12 Best Prenatal Vitamins for a Healthy Pregnancy, According to Dietitians

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Registered dietitians selected the best prenatal vitamins based on needs and key ingredients. On the list: Ritual, MegaFood, Root’d, Natalist, SmartyPants, and more.

• Best prenatal vitamin subscription:Ritual Essential Prenatal Multivitamin | Skip to Review
• Best prenatal for vegetarians:MegaFood Baby and Me 2 Prenatal Multi | Skip to Review
• Best personalized subscription prenatal:Care/of Prenatal | Skip to Review
• Best comprehensive prenatal vitamin:FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin | Skip to Review
• Best trimester-specific prenatal vitamin:Perelel Prenatal Packs | Skip to Review
• Best prenatal powder:Root’d Prenatal Multivitamin Fizzy Drink Mix | Skip to Review
• Best prenatal with DHA:Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA | Skip to Review
• Best prenatal gummies:SmartyPants Prenatal Formula | Skip to Review
• Best chewable prenatal:Seeking Health Prenatal Essentials Chewable | Skip to Review
• Best prenatal for morning sickness:New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin | Skip to Review
• Best prenatal protein powder: Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal Protein Powder | Skip to Review
• Best vegan-friendly prenatal:Natalist Prenatal Daily Packets | Skip to Review

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.

Despite the arguments of political opponents to the contrary, premium increases had been going on for decades before the passage of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. In fact, the average rate of yearly premium increases decreased after the law was passed in 2010, according to Forbes.

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.

When choosing the best prenatal vitamins for pregnancy, 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 Austra Health’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.

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:

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Best prenatal vitamin subscription

Ritual Essential Prenatal Multivitamin

• Price: $$
• Type: capsules
• Dosage: 2 capsules per day
• Included nutrients: folate, biotin, choline, iron, iodine, magnesium, boron, omega-3 DHA, and vitamins B12, D3, E, and K

Why we love it

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 ).

What our tester says

“I found Ritual’s Essential for Women Prenatal to be a great prenatal vitamin option 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, Austra Health Editor II

Pros

• third-party tested
• formulated to be easy to digest
• contains DHA
• vegan, non-GMO verified, and free of gluten and major allergens
• no artificial colors or fillers

Cons

• provides only 10% of recommended choline needs
• not as comprehensive as others on our list

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Christine Luna WIFE, MOM OF 3, AND A TRAINER

The right prenatal

It wasn’t until my third pregnancy that I felt my best. I truly believe it was because I stopped taking whatever prenatal vitamin was on sale, just to check the “I took my prenatals” box, and instead started investing in a quality prenatal vitamin: Ritual Essential Prenatal. Read full article

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Best prenatal for vegetarians

MegaFood Baby and Me 2 Prenatal Dietary Supplement

• Price: $$
• Type: tablets
• Dosage: 2 tablets per day
• Included 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 K

Why we love it

Formulated 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-rounded
• contains more than 50% of choline needs
• certified gluten-free
• third-party certified glyphosate residue-free
• tested for 125+ herbicides and pesticides

Cons

• lacks magnesium and the omega-3s DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
• contains only 600 IU of vitamin D
• not vegan-friendly

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Best personalized subscription prenatal

Care/of Prenatal

• Price: $
• Type: tablets
• Dosage: 3 tablets per day
• Included nutrients: folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, choline, calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, chromium, potassium, boron, silica, mixed tocopherols, and vitamins A, C, D3, E, B6, B12, and K2

Why we love it

Care/of is a subscription supplement service that provides personalized product recommendations and creates a supplement routine tailored to your needs.

This prenatal supplement contains 22 essential vitamins and minerals to support a healthy pregnancy and is formulated to be gentle on your stomach and easy to absorb.

It’s also delivered in daily packs for added convenience and is vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free, non-GMO, and free of major allergens.

While it does not contain omega-3 DHA and EPA, you can easily add an omega-3 supplement to your Care/of daily pack.

