Best vitamins for pregnant women

Vitamins and other nutrients during pregnancy

During pregnancy your baby gets all necessary nutrients from you. So you may need more during pregnancy than you did before pregnancy.

Taking prenatal vitamins and eating healthy foods can help give you all the nutrients you and your baby need during pregnancy.

Make sure your prenatal vitamin has folic acid, iron and calcium in it. Most have the right amount of each of these.

Talk to your provider to make sure you get enough vitamin D, DHA and iodine each day.

Don’t take any supplements without your provider’s OK.

What are prenatal vitamins?

Prenatal vitamins are multivitamins for pregnant women or women who are trying to get pregnant. Compared to a regular multivitamin, they have more of some nutrients that you need during pregnancy. Your health care provider may prescribe a prenatal vitamin for you, or you can buy them over the counter without a prescription. Take a prenatal vitamin every day during pregnancy. If you’re planning to get pregnant, start taking prenatal vitamins before you get pregnant.

Your body uses vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in food to strong and healthy. During pregnancy, your growing baby gets all necessary nutrients from you. So you may need more during pregnancy than you did before. If you’re pregnant with multiples (twins, triplets or more), you may need more nutrients than if you’re pregnant with one baby. Your prenatal vitamin contains the right amount of nutrients you need during pregnancy.

If you’re a vegetarian, have food allergies or can’t eat certain foods, your provider may want you to take a supplement to help you get more of certain nutrients. A supplement is a product you take to make up for certain nutrients that you don’t get enough of in foods you eat. For example, your  provider may recommend that you take a vitamin supplement to help you get more vitamin D, iron or calcium.

Which nutrients are most important during pregnancy?

All nutrients are important, but these six play a key role in your baby’s growth and development during pregnancy:

1. Folic acid
2. Iron
3. Calcium
4. Vitamin D
5. DHA
6. Iodine

What is folic acid?

Folic acid is a B vitamin that every cell in your body needs for healthy growth and development. Taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spine called neural tube defects (also called NTDs). Some studies show that taking folic acid may help prevent heart defects and birth defects in your baby’s mouth (called cleft lip and palate).

• Before pregnancy take a vitamin supplement with 400 mcg of folic acid every day.  
• Take a vitamin supplement with 400 mcg of folic acid each day, even if you’re not trying to get pregnant.
• During pregnancy, take a prenatal vitamin each day that has 600 mcg of folic acid in it.

Check the product label to see how much folic acid is in it.

If you’re at high risk for having a baby with an NTD, talk to your provider about how you can safely take 4,000 mcg of folic acid each day to help prevent an NTD. Start taking 4,000 mcg at least 3 months before you get pregnant and through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. You’re at high risk if:

• You’ve had a pregnancy with an NTD in the past.
• You or your partner has an NTD.
• Your partner has a child with an NTD.

Don’t take several multivitamins or prenatal vitamins. You can get too much of other nutrients, which may be harmful to your health. Your provider can help you figure out the best and safest way for you to get the right amount of folic acid.

You can also get folic acid from food. Citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables and beans are all excellent sources of folic acid. Some foods are also enriched with folic acid, such as cereals, bread, rice and pasta.

What is iron?

Iron is a mineral. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein that helps carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. You need twice as much iron during pregnancy than you did before pregnancy. Your body needs this iron to make more blood so it can carry oxygen to your baby. Your baby needs iron to make his own blood.

During pregnancy you need 27 milligrams of iron each day. Most prenatal vitamins have this amount. You also can get iron from food. Good sources of iron include:

• Lean meat, poultry and seafood
• Cereal, bread and pasta that has iron added to it (check the package label)
• Leafy green vegetables
• Beans, nuts, raisins and dried fruit

Foods containing vitamin C can increase the amount of iron your body absorbs. It's a good idea to eat foods like orange juice, tomatoes, strawberries and grapefruit every day.

Calcium (in dairy products like milk) and coffee, tea, egg yolks, fiber and soybeans can block your body from absorbing iron. Try to avoid these when eating iron-rich foods.

If you don’t get enough iron during pregnancy, you may be more likely to experience:

• Infections.
• Anemia. This means you have too little iron in your blood.
• Fatigue. This means you feel really tired or exhausted.
• Premature birth. This means your baby is born too soon, before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
• Low birthweight. This means your baby is born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces.

What is calcium?

