good rest. I am sure you will get a good result.

My best wishes, Aarti Friend replied. Shiny,

You said \";dear friend
i forgot to inform u am taking folic acid right from 6th week.when i came to know i am pregnent\";

It was probably not enough. Your folic acid stores should be built up well before pregnancy. The reason I know about this is because I was tested due to my own pregnancy loss (not due to NTD) and my mother's history. The doctor said that some people have a defective way of metabolizing folic acid. It is not serious, but they need to consume a LOT more folic than the general public. That is why they are given a high level of tablets. As long as they take the folate well in advance there is no problem to the baby.

That is why I am stressing that you ask your doctor about higher dose of folate.

Good luck, Friend Friend replied. Shiny,

I am not based in Bangalore so I do not have any information about the doctors. You can pose this question in the pregnancy boards (right from March to October due dates) and I am sure someone will help.

Did you ask your present doctor about taking the 4-5 mg folate? The crucial period is till the end of the first trimester. I think the spine fuses somewhere around 6-6 weeks of gestation.

My prayer will be devoted to you today,
Friend