Mother To Baby. National Institutes of Health. Evidence-Based Recommendations for an Optimal Prenatal Supplement for Women in the U. Comparison of reported versus measured content of over-the-counter and prescription prenatal multivitamins and minerals.

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In This Article View All. In This Article. What to Look for in a Prenatal Vitamin. How Many Supplements Do You Need? Potential Side Effects. Trending Videos. The 10 Best Prenatal Vitamins, According to a Dietitian. Key Takeaways Multivitamins serve as a stopgap in case you're missing crucial vitamins from your diet.

Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.

Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Unlike many capsules or softgels, each pill is gelatin-free and sources vitamins and minerals from plant-based ingredients: vitamin D3 from lichen, vitamin E from sunflower and calcium and magnesium from marine algae, to name a few.

It also contains chelated iron, an altered form of the mineral that some feel is easier to digest without causing constipation. While some multivitamins lack choline, this one contains mg of it, plus easy-to-absorb methylated folate, both of which will help with baby's brain development.

Although you have to take three capsules per day, you can actually open the capsules and add the powder to food or drink if you'd prefer that route. Best Liquid Prenatal Vitamin Pink Stork Liquid Prenatal. Pros Can mix with other beverages women-owned company.

Cons No DHA not many servings in each bottle. Form: Liquid Serving size : One Tbsp. For moms-to-be experiencing nausea or hyperemesis gravidarum or for those who simply don't enjoy taking pills , Pink Stork Liquid Prenatal is a great option to consider.

Widely loved by expectant moms in the What to Expect community, this liquid prenatal packs in tons of the nutrients you need, like folic acid, iron and zinc, plus full daily values of vitamins including C, D, B6, B12 and more. It also includes mg of choline, which is good for baby's brain development.

What sets this prenatal apart from pills or gummies is its liquid formula which can be mixed with your favorite beverage to make it even easier to ingest.

You can, of course, take the one tablespoon dose daily by itself — but some reviewers note it has that standard vitamin taste, so adding it to another beverage may be ideal. Note, though, that this prenatal doesn't include DHA, so you may need to look for a supplement option to add on.

Best Prenatal Vitamin Subscription Ritual Essential Prenatal Multivitamin. Buying Option Ritual. Pros Two flavor options vegan traceable ingredients. Ritual is a subscription-based service, so you'll never have to remember to grab more prenatal vitamins when you run low.

The brand is big on only including ingredients that you can trace right to the source, with detailed descriptions about where each vitamin and mineral comes from to help you know exactly what you're putting in your body during this important time.

Included in each serving is vital nutrients for you and baby, including folate and iron, plus choline and DHA, all which aid in neural tube, brain and blood support. Choose from mint- or citrus-essenced pills for a nice taste that makes these pills more palatable than most.

It's important to point out that the supplements don't contain zinc or vitamins A or C, so talk to your doctor to see if you should be supplementing separately with these nutrients or if your regular diet includes enough of each naturally.

Ingredients to Look for in Prenatal Vitamins. Folic acid mcg : Folic acid helps form the neural tube , which is what forms the baby's brain and spine.

Vitamin A to mcg : "Vitamin A plays a role in the formation of the fetal eyes, ears, limbs and heart," says Dr. Vitamins C 80 to 85 mg and E 15 mg : "These two play an important role in fetal collagen production and supporting the mother's immune system," says Dr.

Large doses of vitamin C a day over 2, mg can cause symptoms like diarrhea, nausea and vomiting , so don't take additional supplements outside of what's in your prenatal without consulting your doctor.

Vitamin D 15 mcg or IU : Vitamin D is important with developing fetal bones as well as aiding maternal bone health. If your doctor suspects you may not be getting enough Vitamin D, she may recommend an extra supplement. Calcium 1, to 1, mg : All women ages 19 to 50 need at least 1, mg per day of this crucial nutrient which, in the case of pregnant women, helps build your baby's bones and teeth.

Iron 27 mg : During pregnancy, the amount of iron you need in a day greatly increases. This is because your body needs more iron in order to make more blood to supply oxygen to your baby.

If, like many women, you become anemic during pregnancy, your doctor may recommend an iron supplement or a different prenatal vitamin with more iron.