Calcium is a mineral that helps your baby’s bones, teeth, heart, muscles and nerves develop. During pregnancy, you need 1,000 milligrams of calcium each day. You can get this amount by taking your prenatal vitamin and eating food that has a lot of calcium in it. Good sources of calcium include:

• Milk, cheese and yogurt
• Broccoli and kale
• Orange juice that has calcium added to it (check the package label)

If you don’t get enough calcium during pregnancy, your body takes it from your bones and gives it to your baby. This can cause health conditions, such as osteoporosis, later in life. Osteoporosis causes your bones become thin and break easily.

What is vitamin D?

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. It also helps your body’s nerves, muscles and immune system work. Your immune system protects your body from infection. Vitamin D helps your baby’s bones and teeth grow.

During pregnancy, you need 600 IU (international units) of vitamin D each day. You can get this amount from food or your prenatal vitamin. Good sources of vitamin D include:

• Fatty fish, like salmon
• Milk and cereal that has vitamin D added to it (check the package label)

What is DHA?

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a kind of fat (called omega-3 fatty acid) that helps with growth and development. During pregnancy, you need DHA to help your baby’s brain and eyes develop. Not all prenatal vitamins contain DHA, so ask your provider if you need to take a DHA supplement.

During pregnancy, it is recommended that women eat 8 to 12 ounces of seafood low in mercury each week. Good sources of DHA include:

• Herring, salmon, trout, anchovies, halibut, catfish, shrimp and tilapia
• Orange juice, milk and eggs that have DHA added to them (check the package label) 

What is iodine?

Iodine is a mineral your body needs to make thyroid hormones, which help your body use and store energy from food. You need iodine during pregnancy to help your baby’s nervous system develop. The nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) helps your baby move, think and feel.

During pregnancy, you need 220 micrograms of iodine every day. Not all prenatal vitamins contain iodine, so make sure you eat foods that have iodine in them. Ask your provider if you need to take an iodine supplement.

Good sources of iodine include:

• Fish
• Milk, cheese and yogurt
• Enriched or fortified cereal and bread (check the package label)
• Iodized salt (salt with iodine added to it; check the package label)

Last reviewed September, 2020

A Dietitian’s Picks of the 12 Best Prenatal Vitamins of 2022

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

• Best prenatal vitamin subscription: Ritual Essential Prenatal Multivitamin
• Best prenatal vitamin for vegetarians: MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Prenatal Multi
• Editor’s pick of the best prenatal vitamin: FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin
• Best trimester-specific prenatal vitamin: Perelel Prenatal Packs
• Best prenatal supplement powder: Root’d Prenatal Multivitamin Fizzy Drink Mix
• Best prenatal vitamin with DHA: Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA
• Best gummy prenatal vitamin: SmartyPants Prenatal Formula
• Best chewable prenatal vitamin: Seeking Health Prenatal Essentials Chewable
• Best prenatal vitamin for morning sickness: New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin
• Best prenatal with protein: Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal Protein Powder
• Best prenatal omega-3 supplement: Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA
• Best prenatal choline supplement: Thorne Research Phosphatidyl Choline

Between morning sickness, fleeting cravings, and random aversions, getting good nutrition during pregnancy can be tough. Plus, even if you’re eating a balanced diet, the increased nutrient demands during pregnancy are difficult to meet with diet alone.

Enter: prenatal vitamins. They’re an easy way to fill any gaps and support both your body and your baby’s growth and development.

Whether you’re looking for something that will stay put when morning sickness hits or you just want something that tastes good, we rounded up 12 great options to consider.

When choosing the best prenatal vitamins, we considered the following factors:

• Nutritional content: We included products that are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional demands of pregnancy.
• Ingredients: We looked for supplements that are made from high quality ingredients and free of artificial additives and preservatives.
• Testing: We included products that undergo testing for purity and potency, ideally by a third-party organization.
• Reviews: The products listed below have mostly positive online reviews.
• Vetting: All the supplements on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.

Why you should trust us

Every brand and product on our list has been reviewed by registered dietitians and vetted to ensure that it aligns with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article:

• adheres to allowable health claims and labeling requirements, per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations
• is manufactured in facilities that adhere to current good manufacturing practices established by the FDA
• is produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standards
• is made by a company that provides objective measures of trust, such as having its supplements validated by third-party labs

A note on price

General price ranges are indicated below with dollar signs ($–$$$). One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.

Most of these vitamins are packaged to contain 30 servings — about a month’s worth. Some may be sold in 60- or 90-serving packages.

We based the price ratings on the approximate monthly cost for each product:

• $ = under $30
• $$ = $30–$40
• $$$ = over $40

Best prenatal vitamin subscription

Ritual Essential Prenatal Multivitamin

• Price: $$
• Type: capsules
• Dosage: 2 capsules per day
• Included nutrients: folate, biotin, choline, iron, iodine, magnesium, boron, omega-3 DHA, and vitamins B12, D3, E, and K

Created by women for women, Ritual Essential Prenatal Multivitamin provides 12 key nutrients to help support you and your baby before, during, and after pregnancy.