Pros

• third-party tested
• gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegetarian-friendly
• easy to digest and absorb
• affordable
• option to add an omega-3 DHA and EPA supplement to your subscription

Cons

• lacks omega-3 DHA and EPA
• provides only 20% of choline needs

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Best comprehensive prenatal

FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin

• Price: $$$
• Type: capsules
• Dosage: 8 capsules per day
• Included 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

Why we love it

FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin was designed by dietitian and fertility expert Ayla Barmmer, and it’s one of the most comprehensive prenatal vitamins on the market.

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 does not 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 this product should be combined with the company’s DHA and EPA supplement.

FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin is highly rated, with customers mentioning how easy it is to digest. Several also say they’ve noticed increased energy levels since switching to this product.

Pros

• third-party tested; certificate of analysis (COA) available
• high in choline, magnesium, and vitamin D
• uses chelated minerals for optimal absorption
• easy to digest
• no artificial colors or fillers

Cons

• expensive, especially when paired with the company’s omega-3 supplement
• does not contain iron — though this may be a positive for some
• should be paired with an omega-3 supplement containing DHA and EPA
• requires a dosage of 8 capsules per day

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Best trimester-specific prenatal vitamin

Perelel Prenatal Packs

• Price: $$$
• Type: capsules
• Dosage: 1 pack per day, with food
• Included 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.

Why we love it

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.

What our tester says

“During my first pregnancy, I quickly learned that I wasn’t great about remembering to take my prenatal, omega-3 supplement, and additional choline supplement. Plus, three bottles was a lot to keep track of. After learning about Perelel, I figured I’d give it a try.

“While I’ve only been using it for a few months, so far I’ve appreciated having all of my supplements in one daily pack. The packs have also come in handy for trips up to the mountains and a recent vacation, as I can simply bring a few packs rather than multiple bulky bottles.

“Most importantly, I haven’t experienced any fishy burps or additional nausea since starting them, and I’ve found the automatic monthly renewal process to be a breeze — it’s been so nice not having to remember to reorder my prenatal each month.

“My only tip is to quickly swallow the omega-3 pill as it has a fishy taste if you let it sit on your tongue for a few seconds too long.”

— Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, Austra Health Nutrition Editor II

Pros

• third-party tested
• customized based on stage of pregnancy
• contains DHA and EPA

Cons

• expensive
• provides only 22% of recommended choline needs
• multiple capsules may be difficult to tolerate, especially during the first trimester

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Best prenatal powder

Root’d Prenatal Multivitamin Fizzy Drink Mix

• Price: $$
• Type: drink mix
• Dosage: 1 packet (5 grams) per day
• Included 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 K

Why we love it

Root’d Prenatal Multivitamin Fizzy Drink Mix is a powdered prenatal supplement that you can easily mix into any beverage. This makes it a good choice for those who cannot tolerate swallowing pills or feel nauseous taking multiple supplements.

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.

Pros

• third-party tested; COA available
• free of added sugar
• powder form that may be easier for some people to use

Cons

• low in choline and lower in vitamin D than some others on this list
• possible stevia aftertaste that some may dislike

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Best prenatal with DHA

Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA

• Price: $
• Type: softgels
• Dosage: 1 softgel per day
• Included 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 K

Why we love it

This 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 EPA
• affordable
• USP-verified

Cons

• does not contain choline
• contains only 1,000 IU of vitamin D

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Best prenatal gummies

SmartyPants Prenatal Formula

• Price: $
• Type: gummies
• Dosage: 4 gummies per day
• Included 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

Why we love it

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. 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 DHA
• easy to eat
• third-party tested

Cons

• contains 6 grams of added sugar per serving
• low in choline
• lacks certain nutrients, such as magnesium

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Best chewable prenatal

Seeking Health Prenatal Essentials Chewable

• Price: $$
• Type: chewable tablets
• Dosage: 2 tablets per day
• Included 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 K

Why we love it

Seeking 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 tested
• free of major allergens
• easy to consume

Cons

• lacks choline and omega-3 EPA and DHA

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Best prenatal for morning sickness

New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin

• Price: $
• Type: tablets
• Dosage: 3 tablets per day
• Included 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

Why we love it

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-certified
• contains ginger, which may be helpful for nausea

