Finding out you're pregnant is an emotional event. It can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once. Suddenly, your body is growing a beautiful new human being! Picking out the best prenatal vitamin is one of the first steps you'll take to ensure your baby grows healthy and strong.
Selecting the right prenatal vitamin is crucial for the health and wellness of both you and your growing baby. Numerous options are available today. However, a few standout prenatal vitamins consistently earn praise for their quality and ingredients.
We're here to help you pick the best prenatal vitamin for your unique needs and preferences. Plus, we'll walk you through what to look for in a quality prenatal supplement.
What Prenatal Supplement Ingredients Support a Healthy Pregnancy?
The ingredients of your prenatal vitamin may seem to run a mile long. Which vitamins and minerals are essential? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists provides a helpful list of important nutrients. You can check the ingredient lists of prenatal vitamins to see which ones include the most vitamins and minerals.
- Calcium (1,000 mg)
- Iron (27 mg)
- Iodine (220 μg)
- Choline (450 mg)
- Vitamin A ( 770 μg)
- Vitamin C (85 mg)
- Vitamin D (600 international units)
- Vitamin B6 (1.9 mg)
- Vitamin B12 (2.6 μg)
- Folic acid/Folate (600 μg)
- Omega-3 Fatty Acid (200-300 mg that is ideally omega-3 DHA)
Remember, you can get some of these vitamins and minerals from your diet. For example, you can get choline from chicken, eggs, beef, milk, soy products, and peanuts. Or, you can meet your omega-3 fish oil requirements by eating fatty fish a few times a week. The American Pregnancy Association recommends that pregnant women eat low-mercury fish like salmon, shrimp, tilapia, and tuna.
Some vitamins and minerals will be impossible to get enough of from only your diet. So, make sure these are on the ingredients list of your prenatal vitamin.
Folic acid is an essential nutrient for brain and spinal cord development. Including folic acid in your prenatal vitamin is the best way to ensure you get your daily dose.
Iron is another important ingredient you won't want to miss. During pregnancy, your blood volume may increase by 50% or more! That means you need a lot of extra iron.
7 Best Prenatal Vitamins
Below, discover the top 7 best prenatal vitamins. We'll cover each one's high points, ingredients, and considerations.
1. Favorite Prenatal Vitamin: Needed Prenatal Multi - $26.79
Needed Prenatal Multi is our favorite prenatal vitamin overall. Order a subscription and this comprehensive vitamin will arrive at your door each month.
Yes, you have to take 3 pills every day. Here's some pro advice: split your dose between breakfast and lunch. That way, taking the dose is even easier.
This prenatal includes lots of extra support for your overall health as a mother. Do keep in mind that it doesn't include iron. So, you'll need to purchase iron supplements separately. Also, not all ingredients listed provide 100% of the recommended daily values.
On the plus side, Needed performs third party testing on every batch. So, rest assured this supplement is safe.
Ingredients: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Thiamin, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Choline, Calcium, Iodine, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Manganese, Chronium, Molybdenum, Vitamin K
2. Easiest to Take Best Prenatal Vitamin: Ritual Essential Prenatal Multivitamin - $39
Nausea in pregnancy is tough, especially during the first trimester. Taking these pills is easy. You only need to take two, and they are on the smaller side as far as prenatals go. Plus, they come with a pleasant mint or lemon scent.
Ritual also does a great job of hitting essential vitamins. That said, multivitamin is missing calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C. You can make up for these missing ingredients with your diet.
One of the standout features of Ritual Prenatal Vitamins is their commitment to transparency. They provide detailed information about the sources of each ingredient. That gives you peace of mind.
Ingredients: Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Folate, Vitamin B12, Biotine, Choline, Iron, Iodine, Magnesium, Boron, Omega-3 DHA, Vitamin K
3. Best Organic Prenatal Vitamin: Garden of Life Prenatal - $39.19
If you prefer whole foods and organically sourced vitamins, this is the choice for you. Garden of Life easily makes the best organic prenatal vitamin.
It meets 100% or more of the daily values of most of the ingredients and also includes a fruit and vegetable blend. Ingredients like garlic and onion can boost your immune system. That's a major plus in pregnancy. No one wants to be sick during this important time.
Ingredients: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folate, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Iron, Iodine, Zinc, Selenium, Manganese, Chronium, Molybdenum
4. Best Nourishing Throughout Pregnancy: Thorne Basic Prenatal - $30
Often recommended for its high-quality ingredients, Thorne Research Basic Prenatal contains bioavailable forms of essential nutrients. Free from unnecessary additives, it is a clean and effective supplement.