Specifically, the prenatal offers more than 100% of your daily needs for folate, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. It also includes docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3 from algae, so it’s a suitable option for those following a vegan diet.

As a bonus, the lemon-scented capsules are designed to be easier on your stomach than some other supplements, so you can take them with or without food.

Just keep in mind that one serving provides only 10% of the recommended amount of choline, a nutrient that’s essential for fetal health and development, so it’s still important to include sources of choline, such as eggs, in your diet (1).

Additionally, while it does contain omega-3 DHA, it lacks eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), so it’s a good idea to take an additional EPA supplement.

Ritual vitamins are third-party tested for purity and accuracy.

What our tester says

I found Ritual’s Essential for Women Prenatal to be a great prenatal vitamin option. I appreciated the convenience of the subscription model and would recommend this supplement to people looking for a prenatal vitamin with traceable ingredients.

While I occasionally experienced the “fishy burps” that can come with taking a DHA supplement, overall I found the vitamin’s taste and smell to be quite neutral.

To round out my daily routine, I also took Ritual’s Essential Daily Protein Shake Pregnancy and Postpartum. I try to eat a mostly plant-based diet, so I chose this powder because it provides a complete amino acid profile along with an extra boost of choline for pregnancy.

— Catherine Conelly, Healthline Editor II

Pros

• third-party tested
• formulated to be easy to digest
• contains DHA
• free of gluten and major allergens
• vegan
• non-GMO verified
• no artificial colors or fillers

Cons

• provides only 10% of recommended choline needs
• low in magnesium
• lacks calcium, vitamin A, and many B vitamins
• does not contain omega-3 EPA

Shop now at Ritual

Best prenatal vitamin for vegetarians

• Price: $$
• Type: tablets
• Dosage: 2 tablets per day
• Included nutrients: thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, choline, iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, and vitamins A, B6, B12, D3, E, and K

Formulated with organic, plant-based ingredients, this prenatal vitamin is designed to be easily digestible and can be taken on an empty stomach.

It also contains many key nutrients for a healthy pregnancy, including iron, choline, folate, and vitamins B6, B12, and D3 (2).

The supplement is also certified gluten-free and doesn’t contain soy or dairy products. However, while it is vegetarian-friendly, it isn’t suitable for vegans.

Pros

• nutritionally well-rounded
• contains more than 50% of choline needs
• certified gluten-free
• third-party certified glyphosate residue-free
• tested for 125+ herbicides and pesticides

Cons

• lacks magnesium and omega-3 DHA and EPA
• contains only 600 IU of vitamin D
• not vegan-friendly

Shop now at MegaFood

Editor’s pick of the best prenatal vitamin

• Price: $$$
• Type: capsules
• Dosage: 8 capsules per day
• Included nutrients: thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, choline, calcium, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, potassium, inositol, betaine HCL, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D3, E, and K

FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin was designed by dietitian and fertility expert Ayla Barmmer.

It’s considered one of the highest quality prenatals on the market and is the top overall pick of Jillian Kubala, MS, RD.

Each serving covers 55% of recommended choline needs and provides 4,000 IU of vitamin D per dose. It also includes folate — or folic acid — in the form of methylfolate, which is a more absorbable form of the nutrient.

It doesn’t contain iron, but this may be a positive aspect for some because iron intake and needs differ from person to person during pregnancy. Also keep in mind that the product should be combined with a DHA and EPA supplement.

Each batch undergoes independent third-party testing for harmful contaminants, including heavy metals.

FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin is highly rated, with customers mentioning how easy it is to digest. Several also note that they’ve noticed increased energy levels since switching to this product.

Pros

• third-party tested
• certificate of analysis (COA) available upon request
• high in choline, magnesium, and vitamin D
• uses chelated minerals for optimal absorption
• easy to digest
• no artificial colors or fillers

Cons

• does not contain iron (though this may be a positive for some)
• should be paired with an omega-3 supplement containing DHA and EPA
• requires a dosage of 8 capsules per day

Shop now at FullWell

Best trimester-specific prenatal vitamin

• Price: $$$
• Type: capsules
• Dosage: 1 pack per day, with food
• Included nutrients: thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, choline, iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, chromium, boron, omega-3 DHA, omega-3 EPA, and vitamins A, B6, B12, D3, E, and K. Some packs also contain probiotics and calcium.

