Can low folic acid in pregnant Crohn's patient affect baby?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have Crohn's disease and am pregnant. The first day of my last period was before 40 days and I have been taking multivitamins which includes 400 micrograms of Folic acid for the past four months. I am now pregnant. The doctor said that I need 5 mg of Folic acid due to the Crohns which I have started from today. No one told me I need more Folic acid than average woman until today and I am now sick with worry. If I had been taking an insufficient amount of Folic acid and caused harm to the baby, then how or when will I know?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your concern.

You need not worry or be anxious about it. Although absorption of Folate may be disturbed because of your Crohns, taking 400 mcg for four months will be good enough. Meaning, you are not deficient from it from the very start but since you are now pregnant, additional Folic acid is needed to be used by the baby. I suggest you have your serum Folic acid test done so as to make sure that everything is not below normal, because Crohns as you already may know effects the absorption of folic acid.