A good prenatal can improve fertility, support hormones and build nutrient reserves to help you and your baby thrive. They also reduce the risk of miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and low birth weight.
Best Vitamins for Pregnancy
If you’re planning a pregnancy, start taking a prenatal vitamin at least three months before your expected date of delivery. Some are even recommended by doctors as early as three months before a woman’s first period.
Choose a supplement that meets all or most of your dietary needs (it’s best to discuss this with your doctor), and read the label carefully. Ideally, the product should provide all the vitamins and minerals you need. You can find prenatals in capsule form, soft gels, and gummies. Each type has its pros and cons, so choose a supplement that suits your unique needs.
The Honest Company Once Daily is a prenatal supplement that gets high marks from dietitians and doctors. It provides a balanced blend of nutrients to promote health during your preconception and pregnancy, and is free of artificial sweeteners and flavors. It’s also gluten-free and contains no dairy, so it’s safe for vegetarians and vegans.
These supplements have a lemon-berry taste and are sweetened with erythritol, not sugar. They’re easy to mix into your favorite drink and are safe for those with diabetes or gestational diabetes.
They’re also gluten-free and contain no added sugars or preservatives. They’re third-party tested and verified by the United States Pharmacopeia, so you can rest assured that they are safe to take during your pregnancy.
Besides offering all the essential nutrients, many best prenatals are packed with probiotics. These supplements can improve digestive health and help your body absorb more nutrients, which means you’re less likely to be deficient in important vitamins and minerals like iron and folic acid.
You should also make sure you’re getting enough calcium, which is important for both mom and baby. Some of the most common prenatals don’t contain enough, so be sure to ask your doctor about which ones are best for you.
Choline is one of the most important nutrients for your baby’s brain development, but not all prenatals contain enough or the right amount of choline. Choosing a prenatal with at least 400mg of choline will help your child’s brain develop properly.
Folate is another nutrient that’s in higher demand during pregnancy. Look for a prenatal that contains folic acid, which helps protect your baby’s brain and eyes from neural tube defects.
It’s also a good idea to get enough vitamin D. This nutrient is essential for calcium absorption and helps improve sperm health.
If you need extra vitamin D, a daily multivitamin can be a convenient way to ensure you’re getting the amount you need. It’s also an affordable choice that can be found at most drug stores.
Some prenatals come in gummies or softgels, which can be easier to swallow than capsules. But gummies usually lack the essentials like iron and calcium, so you may need to take other supplements as well.