Perelel is a subscription service that delivers prenatal supplements tailored to the trimester of pregnancy you’re currently in.

For example, the First Trimester Prenatal Support Pack contains extra folate, as well as added B6 and ginger to combat nausea.

The company was founded by an OB-GYN, and each product is free of artificial additives and third-party tested for accuracy and purity.

Just keep in mind that the First Trimester pack includes five capsules, which may be difficult to tolerate if you have morning sickness.

Pros

• third-party tested
• customized based on stage of pregnancy
• contains DHA and EPA

Cons

• expensive
• provides only 22% of recommended choline needs
• multiple capsules may be difficult to tolerate, especially during the first trimester

Get started now at Perelel

Best prenatal supplement powder

Root’d Prenatal Multivitamin Fizzy Drink Mix

• Price: $$
• Type: drink mix
• Dosage: 1 packet (5 grams) per day
• Included nutrients: thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, choline, calcium, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, sodium, potassium, lutein, Root’d organic superfood blend, Root’d probiotic and digestion blend, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D3, E, and K

Root’d Prenatal Multivitamin Fizzy Drink Mix is a powdered prenatal supplement that you can easily mix into water, juice, a smoothie, or another drink. This makes it a good choice for those who cannot tolerate swallowing pills or who get nauseated when taking multiple supplements per day.

The powder has a delicious lemon-berry taste and is sweetened with stevia, not sugar. For this reason, it’s a safe choice for those who need to monitor their blood sugar during pregnancy, such as people with diabetes or gestational diabetes.

Each packet of flavored powder provides 25 vitamins and minerals, including important nutrients necessary to promote health during pregnancy, such as folate, choline, and vitamin D.

This product covers only 8% of the recommended amount of choline, so you’ll need to include plenty of choline-rich foods, such as eggs, in your diet or take a separate choline supplement. Also, it’s lower in vitamin D than many other products on this list and does not contain omega-3s.

Root’d supplements are third-party tested, and a COA is available on the company’s website.

Pros

• third-party tested
• free of added sugar
• powder form that may be easier for some people to use

Cons

• low in choline and lower in vitamin D than some others on this list
• possible stevia aftertaste that some may dislike

Shop now at Amazon

Best prenatal vitamin with DHA

• Price: $
• Type: softgels
• Dosage: 1 softgel per day
• Included nutrients: thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, omega-3 DHA, omega-3 EPA, and vitamins A, B6, B12, D3, E, and K

This liquid softgel multivitamin combines DHA with folate, iron, and other essential nutrients to help you meet the nutritional demands of pregnancy.

Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA is third-party tested by U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) and has more than 33,000 mostly 5-star reviews online.

Plus, it’s one of the most affordable and easiest-to-find options on our list.

Pros

• contains DHA and EPA
• affordable
• USP-verified

Cons

• does not contain choline
• contains only 1,000 IU of vitamin D

Shop now at Amazon

Best gummy prenatal vitamin

• Price: $
• Type: gummies
• Dosage: 4 gummies per day
• Included nutrients: thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin, choline, iodine, zinc, selenium, sodium, inositol, omega-3 DHA, omega-3 EPA, and vitamins A, B6, B12, D3, E, K1, and K2

SmartyPants is a popular and easy-to-find supplement brand that offers a great option if you prefer gummy vitamins.

Specifically, the prenatal supplement features the omega-3s EPA and DHA, along with other important nutrients such as folate and B12.

Like most other gummies, this one doesn’t contain iron, which some people may prefer. Just be sure to ask your doctor for a recommendation for an iron supplement if needed.

Keep in mind that a serving of 4 gummies contains 6 grams, or 1 1/2 teaspoons, of added sugar. Therefore, the supplement might not be the best choice for people trying to manage their blood sugar levels, such as those with gestational diabetes.

Pros

• contains EPA and DHA
• easy to eat
• third-party tested

Cons

• contains 6 grams of added sugar per serving
• low in choline
• lacks certain nutrients, such as magnesium

Shop now at Amazon

• Price: $$
• Type: chewable tablets
• Dosage: 2 tablets per day
• Included nutrients: thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, betaine anhydrous, milk thistle extract, coenzyme Q10, zeaxanthin, boron, and vitamins A, B6, B12, D3, E, and K

Seeking Health Prenatal Essentials Chewables provide nutrients to support pregnancy in a chewable form. They’re a great option if you have trouble swallowing pills.

They also contain zero added sugars and are free of gluten, artificial colors and flavors, and common allergens such as peanuts and soy.