Zinc 11 to 12 mg : This mineral supports your immune system and healthy cell division. DHA : Regular prenatal vitamins may not contain DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in many types of fish that aid in baby's brain development , both before and after birth.

If you're unable to get the recommended two to three servings 8 to 12 ounces of pregnancy-safe fatty fish per week, ask your doctor if you should take a supplement. Other nutrients : You might also see several other additions on the label such as copper, choline, thiamin, vitamin B12, magnesium and ginger or vitamin B6 both may help with morning sickness.

Why do I need to take a prenatal vitamin during pregnancy? Health experts recommend taking prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy because they help the body meet the increased need for certain nutrients to support a growing fetus. Prenatal vitamins also help fill in nutritional gaps, especially in those who are having trouble eating well due to pregnancy nausea and food aversions.

When should I start taking prenatal vitamins? Start taking prenatal vitamins three months before you hope to conceive, suggests Dr. Taking supplemental folic acid — a key component of good prenatal vitamins — before you get pregnant can reduce the risk of neural tube defects , which affect the brain and spine.

But if you didn't start taking prenatals until you learned that you're pregnant, don't beat yourself up. Just like you can take prenatals before pregnancy, you can also take them after delivery.

Prenatal vitamins can actually help fill gaps in your diet and provide essential nutrients when you're breastfeeding, says Dr. You can talk to your healthcare provider about continuing to take a prenatal after you give birth to see what is best for you and for how long you should take it.

When is the best time to take prenatal vitamins? Ultimately, the best time to take a prenatal vitamin is whenever you will remember to take it though experts recommend you take it with food.

So if your mornings are particularly hectic, you may want to wait until nighttime to take your prenatal. Are there any side effects to prenatal vitamins? Prenatal vitamins can cause mild side effects, including: Constipation : "The pregnancy hormone progesterone can cause constipation , and then if you add an iron supplement, it can be tough," says Dr.

Drink plenty of water and make sure you're getting enough fiber in your diet. You can also ask your doctor about a stool softener to help keep things moving.

Nausea and vomiting : Iron can also make people feel queasy. To combat this, Dr. Rankins suggests taking prenatals with "easily digestible" foods such as crackers or applesauce. You may also need to take your vitamin at bedtime, switch brands or even experiment with different formulas to help relieve these symptoms.

Bright yellow urine : Large doses of B vitamins, like riboflavin, may give your urine a more colorful hue that's typically harmless, but always check with your doctor if you're concerned. If you struggle with side effects, ask your doctor about prescription prenatal vitamins. What ingredients should I look for in a prenatal vitamin?

Folic acid : mcg. Folic acid helps form the neural tube , which is what forms the baby's brain and spine. Vitamin A: to mcg "Vitamin A plays a role in the formation of the fetal eyes, ears, limbs and heart," says Dr. Vitamin D : 15 mcg IU. Vitamin D is important with developing fetal bones as well as aiding maternal bone health.

Calcium : 1, to 1, mg. All women ages 19 to 50 need at least 1, mg per day of this crucial nutrient which, in the case of pregnant women, helps build your baby's bones and teeth.

Iron : 27 mg. During pregnancy, the amount of iron you need in a day greatly increases. Zinc: 11 to 12 mg. This mineral supports your immune system and healthy cell division. DHA: Regular prenatal vitamins may not contain DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in many types of fish that aid in baby's brain development , both before and after birth.

Other nutrients: You might also see several other additions on the label such as copper, choline, thiamin, vitamin B12, magnesium and ginger or vitamin B6 both may help with morning sickness. View Sources. What to Expect When You're Expecting , 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Nutrition During Pregnancy , March American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Vitamin D: Screening and Supplementation During Pregnancy , Keep out of reach of children.

There is enough iron in this package to seriously harm a child. To exclude the diagnosis of a serious cause of infertility, consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use. Hypersensitivity has been known to occur; in which case, discontinue use. MATERNA Tablet:. Adults: 1 tablet daily with food prior to conception, during pregnancy, and when breastfeeding.

Take a few hours before or after taking other medications or natural health products. EACH TABLET CONTAINS: VITAMINS Beta-Carotene mcg Biotin 24 mcg Vitamin A vitamin A acetate mcg RAE Vitamin B1 thiamine mononitrate 0.