Cons

• does not contain choline
• lacks omega-3 DHA and EPA
• requires 3 pills per day

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Best prenatal protein powder

Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal Protein Powder

• Price: $$$
• Type: protein powder
• Dosage: 1 scoop per day
• Included 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 K2

Why we love it

Seeking 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 tested
• provides 15 grams of protein per serving
• vegetarian-friendly
• easy to take

Cons

• does not contain omega-3s
• expensive
• includes only 15 servings per container
• contains 4 grams of added sugar per serving

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Best vegan-friendly prenatal

Natalist Prenatal Daily Packets

• Price: $$$
• Type: capsules
• Dosage: 5 capsules per day
• Included nutrients: thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin, choline, calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, omega-3 DHA, and vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, B12, and K2

Why we love it

Natalist Prenatal Daily Packets are a doctor-formulated, vegan-friendly supplement designed to help round out your diet and provide essential nutrients for pregnancy, including iron, omega-3 DHA, and vitamin D.

In addition to being third-party tested, these prenatal vitamins are free of artificial ingredients and available in convenient daily packets

However, each pack includes five capsules, which might not be ideal for those who have morning sickness or difficulty swallowing pills.

Pros

• third-party tested
• vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and free of gluten and major allergens
• free of artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors
• contains omega-3 DHA

Cons

• expensive
• lacks omega-3 EPA
• provides only 27% of choline needs
• requires 5 capsules per day

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

Price range	Good for	Daily dose	Third-party tested**	Vegan	Gluten-free
Care/of Prenatal	$	personalized subscription prenatals	3 tablets	yes	no	yes
FullWell Prenatal	$$$	general pre- and postnatal health	8 capsules	yes	yes	no
MegaFood Baby and Me 2	$$	whole-food ingredients	2 tablets	no	no	yes
Natalist Prenatal Daily Packets	$$$	people looking for a vegan-friendly prenatal	5 capsules	yes	yes	yes
Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA	$	people on a tight budget	1 softgel	yes	no	yes
New Chapter Perfect Prenatal	$	people with morning sickness	3 tablets	yes	no	yes
Perelel Prenatal Packs*	$$$	trimester-specific prenatals	1 pack	yes	no	yes
Ritual Essential Prenatal	$$	bridging nutrient gaps in an otherwise balanced diet	2 capsules	yes	yes	yes
Root’d Prenatal Multivitamin Fizzy Drink Mix	$$	people who prefer a powdered supplement	1 pack	yes	no	yes
Seeking Health Chewable	$$	people who prefer chewable tablets	2 tablets	yes	no	yes
Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal Protein Powder	$$$	people who need to bump up their protein intake	1 scoop	yes	no	yes
SmartyPants Prenatal	$	people who prefer gummy vitamins	4 gummies	yes	no	yes

*First Trimester pack includes an additional folate supplement, which offers 278% of the Daily Value (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.

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 ( 4 ).

For example, folate needs increase by 50% and iron needs increase by 150% ( 5 , 6 ).

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.

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.

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If you have pregnancy complications or other health concerns, a doctor might recommend a prescription prenatal supplement. 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:

• 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 eight 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 vegan, be sure to read ingredient lists carefully to select a product that’s 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.

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 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 ( 4 ).
• 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 ( 1 ).
• DHA andEPA: 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 ( 7 , 8 ).
• 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 ( 9 , 10 , 11 ).
• Iron: Needs for iron increase during pregnancy. However, as iron intake varies greatly from person to person, iron should ideally be supplemented separately based on iron levels ( 4 , 12 ).
• Magnesium, calcium, iodine, and zinc: Needs for these minerals also increase during pregnancy, so a good prenatal will cover all or most of these ( 4 ).
• 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 ( 13 , 14 ).

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.

While many nutrients are essential, as explained above, your needs for some nutrient increase during pregnancy. These include calcium, iodine, magnesium, zinc, omega-3 DHA and EPA, all eight B vitamins, and vitamins A, C, and D.