Pros

• third-party tested
• free of major allergens
• easy to consume

Cons

• lacks choline and omega-3 EPA and DHA

Shop now at Seeking Health

Best prenatal vitamin for morning sickness

• Price: $
• Type: tablets
• Dosage: 3 tablets per day
• Included nutrients: thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, and vitamins A, B6, B12, D3, E, and K

New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin contains 100% of your daily iron needs but is designed to be gentle on your stomach.

The supplement also contains ginger, which may help ease queasiness.

This product is made from all non-GMO ingredients and is both kosher and vegetarian-friendly.

Pros

• NSF-certified
• contains ginger, which may be helpful for nausea

Cons

• does not contain choline
• lacks omega-3 DHA and EPA
• requires 3 pills per day

Shop now at Amazon

Best prenatal protein powder

Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal Protein Powder

• Price: $$$
• Type: protein powder
• Dosage: 1 scoop per day
• Included nutrients: protein, carbs, fat, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, choline, calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, sodium, potassium, inositol, betaine HCL, CoQ10, red raspberry, ginger, taurine, acetyl-L-carnitine, L-carnosine, milk thistle extract, tocopherols, lutein, zeaxanthin, boron, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D3, E, and K2

Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal Protein Powder is a comprehensive prenatal supplement that packs 15 grams of highly absorbable pea protein isolate per 1-scoop (43. 8-gram) serving.

Protein is necessary for fetal growth and development and for your health during pregnancy, so it’s important to take in optimal amounts of this nutrient each day while you’re pregnant (3).

Because you can mix this powder into smoothies and other beverages, it may be easier to tolerate than pills or capsules when you’re experiencing nausea.

In addition to protein, this supplement contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including 45% of the recommended intake of choline and 2,000 IU of vitamin D.

Pros

• third-party tested
• provides 15 grams of protein per serving
• vegetarian-friendly
• easy to take

Cons

• does not contain omega-3s
• expensive
• includes only 15 servings per container
• contains 4 grams of added sugar per serving

Shop now at Amazon

Best prenatal omega-3 supplement

• Price: $
• Type: softgels
• Dosage: 2 softgels per day
• Included nutrients: EPA, DHA, other omega-3s, and vitamin D3

If your prenatal vitamin doesn’t cover your omega-3 needs during pregnancy, then you’ll want to purchase a separate omega-3 supplement like this one from Nordic Naturals.

During pregnancy, it’s recommended that women take in optimal amounts of omega-3 fats, including DHA. Omega-3s are essential for fetal brain and neuron development (4, 5).

Even though current recommendations state that pregnant women should increase their daily DHA intake by 200 mg, some experts suggest that higher amounts may be necessary to maintain optimal blood levels of omega-3s during pregnancy (5).

Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA provides 480 mg of DHA along with 205 mg of EPA, another omega-3 fat that’s essential to fetal development. The supplement also contains a small amount of vitamin D, another critical nutrient during pregnancy.

Keep in mind that this supplement isn’t vegan-friendly. However, Nordic Naturals offers a vegan prenatal DHA made with algal oil.

Nordic Naturals products are third-party tested for purity and potency, and customers can request a COA for all Nordic Naturals supplements on the company’s website.

Pros

• contains DHA and EPA
• includes 400 IU of vitamin D
• third-party tested

Cons

• not appropriate for vegans

Shop now at Amazon

Best prenatal choline supplement

Thorne Research Phosphatidyl Choline

• Price: $
• Type: gelcaps
• Dosage: 1 gelcap two or three times per day
• Included nutrients: choline

Choline is a nutrient that’s incredibly important during pregnancy and breastfeeding because it’s essential to fetal growth and development. However, many prenatal vitamins are missing or low in this key nutrient (1, 6).

If your prenatal contains a small amount of choline or none at all, consider taking a choline supplement such as this one from Thorne Research.

Thorne Research Phosphatidyl Choline covers 93% of choline needs during pregnancy in the form of phosphatidyl choline, the type of choline found in foods.

Thorne’s manufacturing facilities are third-party audited by NSF International, an organization that independently tests supplements for quality and potency and inspects manufacturing facilities.

Thorne also has an “A” rating from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), a regulatory agency run by the Australian Department of Health. Thorne products undergo four rounds of testing at in-house laboratories.

Pros

• covers 93% of choline needs during pregnancy
• gluten-free
• certified by NSF and TGA

Cons

• not appropriate for vegans
• requires multiple doses per day

Shop now at Amazon

Having trouble deciding which prenatal is right for you? Here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare:

*First Trimester pack includes an additional folate supplement, which offers 278% of the DV for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

**Third-party testing refers to testing by a third-party laboratory to ensure purity and potency of a product.

During pregnancy, your needs for vitamins, minerals, and trace elements increase significantly in order to support your health and the health and growth of the developing fetus (7).