Non-Medicinal Ingredients:. MATERNA Tablet: acacia gum, carmine, carnauba wax, cellulose gum, citric acid, corn starch, dicalcium phosphate, dl-alpha tocopherol, ethylcellulose, glucose syrup, hyprolose, macrogol, magnesium stearate, maltodextrin, medium chain triglycerides, microcrystalline cellulose, modified food starch, mono and di-glycerides of fatty acids, polyvinyl alcohol, silicon dioxide, sodium ascorbate, stearic acid, sucrose, talc, titanium dioxide, trisodium citrate.

Product information is subject to change. Please refer to the product label or packaging for the most current nutrition and allergen information.

Just one tablet a day helps fulfill your vitamin and mineral needs before, during and after pregnancy.

Otherwise, you can find over-the-counter supplements at your local pharmacy or online. Since so many products are available, you may want to consider the following factors when shopping for the best prenatal vitamin for you:. A well-rounded prenatal should include a variety of nutrients that are in high demand during pregnancy, such as:.

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

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.

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

Some people may feel nauseated after taking prenatal vitamins. Constipation can also be common, especially if your prenatal provides a large dose of iron. Here are some general tips for preventing or reducing side effects of prenatal vitamins:. During pregnancy, the need for micronutrients increases significantly.

Health experts recommend taking a prenatal supplement before, during, and after pregnancy to meet your nutrient needs. The most effective prenatal vitamin is one that you tolerate best and can remember to take daily. However, it may also be beneficial to choose products that contain more readily absorbed forms of certain nutrients.

In fact, experts recommend taking prenatal supplements for at least 3 months before becoming pregnant. Research shows that prenatal supplements have a beneficial effect on fertility , including increasing the chance of becoming pregnant and decreasing the time it takes to become pregnant.

For example, deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate can affect your ability to become pregnant. Additionally, supplementing with a well-rounded prenatal that includes methylated folate and B12 may improve the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technology treatment.

While the FDA sets strict standards for the labeling of supplements, it does not regulate supplements in the same way as medications. However, one of the benefits of having a prescription prenatal is that your insurance may cover some or all of the cost. 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. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. If you're wondering when to start taking prenatal vitamins, it's probably time. We'll tell you why earlier is better. A healthy diet during pregnancy helps ensure your baby gets the best start possible.

Taking prenatal multivitamins covers the basic requirements. Prenatal nutrition can be confusing. This article explains which supplements are believed to be safe during pregnancy and which ones you should avoid. Learn which ones you should follow for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Vitamin supplements are absorbed differently depending on their type. This article reviews the best time to take vitamins to promote optimal…. Postnatal vitamins are crucial to feeling your best after giving birth. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press.

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Prenatal vitamins: Why they matter, how to choose Wonder if you need to take prenatal vitamins? By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for subscribing!

Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Show references Garner CD, et al. Nutrition in pregnancy. Accessed Jan. Preconception care. Mayo Clinic; National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Frequently asked questions.

Pregnancy FAQ Nutrition during pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Gabbe SG, et al. Nutrition during pregnancy.

In: Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. Elsevier; Butler Tobah YS expert opinion. Mayo Clinic. April 10, Products and Services Available Solutions for Prenatal Nutrition from Mayo Clinic Store A Book: Obstetricks A Book: Taking Care of You A Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy.

See also Air travel during pregnancy Allergy medications during pregnancy Ankle swelling during pregnancy Antibiotics and pregnancy Aspirin during pregnancy Pregnancy back pain Falling during pregnancy: Reason to worry? Fetal ultrasound Flu shot in pregnancy Headaches during pregnancy: What's the best treatment?

Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy: Prevention tips Leg cramps during pregnancy Placenta Pregnancy acne Pregnancy and fish Pregnancy constipation Pregnancy diet: Essential nutrients Pregnancy due date calculator Pregnancy exercises Pregnancy nutrition don'ts Pregnancy stretches Pregnancy weight gain Pregnant.

Now What Happens? Prenatal testing Sex during pregnancy Twin pregnancy Vaccines during pregnancy Vaping during pregnancy Working during pregnancy X-ray during pregnancy Show more related content. Health experts recommend taking prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy because they help the body meet the increased need for certain nutrients to support a growing fetus.

Prenatal vitamins also help fill in nutritional gaps, especially in those who are having trouble eating well due to pregnancy nausea and food aversions. When should I start taking prenatal vitamins? Start taking prenatal vitamins three months before you hope to conceive, suggests Dr.

