8 Best Prenatal Vitamins, According to Dietitians

A quick look at the best prenatal vitamins

Our dietitians analyzed the ingredients, our medical vetting team evaluated the brands’ reputations and health claims, and our editors provided feedback on their experiences taking these prenatal vitamins. And the results are in.

Whether you’re looking for a pregnancy vitamin that will stay put when morning sickness hits or you want something that tastes good, these are eight options worth considering.

Note: The prenatal supplements on our list were purchased independently or by Healthline. Further, our opinions are ours alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the supplement manufacturers.

Healthline’s picks for the best prenatal vitamins

Comparing the best prenatal vitamins for pregnancy

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

Keep in mind that many companies, including FullWell and Ritual, offer additional supplements that provide key nutrients that missing in their prenatal formulas, such as DHA and EPA.

* 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.

Other helpful vitamins for pregnancy

How we chose the best prenatal vitamins

We considered the following factors:

• Nutritional content: We included products specifically formulated to meet the nutritional demands of growing a human. We also looked for products containing forms of nutrients that are easiest for your body to absorb.
• Ingredients: We looked for supplements made from high quality ingredients and free of artificial additives and preservatives.
• Quality testing: We included products that undergo testing for purity and potency, ideally by a third-party organization.
• Firsthand product testing: We included products that our team has personally used to support their pregnancies.

How to choose the best prenatal vitamin for pregnancy

If you have pregnancy complications or other health concerns, a healthcare professional might recommend a prescription prenatal supplement. Otherwise, consider the following factors when choosing the best over-the-counter (OTC) prenatal vitamin for you:

• Included nutrients and doses: While there are several key nutrients to look for in a prenatal vitamin to support a healthy pregnancy, the best prenatal is the one that best fits your nutritional needs. Be sure to talk with your OB-GYN or other healthcare professional about necessary nutrients and recommended doses.
• Supplement type: If you dislike swallowing pills, look for a prenatal that comes in a chewable, gummy, liquid, or powdered form.
• Recommended daily dose: Some prenatals feature a one-a-day formation, while others may require taking up to 8 pills daily. Be sure to consider the option that’s best for you. While only remembering to take one pill is more convenient, some people report better tolerance if they divide the dose throughout the day.
• Dietary needs: If you have any food allergies or dietary preferences, such as if you follow a vegan diet, be sure to read ingredient lists carefully to select a product suitable for your needs.
• Third-party testing: To ensure that the contents of your prenatal multivitamin match the label, look for products that are third-party tested by an organization such as Labdoor, NSF, USP, or UL Solutions.

Prenatal vitamin essentials

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

• B vitamins, including folate: Your body needs eight different B vitamins. During pregnancy, your need for these nutrients increases. 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.
• Choline: Choline needs increase significantly during pregnancy, as choline plays an important role in placental and fetal development. Research suggests up to 95% of pregnant people don’t consume enough choline. A well-designed prenatal should cover at least some of your choline needs.
• 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.
• 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.
• Iron: Iron needs increase during pregnancy. However, as iron intake varies greatly from person to person, iron should ideally be supplemented separately based on iron levels.
• Magnesium, calcium, iodine, and zinc: Needs for these minerals also increase during pregnancy, so a good prenatal will cover all or most of these.
• Vitamin A: Vitamin A is necessary for fetal eye and organ development, immune system function, and more.

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.

Folate vs. folic acid: What’s the difference?

Folate and folic acid are two different forms of vitamin B9, a nutrient involved in DNA synthesis, cell growth, and protein metabolism:

• Folate: a form that’s naturally found in a variety of foods, including leafy green vegetables, beans, nuts, and fruits
• Folic acid: a synthetic form of vitamin B9 that’s often added to supplements and fortified foods

Compared with the folate found naturally in foods, folic acid is absorbed more efficiently by the body.

Furthermore, folic acid is the only form of folate that has been proven to prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy.

For this reason, most health organizations recommend taking a folic acid supplement when trying to conceive and through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Read more about the differences between folate and folic acid.

But what about L-methylfolate?

Many prenatal supplements also contain L-methylfolate (also known as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, or 5-MTHF), which is the biologically active form of folate.

Because certain genetic mutations — including the MTHFR gene mutation, which affects about 25% of the global population — can affect the body’s ability to efficiently convert folic acid into its active form, supplementing with L-methylfolate might be a better option for some people.

In fact, a 2023 study found that this form was as effective as folic acid at increasing folate levels in pregnant people, while also reducing the risk of unmetabolized folic acid in the blood. While more studies are needed, some research suggests that high levels of unmetabolized folic acid may be harmful to health.

If you’re unsure which form of vitamin B9 is best for you, consult an OB-GYN or other healthcare professional for additional guidance.

Why should you take a prenatal vitamin?

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

For example, your folate needs increase by 50%, and your iron needs 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.

For example, supplementing with folate before conception significantly reduces the risk of neural tube irregularities such as spina bifida.

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.

When should I start taking a prenatal?

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.

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.

Do I need prenatal vitamins after I give birth?

Yes, experts also recommend continuing to take a prenatal supplement after you give birth, though there are also several products on the market specifically designed for the postnatal period.

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. Constipation can also be common, especially if your prenatal provides a large dose of iron.

If you’re having difficulty tolerating your prenatal, it’s important to talk with your healthcare professional. Here are some general tips for preventing or reducing side effects of prenatal vitamins:

• Take your prenatal with food or in the evening, especially if you’re experiencing bouts of morning sickness.
• Choose a prenatal with a form of iron that’s less likely to cause constipation, such as iron bisglycinate chelate.
• To prevent constipation, drink lots of water, increase the fiber in your diet, and get regular exercise.
• Consider trying a different form of prenatal nutrients, such as a powder or gummy supplement.

Frequently asked questions

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.

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