For example, folate needs increase by 50% and iron needs increase by 150% (8, 9).

These and many other nutrients are essential for fetal and placental growth and the general health of the pregnant person, which is why they’re needed in larger amounts during pregnancy.

Taking a prenatal vitamin that contains all the nutrients needed to support a healthy pregnancy can help reduce the risk of deficiencies and ensure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals you need to keep yourself and your baby healthy.

In fact, most experts recommend taking a prenatal supplement for at least 3 months before becoming pregnant to ensure adequate stores of key nutrients, such as folate.

Other nutrients to look for in a prenatal vitamin include iodine, vitamin D, choline, B vitamins, and calcium. It can also be a good idea to choose a product with omega-3 fatty acids (7).

If you have pregnancy complications or other health concerns, your doctor might recommend a prescription prenatal supplement. Otherwise, you can find over-the-counter supplements at your local pharmacy or online.

While many products are available, you’ll want to choose a prenatal supplement that includes all the vitamins and minerals needed to support a healthy pregnancy.

Important nutrients in a prenatal vitamin

When shopping for a prenatal, there are a few things that you should look for.

A well-rounded prenatal should include a variety of nutrients that are in high demand during pregnancy, such as:

• B vitamins: Your body needs eight different B vitamins. During pregnancy, your needs for these nutrients increase. Most prenatal supplements include all eight B vitamins, but some include only a few. At a minimum, a prenatal should include B12, folate, and B6 (7).
• Choline: Choline needs increase significantly during pregnancy because choline plays an important role in placental and fetal development and the health of the pregnant person. Research suggests up to 95% of pregnant women don’t consume enough choline. A well-designed prenatal should cover at least some of your choline needs (1).
• DHA and EPA: You need more of these fatty acids during pregnancy because they’re important for fetal brain development. Some prenatals contain them, but most don’t. Most pregnant people take a separate DHA and EPA supplement, like a fish oil or algal oil supplement (4, 5).
• Vitamin D: Although the current recommended vitamin D intake during pregnancy is 600 IU — the same as for people who aren’t pregnant — needs during pregnancy are estimated to be much higher, at about 4,000 IU per day. Most prenatals contain much less, so you may need an extra vitamin D supplement (10, 11, 12).
• Minerals, including magnesium, iodine, and zinc: Needs for certain minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iodine, increase during pregnancy, so a good prenatal will cover some of these. Keep in mind that supplemental iron needs can vary from person to person, so iron should ideally be supplemented separately based on iron levels (7, 13).
• Vitamins A and C: Vitamin A is necessary for fetal eye and organ development, immune system function, and more. Vitamin C is necessary for fetal and maternal health, and maintaining optimal levels could help reduce your risk of complications such as preeclampsia and preterm birth (14, 15).

These are just some of the nutrients that are in higher demand during pregnancy. A well-rounded prenatal will provide the additional nutrients your body needs during pregnancy, but it should be used as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, a balanced diet.

Finally, in addition to taking a prenatal supplement, following a nutrient-rich diet that provides the appropriate amount of calories and micronutrients that are in high demand during pregnancy can support your health and decrease the risk of certain pregnancy-related complications.

Nutrients often missing in prenatal supplements

Most prenatals contain all or most of the micronutrients needed during pregnancy.

However, many prenatals fall short in a few areas, which is why it’s important to do your research before purchasing a prenatal supplement.

In particular, prenatal supplements are often lacking in these nutrients that are important during pregnancy (1, 5, 10, 16):

• choline
• omega-3 DHA and EPA
• vitamin D

Since each pregnancy is unique, your doctor or a registered dietitian may suggest a specific prenatal supplement based on your health needs.

Keep in mind

While prenatal supplements can certainly help fill gaps in your diet, they’re not a one-way ticket to superhuman health throughout your pregnancy.

It’s important to read nutrition labels and balance your intake of vitamins and minerals with a well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet.

A dietitian who specializes in nutrition during pregnancy can help you design a diet based on your preferences and specific health needs.

While many nutrients are essential, as explained above, your needs for some nutrient increase during pregnancy. These include calcium, iodine, magnesium, zinc, omega-3 DHA and EPA, all eight B vitamins, and vitamins A, C, and D.

Here is a quick look at which of these key nutrients our top picks contain or lack, as well as the amount of choline and vitamin D per serving:

*First Trimester pack includes an additional folate supplement, which offers 278% of the DV for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Keep in mind that our list also includes Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA and Thorne Research Phosphatidyl Choline, which may be helpful if your selected prenatal vitamin does not provide adequate amounts of omega-3s and/or choline.

