Between morning sickness, fleeting cravings, and random aversions, getting good nutrition during pregnancy can be tough. Even if you’re eating a balanced diet, it’s still possible to miss some essential nutrients.
Enter: prenatal vitamins. They’re an easy way to fill any gaps and support both your body and your baby’s growth and development.
Keep reading to see our picks of the 10 best prenatal vitamins.
What are Prenatal Vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins are a type of dietary supplement that are specifically formulated to meet the increased nutritional needs of women during pregnancy.
They typically contain a combination of essential vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin D, which are important for the healthy development of a fetus.
Prenatal vitamins are usually taken by women who are trying to become pregnant, as well as during the entire pregnancy period. They are also recommended for women who are breastfeeding.
Eating a healthy diet is always a wise idea — especially during pregnancy. It’s also a good idea to take a prenatal vitamin to help cover any nutritional gaps in your diet.
Why are prenatal vitamins important?
During pregnancy, you need more folic acid and iron than usual. Here’s why:
- Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects. These defects are serious abnormalities of the fetal brain and spinal cord. Ideally, you’ll begin taking extra folic acid at least 3 months before you become pregnant.
- Iron supports the development of the placenta and fetus. Iron helps your body make blood to supply oxygen to the fetus. Iron also helps prevent anemia, a condition in which blood has a low number of healthy red blood cells.
A quick look at the best prenatal vitamins
- Best overall Prenatal vitamin: FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin
- Best prenatal vitamin subscription: Ritual Essential Prenatal Multivitamin
- Best prenatal vitamins for vegetarians: MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Prenatal Multi
- Best trimester-specific prenatal vitamin: Perelel Prenatal Packs
- Best prenatal supplement powder: Needed Prenatal Multi
- Best prenatal vitamins 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 vitamins for morning sickness: New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin
- Best vegan prenatal vitamins for morning sickness: Best Nest Wellness Mama Bird Prenatal Multi+
How we chose the best prenatal vitamins
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 11 great options to consider.
We chose the supplements on our list based on the following criteria:
- Vetting. All the products included have been vetted to ensure that they meet Arrdos’s medical and business standards.
- 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.
We based the price ratings on the approximate monthly cost for each product:
$ = under $30
$$ = $30–$40
$$$ = over $40
Editor’s pick of the best prenatal
FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin
- Price: $$$
- Key ingredients: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, B vitamins, magnesium, selenium, choline
- Type: capsule
- Dosage: 8 capsules daily
- Certifications: third-party tested, GMP-certified
FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin was designed by dietitian and fertility expert Ayla Brammer. It’s considered one of the highest quality prenatal on the market and is the top overall pick of both Jillian Kubala, MS, and RD. Each serving covers 55% of recommended choline needs and provides 4,000 IU of vitamin D per dose. It also includes folate — or folic acid — in the form of methylfolate, which is a more absorbable form of the nutrient.
It doesn’t contain iron, but this may be a positive aspect for some because iron intake and needs differ from person to person during pregnancy. Also, keep in mind that the product should be combined with a DHA and EPA supplement. Each batch undergoes independent third-party testing for harmful contaminants, including heavy metals.
FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin is highly rated, with customers mentioning how easy it is to digest. Several also note that they’ve noticed increased energy levels since switching to this product.
Best prenatal vitamin subscription
Ritual Essential Prenatal Multivitamin
- Price: $$
- Key ingredients: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, B vitamins, choline, magnesium, DHA
- Type: capsule
- Dosage: 2 capsules per day
- Certifications: GMP-certified, third-party tested
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, so it’s still important to include sources of choline, such as eggs, in your diet. Additionally, while it does contain DHA omega-3, 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.
Best prenatal vitamins for vegetarians
MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Prenatal Multi
- Price: $$
- Key Ingredients: choline, iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, and vitamins A, B6, B12, D3, E, and K
- Type: tablets
- Dosage: 2 tablets per day
- Certification:
Supports optimal nutrition before & during pregnancy with key nutrients like iron & vitamin B12 paired with real food like organic oranges & broccoli
Includes methylated folate, the active form of folic acid, to support fetal health. And also includes choline to support fetal health
Formulated with organic, plant-based ingredients, this prenatal vitamin is designed to be easily digestible and can be taken on an empty stomach.
Best trimester-specific prenatal vitamin
Perelel Prenatal Packs
- Price: $$$
- Key Ingredients: vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 B5, B6, B12 (methylcobalamin), C, D, E, K, boron, choline, chromium, copper, folate (L-5-MTHF), iodine, iron
- Type: assorted capsules
- Dosage: 1 pack (5 capsules/day)
- Certifications: GMP-certified
Folate and Choline: the activated format of folate (L-5 Methylfolate) and a significant amount of choline, supports fetal neurodevelopment and DHA metabolism.
Vitamin D: vitamin D supports normal immune function
Chelated minerals: the chelated format of key minerals for optimal absorption, and a blend of vitamins to aid in a healthful pregnancy.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega 3 are crucial for your baby’s brain development and for supporting your mood.
B6 + Ginger: Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, or “morning sickness,” affects approximately 80 percent of pregnant women and can last up to your 12th week of pregnancy. Together, vitamin B6 + ginger create a powerful nausea-fighting force.
Best prenatal supplement powder
Needed Powdered Prenatal
- Price: $$$
- Key ingredients: sodium, potassium, mixed tocopherols, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D3, E, and K, choline
- Type: powder
- Dosage: 1 scoop (13.2 grams) per day
- Certifications: third-party tested, GMP-certified
Needed Prenatal Multi is an excellent prenatal multi-nutrient supplement that provides 4,000 IU of vitamin D and covers 100% of your choline needs.
