We've been hoping that something would come up that would shout at us "I'M THE PROBLEM!! FIX ME AND YOU'LL BE FINE!". Too bad that's not the case.
If you've ever been pregnant (and even if you haven't) you probably know that folic acid (or folate) is important to the development of a healthy baby in utero. Among other things, a deficiency of this important vitamin can cause neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Luckily, my babies did not have this problem. They were both perfectly formed without any physical or chemical indication of neural tube defects. :)
However. My most recent blood studies showed a mutation having to do with the MTHFR gene, which stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (say that 5 times fast). In words that are easy for me to understand, my body has a hard time processing folic acid. Doctors aren't entirely sure of the effects this can have during pregnancy. Some research has showed correlations between MTHFR and thrombolytic (clotting) events during pregnancy, but that wasn't very conclusive, and it's not been studied enough to receive a consensual approval by the medical society.
Bottom line: a normal multivitamin contains 400 micrograms of folic acid to receive 100% of the recommended dose. During pregnancy, doctors recommend their patients take 800 micrograms. With MTHFR, my doctor is recommending that I take 5000 mcg every day. Basically, they assume that any enzymes that are actually working to break down folic acid should be bombarded so that I have a higher chance of getting the folic acid that I need. Sounds a little sketchy, especially when one doctor says to take extra folic acid and another doctor says there's no point. I feel like I can't be a smart consumer and research what to do about it, because it's not out there, and what IS available, isn't reliable. Hopefully, if I keep searching, I'll eventually find some more answers. For now, I will do as I'm told and hope it's enough that we don't lose any more babies.
P.S. If you're related to me by blood, I'm supposed to tell you to get tested. It's also said to be linked to cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Take it or leave it. But hey, if you have it, we could be MTHFR-ing buddies!
Whit
Hmmm...that is so interesting and I'm sure so frustrating that you can't find much information on it! At least it's something to research though right? Hopefully, you can find some answers even if it's just through praying. :) Also, I have to tell you something funny..When I first read the title of this post, I thought "MTHFR" was an abbrevation for you saying "MOTHER F-ER" hahaha!
ReplyDeleteHi, you don't know me but I found your blog on Google Reader and in looking at it I whole heartedly feel that MTHFR is the contributing cause to your late term still births. I am so sorry for your losses, I have had one miscairrage and five years of infertility with no children yet. I can't imagine carrying a child that far and then loosing them. Folic Acid deficiency is just a small part of the destruction it can cause in your body and a baby. Late term still births, pulmonary embolisms, blood clots, down syndrome, spina bifida and many other genetic abnormalities are extremely common with this condition. I am homozygous C677T for MTHFR. What mutation do you have? There is an excellent website at MTHFR.net that will give you a wealth of info but it is a highly individualized and complicated disease that conventional doctors know little to nothing about. PLEASE do not just take what your doctors say and shrug this off. You will really have to experiment to see what works for you. One thing is for sure, Synthetic Folic acid is about the worst thing you can take, our bodies cannot process it and it pools in our blood causing additional issues and cancer. You need to take a methylated form of folate that says 5-MTHF or Metafolin along with methycobalamin. I have been researching this for about 6 months and am still learning so much. I wish you all the best and would love to help in any way I can! You can email me if you want at thera.tolman@gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteI know you don't know me, but I'm Whitney Stott's sister and I thought I'd give you the blog address of another MTHFR mommy. Maybe her journey can help you a little! Good luck - you seem like an amazing woman with a very strong testimony - just know that you are inspiring those of us who read your blog!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.adoptivemomma.com/