Why are prenatal vitamins important?

During pregnancy, the need for micronutrients increases significantly. Health experts recommend taking a prenatal supplement before, during, and after pregnancy in order to meet your nutrient needs.

When should I start taking prenatal vitamins?

Experts recommend taking a prenatal supplement containing folate for at least 3 months before becoming pregnant.

Supplementing with folate — which is found in prenatal vitamins — before conception significantly reduces the chances of neural tube irregularities such as spina bifida (7).

A baby’s neural tube, which will develop into both the brain and the spinal cord, develops during the first month of pregnancy. That could happen before you even realize you’re pregnant.

If you aren’t already taking a daily prenatal vitamin, start taking one as soon as you find out you’re expecting. You’ll continue taking your prenatal vitamin every day during your pregnancy.

Experts also recommend continuing to take a prenatal supplement after you give birth.

This is because your body needs extra nutrients to support healing after delivery and requires more nutrients during breastfeeding. In fact, needs for many nutrients are even higher during breastfeeding than during pregnancy.

Do prenatal vitamins have any side effects?

Some people may feel nauseated after taking prenatal vitamins. If you’re having difficulty tolerating your prenatal, your doctor may recommend a different form of prenatal nutrients, such as a powder or chewable supplement.

Taking your prenatal vitamins with food or in the evening may be helpful if you’re experiencing bouts of morning sickness.

You may also experience constipation, especially if you’re taking a prenatal vitamin with large amounts of iron.

Be sure to drink lots of water and increase the fiber in your diet. You’ll also want to get regular exercise. Ask your doctor for advice if constipation becomes an issue.

Is it OK to take prenatal vitamins if you are not pregnant?

Yes, it’s OK to take prenatal supplements if you’re not pregnant. In fact, experts recommend taking prenatal supplements for at least 3 months before becoming pregnant.

They also recommend continuing to take a prenatal supplement after you’ve given birth, though there are several products on the market specifically designed for the postnatal period.

Do prenatal vitamins help you get pregnant?

Research shows that prenatal supplements have a beneficial impact on fertility, including increasing the chance of becoming pregnant and decreasing the time it takes to become pregnant (17).

What’s more, nutrient deficiencies can impact your ability to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy.

For example, deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate can impact your ability to become pregnant (17, 18, 19, 20).

Additionally, supplementing with a well-rounded prenatal that includes methylated folate and B12 may improve the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technology treatment (21).

Are prenatal vitamins FDA-approved?

While it sets strict standards for the labeling of supplements, the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements the same way that it does medications (22).

This means that the FDA doesn’t oversee the actual production and ingredients of prenatal vitamins.

This is why it’s best to choose a product that has been third-party tested to ensure that your prenatal vitamin contains the types and amounts of ingredients that it claims to on the label.

Are prescribed prenatals better than store-bought ones?

While prescription prenatals are available, they aren’t necessarily better than prenatal vitamins that you can purchase over the counter.

In fact, there are several high quality prenatal supplements that don’t require a prescription. However, one of the benefits of having a prescription prenatal is that your insurance may cover some or all of the cost.

Regardless of whether you opt for an over-the-counter or prescribed prenatal, what’s most important is that you choose a supplement that’s formulated to meet the unique nutritional demands of pregnancy.

Taking a prenatal supplement is recommended for all pregnant people. A well-rounded prenatal supplement can help you meet your nutrient needs before, during, and after pregnancy.

The prenatal products listed above are trusted by experts and can help ensure you’re getting the recommended amount of nutrients to keep you and your little one healthy.

Best prenatal vitamins for 1st and 2nd trimester

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Publication date: 07/26/2018

Article content

• Why should pregnant women take vitamins?
• What vitamins should pregnant women take?
• What vitamins do pregnant women need?
• The best vitamins for pregnant women: expert reviews

Why should pregnant women drink vitamins?

According to the book "Vitamania" by science journalist Katherine Price, the era of the popularity of vitamin supplements began in 1940. Its origin was facilitated by a number of discoveries of various substances - in high concentration they could treat scurvy and a number of other dangerous conditions. Taking advantage of the situation, the pharmaceutical business immediately began to massively launch vitamin complexes and various supplements for sale. Vitamins for pregnant women are especially useful - they allow you to saturate the body and improve the physiological state of a woman.