The powder can be added to smoothies or lattes, so it’s a smart choice for people who can’t swallow pills or who get nauseated when taking multiple supplements per day. But it comes in a capsule form as well.
To use the powder, simply mix one scoop into your food or beverage of choice.
While the powder doesn’t include omega-3s, Needed also offers an omega-3 powder that’s designed specifically for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Best prenatal vitamins with DHA
Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA
- Price: $
- Key ingredients: vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12, C, D, E, K, calcium, folate, iodine, iron, magnesium, omega-3 (DHA and EPA), zinc
- Type: softgel
- Dosage: 1 softgel
- Certifications: USP-verified, GMP-certified
Nature Made® Prenatal Multi + DHA Softgels are formulated with key vitamins and minerals for nutritional support during pregnancy and DHA which may help support fetal brain and eye development. With clinically proven absorption of folic acid and iron, this Prenatal provides a full essential nutrient profile including all eight B vitamins, and vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, Prenatal Multi + DHA to support the development of the baby’s brain, nervous system, bones, and eyes.†
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals along with omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, to support the nutrient needs of nursing moms and their babies†
- DHA: may help support fetal brain and eye development†
- B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folic acid, and vitamin B12): support cellular energy production†
- Only 1 soft gel per day
- Nature Made® Postnatal Multi + 200 mg DHA is guaranteed to meet our high-quality standards. It’s made from carefully selected ingredients under strict manufacturing processes.
Best Gummy Prenatal Vitamins
SmartyPants Prenatal Formula
- Price: $
- Key Ingredients: 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
- Type: gummies
- Dosage: 4 gummies per day
- Third-party tested: Yes.
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.
Best Chewable Prenatal Vitamins
Seeking Health Prenatal Essentials Chewable
- Price: $$$
- Key ingredients: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, B vitamins, magnesium, selenium, choline
- Type: capsule
- Dosage: 8 capsules daily
- Certifications: third-party tested, GMP-certified
Prenatal Essentials Chewable offers a specialized prenatal formula designed to help meet the high nutritional needs of women who are pregnant or preparing for pregnancy – or anyone looking for a well-rounded multivitamin in an easy chewable format. This formula contains both folinic acid and L-5-MTHF, the most biologically available forms of folate, which are essential during pregnancy to support healthy brain development. L-5-MTHF works in conjunction with chelated minerals and coenzyme forms of B vitamins to support cardiovascular, neurologic, and immune health and normal cell growth. This formula is iron-free for maximal versatility.
Prenatal Essentials Chewable also contains two active coenzyme forms of vitamin B12: methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, which may help support healthy fetal development, energy metabolism, and methylation. The well-balanced vitamin B complex is complete with active forms of riboflavin and B6 to support healthy growth and development
Best prenatal multivitamins for vegetarians women.
Best prenatal vitamins for morning sickness
New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin
- Price: $
- Key ingredients: 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
- Type: tablets
- Dosage: 3 tablets per day
- Third-party tested: Yes.
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.
Best vegan prenatal vitamin for morning sickness
Best Nest Wellness Mama Bird Prenatal Multi+
- Price: $$$
- Key ingredients: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, B vitamins, magnesium, selenium, choline
- Type: capsule
- Dosage: 8 capsules daily
- Certifications: third-party tested, GMP-certified
Featuring probiotics, organic ginger root, organic chamomile, and an enzyme blend, this vegan prenatal multivitamin is designed to be easy on your stomach.
In fact, multiple reviewers mention that it’s the only prenatal they could stomach during bouts of morning sickness.
Best Nest Wellness Mama Bird Prenatal Multi+ includes methylated forms of certain vitamins, including folate and B12, for better absorption. It’s also vegan-friendly and free of artificial colors and flavors, GMO ingredients, and major allergens, including gluten.
One thing to note is it lacks omega-3 DHA and EPA. However, the company offers a bundle package that includes the prenatal multivitamin along with prenatal DHA, EPA, and probiotic supplements.
As one serving provides just 67% of recommended vitamin D, you may also want to add the company’s vegan vitamin D3 drops to your order.
While Mama Bird Prenatal Multi+ isn’t third-party tested, the company assures customers that all of its products are rigorously tested multiple times to ensure safety, quality, and purity
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.
For example, folate needs to increase by 50% and iron needs to increase by 150%.
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.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start taking prenatal vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins contain a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are meant to support people who are trying to conceive through the postpartum period.
Taking a prenatal vitamin as much as three months before getting pregnant could help improve egg quality, as well as ensure you are starting pregnancy with a solid foundation.
Plus, making sure you are not lacking in any nutrients is helpful if first-trimester nausea rears its head and getting adequate nutrient intake is difficult.
A prenatal or postpartum supplement after birth is also beneficial since a birthing parent’s body is depleted, and some nutrients are lost through nursing, making needs as high, if not higher, in some cases.
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?
While prenatal vitamins can help correct possible nutrient deficiencies, which may aid in conception, they are not a guarantee for establishing a pregnancy. Remember that prenatal vitamins are still meant to supplement a healthy diet. Ultimately, food intake, as well as stress and self-care practices, can determine the ability to conceive more than a vitamin.
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.
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 be on the label.
Are prescribed prenatal better than store-bought ones?
While prescription prenatal 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 women. 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.
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