FOLIC ACID

I am 10 weeks pregnant, and I’ve read that folic acid is good for the first trimester. What worries me is that my doctor hasn’t prescribed it to me. If I don’t take it, can something go wrong with my baby?

TINA OTTE ANSWERS: Yes, you should have been taking folic acid from the minute you found out that you were pregnant. Research suggests taking it up to three months before pregnancy and into the first three months of pregnancy. If you are eating a balanced diet, you will be getting some folic acid (which is part of the B-vitamin group), but taking supplements in the first trimester is recommended. Perhaps it has been prescribed, but you may not realise that you are in fact taking it. Please ask your doctor if you are concerned.