Let's see what prenatal vitamins are for. Many women believe that vitamins must be taken:

• before pregnancy
• when carrying a child

However, experts are not so unambiguous. Some doctors are sure that the body will independently determine the lack of substances and take them from the diet of a woman, others argue that a lack of vitamins can adversely affect the formation of the embryo.

It is better to stick to the golden mean:

1. Visit a gynecologist and consult with him, find out which vitamins pregnant women should take.
2. Pass blood tests for hormonal status and the presence of all necessary trace elements in the body.
3. Based on the results of the tests, the doctor will determine which vitamins the pregnant woman needs and will prescribe accordingly.

Many women take vitamins on their own, even before pregnancy. This is a completely acceptable tactic, vitamin complexes are harmless in most cases. But with an excess of substances, negative consequences are possible. In particular, if a woman has accumulated a lot of iron, she will feel worse:

• nausea
• constipation
• increased concentration of platelets in the blood

What vitamins should pregnant women take?

It is better to consult a specialist and get tested. Laboratory tests will determine the lack of certain elements, on the basis of which the doctor will make recommendations.

Vitamins are essential during pregnancy. The peculiarity of this condition is the formation of a new organism inside the woman. For its development, microelements and nutrients are taken from the main organism - from the mother. At some point, there will be a shortage of elements, which will lead to a deterioration in well-being:

• Lack of vitamin D and calcium will lead to brittle nails, hair, destruction of tooth enamel.
• Lack of magnesium and potassium will lead to convulsions, night awakenings due to spasm of the calf muscles.
• Lack of thiamine (vitamins of group B) leads to a violation of the mental state, in acute cases, psychosis is possible.

Vitamins are also important during lactation - if a woman took them during pregnancy, it is better to continue taking useful trace elements during lactation.

What vitamins do pregnant women need?

Let's find out which vitamins are best for pregnant women in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters separately.

Prenatal vitamins. 1st trimester

• Folic acid or vitamin B9. Promotes the full development of the cardiovascular and nervous systems of the fetus. With its lack, miscarriages are possible.
• Iodine. It is necessary to ensure the normal functioning of the thyroid gland of a woman. Its deficiency leads to mental disorders of the fetus and mother, to disorders of the endocrine system.
• Vitamins B. Contribute to the full development of the embryo. In particular, B12 is needed for the absorption of folic acid, it prevents anemia.
• Zinc. Its absence leads to underdevelopment of the systems and organs of the fetus, as well as to loss of hair and teeth in the mother.
• Calcium. It is necessary for the formation of the skeletal system of the child, as well as to prevent problems with bone tissues, teeth and nails in the mother.
• Vitamin A. Its use is recommended under medical supervision. An overabundance of the vitamin leads to malformations.
• Rutin. Strengthens the vascular system, avoids swelling in the second and third trimester. The additive contributes to the elasticity of the capillary walls, reducing stagnation in the venous channels.
• Lutein. Allows a pregnant woman to avoid potential retinal problems and maintain her vision. Also, the supplement has a positive effect on the intellectual development of the child.

If you are interested in the question of which prenatal vitamins to take in the first trimester, contact your gynecologist and ask them to refer you to the appropriate tests.

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Vitamins for pregnant women. 2nd and 3rd trimester

So, what vitamins for pregnant women in the 2nd and 3rd trimester will help maintain the health and improve the development of the child?

• Tocopherol or vitamin E. It is a natural antioxidant, takes part in tissue respiration. Its lack leads to the development of painful sensations in the muscles, to weakness and even to miscarriages.
• Cholecalciferol or vitamin D3. It is produced under ultraviolet light, so a pregnant woman should often walk under the sun. Improves the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.
• Retinol or Vitamin A. Beneficial effect on general nutrition and development of the embryo. With a lack of this vitamin, a child is born with a lack of weight, and anemia can be diagnosed in the mother.

Otherwise, you should also take the prenatal vitamins described above for the 1st trimester during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.

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The best vitamins for pregnant women: expert reviews

pay attention to the recommendations of gynecologists. You should look at the complexes of minerals and vitamin supplements designed specifically for women who are carrying a child.

So, what vitamins are needed for pregnant women? Experts often recommend:

• Multi-Tabs Perinatal. The complex consists of vitamins and dietary supplements, especially for pregnant women. The composition does not contain sugar, preservatives and chemical dyes. The composition is carefully selected, the complex itself is as natural as possible.
• Elevit Pronatal. The composition of the drug includes a high content of folic acid, magnesium, calcium and iron. But there is no iodine in the complex.
• Femibion ​​NatalCare I. Can be used before and during pregnancy. Contributes to the proper development of the fetus, improves metabolism and enhances the functions of the immune system.

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