Taking supplemental folic acid — a key component of good prenatal vitamins — before you get pregnant can reduce the risk of neural tube defects , which affect the brain and spine. But if you didn't start taking prenatals until you learned that you're pregnant, don't beat yourself up.

Just like you can take prenatals before pregnancy, you can also take them after delivery. Prenatal vitamins can actually help fill gaps in your diet and provide essential nutrients when you're breastfeeding, says Dr.

You can talk to your healthcare provider about continuing to take a prenatal after you give birth to see what is best for you and for how long you should take it.

When is the best time to take prenatal vitamins? Ultimately, the best time to take a prenatal vitamin is whenever you will remember to take it though experts recommend you take it with food. So if your mornings are particularly hectic, you may want to wait until nighttime to take your prenatal.

Are there any side effects to prenatal vitamins? Prenatal vitamins can cause mild side effects, including: Constipation : "The pregnancy hormone progesterone can cause constipation , and then if you add an iron supplement, it can be tough," says Dr.

Drink plenty of water and make sure you're getting enough fiber in your diet. You can also ask your doctor about a stool softener to help keep things moving.

Nausea and vomiting : Iron can also make people feel queasy. To combat this, Dr. Rankins suggests taking prenatals with "easily digestible" foods such as crackers or applesauce. You may also need to take your vitamin at bedtime, switch brands or even experiment with different formulas to help relieve these symptoms.

Bright yellow urine : Large doses of B vitamins, like riboflavin, may give your urine a more colorful hue that's typically harmless, but always check with your doctor if you're concerned.

If you struggle with side effects, ask your doctor about prescription prenatal vitamins. What ingredients should I look for in a prenatal vitamin? Folic acid : mcg. Folic acid helps form the neural tube , which is what forms the baby's brain and spine.

Vitamin A: to mcg "Vitamin A plays a role in the formation of the fetal eyes, ears, limbs and heart," says Dr. Vitamin D : 15 mcg IU. Vitamin D is important with developing fetal bones as well as aiding maternal bone health. Calcium : 1, to 1, mg.

All women ages 19 to 50 need at least 1, mg per day of this crucial nutrient which, in the case of pregnant women, helps build your baby's bones and teeth. Iron : 27 mg. During pregnancy, the amount of iron you need in a day greatly increases.

Zinc: 11 to 12 mg. This mineral supports your immune system and healthy cell division. DHA: Regular prenatal vitamins may not contain DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in many types of fish that aid in baby's brain development , both before and after birth.

Other nutrients: You might also see several other additions on the label such as copper, choline, thiamin, vitamin B12, magnesium and ginger or vitamin B6 both may help with morning sickness. View Sources. What to Expect When You're Expecting , 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Nutrition During Pregnancy , March American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Vitamin D: Screening and Supplementation During Pregnancy , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Folic Acid Helps Prevent Serious Birth Defects of the Brain and Spine , September Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Maternal Diet , September Jill Purdie, M.

Mayo Clinic, Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy: Prevention tips , February Mayo Clinic, Iron Supplement Oral Route, Parenteral Route , August Mayo Clinic, Prenatal Vitamins: Why They Matter, How to Choose , May Mayo Clinic, Riboflavin Oral Route , February Mayo Clinic, Vitamin A , November National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Comparison of the Effectiveness of Ginger and Vitamin B6 for Treatment of Nausea and Vomiting in Early Pregnancy , January National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, The Effects of Vegetarian and Vegan Diet during Pregnancy on the Health of Mothers and Offspring , March National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Maternal Omega-3 Nutrition, Placental Transfer and Fetal Brain Development in Gestational Diabetes and Preeclampsia , May National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Vitamin D Deficiency and Antenatal and Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review, April National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Vitamin D Effects on the Immune System from Periconception through Pregnancy, May National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Zinc Supplementation for Improving Pregnancy and Infant Outcome , February National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, Folate , March National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, Vitamin A , January National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, Vitamin A Fact Sheet for Health Professionals , March National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, Vitamin C , March National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, Vitamin E , March National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, Vitamin D , March National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, Calcium , November National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, Iodine , March National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, Iron , March National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, Zinc , December Nicole Rankins , M.

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