This formula is perfect for pregnancy and beyond. Breastfeeding mothers can continue to take this supplement, as it contains calcium and Vitamin D.
Ingredients: Biotin, Boron, Calcium, Choline, Chronium, Copper, Folate, Iodine, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Zinc
5. Essential Nutrient Prenatal Vitamin: Natalist Prenatal Daily Packets - $60
Natalist is one of the few brands to include all the recommended vitamins and minerals. A few ingredients don't match the complete daily recommended allowance, but they're all there!
This does mean that you'll need to take 5 capsules a day. That said, you'll have peace of mind knowing you're doing everything possible to support your baby's growth and development. Plus, you'll meet your own nutritional needs and reduce the chance for pregnancy complications.
These aren't the cheapest prenatal vitamins. Yet, you won't have to supplement with anything else, as the Natalist has everything you need.
Ingredients: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folate, Biotin, Choline, Calcium, Iron, Iodine, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Menaquinone, Omega-3 DHA
6. Most Complete Prenatal Vitamin: Bird&Be - $60
Also featuring all the vitamins and minerals recommended for pregnancy, Bird&Be makes one of the best prenatal vitamins. Plus, these vitamins are also great throughout your journey. From trying to conceive throughout your pregnancy, Bird&Be will be with you.
You'll take eight pills daily. Each set of pills is in a convenient little pouch. That way, you won't miss any of them. Take them all at once or throughout the day.
Reduce the risk of complications with this complete vitamin! Although it's pricier than other brands, Bird&Be's vitamins give you all the vitamins and minerals you need.
Ingredients: Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Biotin, Calcium, Choline, Chronium, Copper, Folate, Iodine, Iron, Magnesium, Molybdenum, Selenium, Zinc, Omega-3 DHA, CoQ10 Coenzyme, L-Carnitine, NAC: N-Acetyl Cysteine, Trans-Resveratrol
7. Best Gummy Prenatal Vitamins: Smarty Pants - $26.78
If you can't stomach pills, try these gummies! Smarty Pants makes the best gummy prenatal vitamins. Choose your favorite flavor which include lemon, orange, and strawberry banana. Plus, it's allergy free.
Still, you’ll pack in your nutrients with four tasty gummies. This prenatal does lack iron and calcium, so make sure you get those elsewhere.
You can continue to take these gummy prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding.
Ingredients: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folate, Biotin, Choline, Iodine, Zinc, Selenium, Omega-3 DHA, Inositol
When and How to Take Your Prenatal Supplement
Taking your prenatal supplement is important. Remember, it's best to find a supplement that you will take daily and that you can tolerate. So, if you try one and find that it's too hard to take, try a different brand.
Doctors recommend starting your prenatal when you start trying to conceive. Why? The best prenatal vitamins include folate, which helps support brain and spinal cord development. The brain and spine develop in early pregnancy. So, the sooner you start taking them, the better.
Your body also needs extra nutrients while breastfeeding. So, if you plan to breastfeed, be sure to continue taking your vitamins during this time.
Follow the instructions on your prenatal vitamins so that you take the correct amount. In most cases, you can take the pills together or throughout the day. Taking the vitamins with food can help reduce side effects like nausea. If you can't tolerate much food, try having a small snack such as crackers.
What Are Prenatal Vitamin Side Effects
Sometimes, it's hard to tell what side effects are related to your vitamins and which complaints are normal parts of pregnancy. If you have a hard time with your vitamins, be sure to let your doctor know. They might be able to help you choose a better option with fewer side effects.
Fortunately, most prenatal vitamins don't cause serious side effects. The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, or constipation.
Iron specifically may cause constipation. You can help ease constipation by drinking plenty of water. Also, eat foods with lots of fiber.
Another common side effect is hair loss or dry skin. Vitamin A may cause these effects. Be careful not to overdose on Vitamin A, as it can cause problems for your growing baby.
Even the best gummy prenatal vitamins may cause a sugar spike. This is only important to keep in mind if you have diabetes or gestational diabetes. Other vitamins can also boost your glucose levels temporarily. So, be sure to work closely with your doctor to select the best prenatal vitamin.
What Is the Best Prenatal Vitamin?
Which is the best prenatal vitamin? Ultimately, that answer is different for each person. Most importantly, look for a vitamin that matches your doctor's recommendations for vitamins and minerals.
Also, keep your budget in mind as you shop. Some prenatal vitamins appear to be cheaper but don't contain all the vitamins you'll need. So, you'll have to factor in the additional cost of another supplement.
We hope you find this list of best prenatal vitamins useful for you as you begin or continue your pregnancy journey. We wish you all the best as you grow your beautiful baby.
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