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12 Best Prenatal Vitamins for a Healthy Pregnancy According to a Dietitian

Medically reviewed by Jerlyn Jones, MS MPA RDN LD CLT, Nutrition — By Jillian Kubala, MS, RD — Updated on October 24, 2022Share on PinterestWe 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.

A quick look at the best prenatal vitamins

Best prenatal vitamin subscription: Ritual Essential Prenatal MultivitaminBest prenatal vitamin for vegetarians: MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Prenatal MultiEditor’s pick of the best prenatal vitamin: FullWell Prenatal MultivitaminBest trimester-specific prenatal vitamin: Perelel Prenatal PacksBest prenatal supplement powder: Root d Prenatal Multivitamin Fizzy Drink MixBest prenatal vitamin with DHA: Nature Made Prenatal Multi DHABest gummy prenatal vitamin: SmartyPants Prenatal FormulaBest chewable prenatal vitamin: Seeking Health Prenatal Essentials ChewableBest prenatal vitamin for morning sickness: New Chapter Perfect Prenatal MultivitaminBest prenatal with protein: Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal Protein PowderBest prenatal omega-3 supplement: Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHABest 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.

How we chose the best prenatal vitamins

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 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) regulationsis manufactured in facilities that adhere to current good manufacturing practices established by the FDAis produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standardsis made by a company that provides objective measures of trust, such as having its supplements validated by third-party labs

Healthline s picks of the best prenatal vitamins

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: capsulesDosage: 2 capsules per dayIncluded 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 digestcontains DHAfree of gluten and major allergensvegannon-GMO verified no artificial colors or fillers

Cons

provides only 10% of recommended choline needslow in magnesiumlacks calcium, vitamin A, and many B vitaminsdoes not contain omega-3 EPA Shop now at Ritual

Best prenatal vitamin for vegetarians

MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Prenatal Dietary Supplement

Price: $$Type: tabletsDosage: 2 tablets per dayIncluded 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 KFormulated 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-roundedcontains more than 50% of choline needscertified gluten-freethird-party certified glyphosate residue-freetested for 125+ herbicides and pesticides

Cons

lacks magnesium and omega-3 DHA and EPAcontains only 600 IU of vitamin Dnot vegan-friendly Shop now at MegaFood

Editor s pick of the best prenatal vitamin

FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin

Price: $$$Type: capsulesDosage: 8 capsules per dayIncluded 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 both Jillian Kubala, MS, RD, and Healthline editor Kelli McGrane, 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 testedcertificate of analysis (COA) available upon requesthigh in choline, magnesium, and vitamin Duses chelated minerals for optimal absorptioneasy to digestno 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 EPArequires a dosage of 8 capsules per day Shop now at FullWell

Best trimester-specific prenatal vitamin

Perelel Prenatal Packs

Price: $$$Type: capsulesDosage: 1 pack per day, with foodIncluded 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 testedcustomized based on stage of pregnancycontains DHA and EPA

Cons

expensiveprovides only 22% of recommended choline needsmultiple 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 mixDosage: 1 packet (5 grams) per dayIncluded 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 KRoot 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 testedfree of added sugarpowder form that may be easier for some people to use

Cons

low in choline and lower in vitamin D than some others on this listpossible stevia aftertaste that some may dislike Shop now at Amazon

Best prenatal vitamin with DHA

Nature Made Prenatal Multi DHA

Price: $Type: softgelsDosage: 1 softgel per dayIncluded 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 KThis 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 EPAaffordableUSP-verified

Cons

does not contain cholinecontains only 1,000 IU of vitamin D Shop now at Amazon

Best gummy prenatal vitamin

SmartyPants Prenatal Formula

Price: $Type: gummiesDosage: 4 gummies per dayIncluded 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 DHAeasy to eatthird-party tested

Cons

contains 6 grams of added sugar per servinglow in cholinelacks certain nutrients, such as magnesium Shop now at Amazon

Best chewable prenatal vitamin

Seeking Health Prenatal Essentials Chewable

Price: $$Type: chewable tabletsDosage: 2 tablets per dayIncluded 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 KSeeking 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 testedfree of major allergenseasy to consume

Cons

lacks choline and omega-3 EPA and DHA Shop now at Seeking Health

Best prenatal vitamin for morning sickness

New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin

Price: $Type: tabletsDosage: 3 tablets per dayIncluded 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-certifiedcontains ginger, which may be helpful for nausea

Cons

does not contain cholinelacks omega-3 DHA and EPArequires 3 pills per day Shop now at Amazon

Best prenatal protein powder

Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal Protein Powder

Price: $$$Type: protein powderDosage: 1 scoop per dayIncluded 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 K2Seeking 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 testedprovides 15 grams of protein per servingvegetarian-friendlyeasy to take

Cons

does not contain omega-3sexpensiveincludes only 15 servings per containercontains 4 grams of added sugar per serving Shop now at Amazon

