Q: I am 25 years old. I am married and am carrying now. Its the first week of my 5th month. I came to USA a week ago. I started taking Folinal tabs in my second month. In my 4th month doctor prescribed Fefol-Z and calcium tabs. She didn't give me folic acid tabs. Everyone here is telling us that I should take folic acid too as it helps the nervous system of the baby. My Hb is 8.5%. I am taking one Fefol-Z a day. My question is do I need to take folic acid tabs now?

A:Your Hb is on the lower side and you are in the fifth month of pregnancy. You should increase the dose of iron to one tablet of Fefol-Z in the morning and one tablet in the evening: i.e. two tablets a day; and one tablet of Calcium 500 mg daily. Folic acid is recommended in early pregnancy, four months and earlier. Taking folic acid now (fifth month and later) will not be of any significant advantage. Take balanced diet with lots of leafy green vegetables and fruits.