Here is a quick look at which of these key nutrients our top picks contain or lack, as well as the amount of choline and vitamin D per serving:

Included key nutrients	Missing key nutrients	Choline (% of the DV)	Vitamin D (% of the DV)
Care/of Prenatal	• vitamin A • vitamin C • vitamin D • 5 B vitamins • choline • calcium • iodine • magnesium • zinc	• DHA • EPA • thiamine • riboflavin • niacin	20%	167%
FullWell Prenatal	• vitamin A • vitamin C • vitamin D • all B vitamins • choline • calcium • iodine • magnesium • zinc	• DHA • EPA	55%	667%
MegaFood Baby and Me 2	• vitamin A • vitamin C • vitamin D • all B vitamins • choline • calcium • iodine • zinc	• magnesium • DHA • EPA	55%	100%
Natalist Prenatal Daily Packs	• vitamin A • vitamin C • vitamin D • 7 B vitamins • choline • calcium • iodine • magnesium • zinc • DHA	• pantothenic acid • EPA	27%	333%
Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA	• vitamin A • vitamin C • vitamin D • all B vitamins • calcium • iodine • magnesium • zinc • DHA • EPA	choline	—	167%
New Chapter Perfect Prenatal	• vitamin A • vitamin C • vitamin D • all B vitamins • calcium • iodine • magnesium • zinc	• choline • DHA • EPA	—	167%
Perelel Prenatal Packs*	• vitamin A • vitamin C • vitamin D • all B vitamins • choline • calcium • iodine • magnesium • zinc • DHA • EPA	—	22%	333%
Ritual Essential Prenatal	• vitamin D • folate • vitamin B12 • biotin • choline • iodine • magnesium • DHA	• vitamin A • vitamin C • thiamine • niacin • vitamin B6 • pantothenic acid • calcium • zinc	10%	333%
Root’d Prenatal Multivitamin Fizzy Drink Mix	• vitamin A • vitamin C • vitamin D • all B vitamins • choline • calcium • iodine • magnesium • zinc	• DHA • EPA	8%	233%
Seeking Health Chewable	• vitamin A • vitamin C • vitamin D • all B vitamins • calcium • iodine • magnesium • zinc	• choline • DHA • EPA	—	167%
Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal Protein Powder	• vitamin A • vitamin C • vitamin D • all B vitamins • choline • calcium • iodine • magnesium • zinc	• DHA • EPA	45%	333%
SmartyPants Prenatal	• vitamin A • vitamin C • vitamin D • 7 B vitamins • choline • iodine • zinc • DHA • EPA	• pantothenic acid • calcium • magnesium	10%	200%

*First Trimester pack includes an additional folate supplement, which offers 278% of the DV for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Complete your prenatal supplement routine

Even the best prenatal vitamins often lack choline, omega-3s, and/or vitamin D ( 1 , 8 , 9 , 15 ).

Therefore, it may be best to consider purchasing additional supplements as needed to fill in any gaps in your diet that your prenatal vitamin does not cover.

You can check out our roundups of the best choline, vitamin D, and fish oil supplements for more options, but here are a few dietitian-recommended products:

• Thorne Research Phosphatidyl Choline: Manufactured by a reputable company, this supplement covers 93% of choline needs during pregnancy in the form of phosphatidyl choline, the type of choline found in foods.
• Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D (Vegan) Liquid: This easy-to-take liquid supplement is third-party tested and vegan-friendly.
• Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA: This third-party tested supplement provides sustainably sourced DHA and EPA omega-3s, as well as an extra dose of vitamin D.

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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 ( 4 ).

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, 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. 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.

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 ( 16 ).

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 ( 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ).

Additionally, supplementing with a well-rounded prenatal that includes methylated folate and B12 may improve the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technology treatment ( 20 ).

Are prenatal vitamins FDA-approved?

While it sets strict standards for the labeling of supplements, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the same way that it does medications ( 21 ).

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.

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.

Why you should trust us

Every brand and product on our list has been reviewed by registered dietitians and vetted to ensure that it aligns with Austra Health’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article:

• adheres to allowable health claims and labeling requirements, per FDA regulations
• is manufactured in facilities that adhere to Current Good Manufacturing Practices established by the FDA
• is produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standards
• is made by a company that provides objective measures of trust, such as having its supplements validated by third-party labs