Best prenatal omega-3 supplement

Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA

Price: $Type: softgelsDosage: 2 softgels per dayIncluded nutrients: EPA, DHA, other omega-3s, and vitamin D3If 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 EPAincludes 400 IU of vitamin Dthird-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 dayIncluded 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 pregnancygluten-freecertified by NSF and TGA

Cons

not appropriate for vegansrequires multiple doses per day Shop now at Amazon

A comparison of the best prenatal vitamins

Having trouble deciding which prenatal is right for you? Here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare:Price rangeGood forDaily doseThird-party tested**VeganGluten-freeOmega-3Choline (% of the DV)Vitamin D3 (% of the DV)FullWell Prenatal$$$general pre- and postnatal health8 capsulesyesyesnono55%667%MegaFood Baby & Me 2$$whole-food ingredients2 tabletsnonoyesno55%100%Nature Made Prenatal Multi DHA$people on a tight budget1 softgelyesnoyesyes, DHA and EPA0%167%Root d Prenatal Multivitamin Fizzy Drink Mix$$people who prefer a powdered supplement1 packyesnoyesno8%233%New Chapter Perfect Prenatal$people with morning sickness3 tabletsyesnoyesno0%167%Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal Protein Powder$$$people who need to bump up their protein intake1 scoopyesnoyesno45%333%Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA$people who need additional omega-3s2 softgelsyesnoyesyes, DHA and EPA0%67%Perelel Prenatal Packs*$$$trimester-specific prenatals1 packyesnoyesyes, DHA and EPA22%333%Ritual Essential Prenatal$$bridging nutrient gaps in an otherwise balanced diet2 capsulesyesyesyesyes, DHA10%333%Seeking Health Chewable$$people who prefer chewable tablets2 tabletsyesnoyesno0%167%SmartyPants Prenatal$people who prefer gummy vitamins4 gummiesyesnoyesyes, DHA and EPA10%200%Thorne Research Phosphatidyl Choline$people who need additional choline2–3 gelcapsin-house testingnoyesno93%0% *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.

Why should you take a prenatal vitamin

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).

How to choose the best prenatal vitamin for you

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. 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):cholineomega-3 DHA and EPAvitamin 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.

Frequently asked questions

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.

The bottom line

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.

Food fix Best foods to eat when pregnant

Last medically reviewed on October 19, 2022ParenthoodPregnancyProducts & GearPregnancy Health

How we vetted this article

HistoryOur experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Oct 25, 2022 By Jillian Kubala MS, RD Edited By Kelli McGrane, MS, RD Copy Edited By Jill Campbell Oct 20, 2022 Medically Reviewed By Jerlyn Jones, MS MPA RDN LD CLT VIEW ALL HISTORY Share this articleMedically reviewed by Jerlyn Jones, MS MPA RDN LD CLT, Nutrition — By Jillian Kubala, MS, RD — Updated on October 24, 2022

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When Should You Start Prenatal Vitamins? Earlier Than You ThinkMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT If you're wondering when to start taking prenatal vitamins, it's probably time. We'll tell you why earlier is better.READ MOREHealthy Eating During PregnancyMedically reviewed by Kathy W. Warwick, R.D., CDE A healthy diet during pregnancy helps ensure your baby gets the best start possible. Taking prenatal multivitamins covers the basic requirements. But…READ MOREPrenatal Vitamins May Not Do Much for Women Who Take Them Pregnant women taking prenatal vitamins may not need them, according to a review of published research about the effectiveness. READ MORE17 Pregnancy Do’s and Don’ts That May Surprise YouMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT There are a lot of do’s and don’ts that come along with pregnancy. Learn which ones you should follow for a healthy pregnancy and baby.READ MOREWhen Is the Best Time to Take Vitamins?By Jillian Kubala, MS, RD Vitamin supplements are absorbed differently depending on their type. This article reviews the best time to take vitamins to promote optimal…READ MORESide Effects of Prenatal Vitamins: What They Are and How to Treat ThemMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT You know they're important, but are prenatal vitamins causing some of your discomfort? Read here for prenatal vitamin side effects and how to manage…READ MORETaking Prenatal Vitamins and Birth Control at the Same TimeMedically reviewed by Carolyn Kay, M.D. Taking birth control and prenatal vitamins at the same time isn’t harmful but shouldn't be done for a long period. Learn more about when to use them…READ MOREHealthy Pregnancy Discover how to maintain good health during your pregnancy for you and your baby.READ MOREVitamin D Deficiency May Increase Your Risk of Premature Death A recent study from the University of South Australia has found evidence to support a causal relationship between vitamin D deficiency and premature…READ MORE*clone Market VIP* The 11 Best Mattresses for Lower Back Pain in 2022Medically reviewed by Gregory Minnis, DPT These 11 picks are some of the best mattresses for lower back pain. Offering medium-firm support, they’ll help keep you aligned and rested.READ MORE