My daughter just found out that she has tested positive for the MTHFR gene mutation. This is where your body does not process folic acid correctly. Apparently, my husband and I both are only carriers,but each of us passed along the recessive gene. So, from what I have read, this gene mutation can cause neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, and miscarriage, toxemia,high blood pressure, complications during childbirth etc.
Does anyone have any first-hand experience with this? I don't want to freak out, and I don't want to scare my daughter, but I know that this can be serious. So far, her homosystein(sp?) level is normal. And she is taking extra folic acid and B vitamins. So I guess I am looking for some reassurance that a normal pregnancy ending with a healthy baby is possible. She is about 4 months along at this point.
A lady I work with has the same problem and has done a lot of research on it. She had 2 children and now has 4 going on 5 grandchildren, so it is certainly manageable. I will forward your question to her and see if she can respond directly to you. Best of luck!
Dear Michelle,
I by no means want to worry or scare you more, but I do encourage her to talk to her doctor about taking the baby aspirin every day, as suggested. A friend of mine, years ago, was not aware that she had this condition and she although she did have a healthy baby, while going through early contractions ( she was not aware of the contractions, yet) her blood pressure went up and caused blindness. After going straight to the ER, they were able to identify all the issues. Baby aspirin could have saved her eye-sight, she is legally blind now.
With prayers for your daughter and your soon-to-be
grand-baby, M. N.
I found out that I had this about a year ago. I've been put on a pill called Folgard (there are generics for it). We don't have children yet, but I am taking two pills a day to prepare for our IVF. The doctor doesn't have cause for concern as long as I take these pills. I was told that after we are finished with having children that I may still need to take it (only one pill a day) for the rest of my life because if your homocystein levels are not regular it could lead to vascular disease in older age. Hope this helps.
I had two miscarriages so when I got pregnant the 4th time my doctor ran a bunch of blood tests, and determined that I had MTHFR. I was told that it was a type of blood clotting disorder. I had to take a baby asprin every day and extra folic acid. I was also closely monitored during my pregnancy. As a matter of fact the last month of my pregnancy I was given a weekly non stress test to make sure all was ok. In January of this year I gave birth to a 7lb 5oz healthy little boy. A friend of ours also tested posative for it and she also had a very healthy baby boy.
I asked my doctor if the folic acid and baby asprin would need to be taken each time I got pregnant to ensure a healthy baby and he actually recommended that I continue to take it after the baby was born.
Good Luck and I'm sure all will be fine.
