The Best Prenatal Vitamins For Pregnancy

If you’re trying to conceive, or have already received the good news that you are soon going to be a parent, then you’ve probably already heard of prenatal vitamins.

If you haven’t then it’s a good thing you found this post because you are about to have your eyes opened to the many wonderful benefits to taking a prenatal vitamin.

There are so many advantages to taking a prenatal vitamin before, during and after pregnancy, such as supporting and promoting healthy brain and heart development in your baby. Not to mention some even have benefits such as thicker shinier hair, clearer skin, and strong nails!

With amazing benefits like these, it makes sense to take a prenatal vitamin right? But which one is the best for you and your growing baby, and how long should you take a prenatal vitamin? What makes a prenatal vitamin better than a regular multivitamin?

Mommas, don’t worry you are in the right place, because I am about to answer all those questions and more! Keep reading to learn about the best prenatal vitamins for pregnancy.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. This post is strictly for educational and entertainment purposes. I am in no way giving medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns please consult your doctor or medical professional.

What Makes A Good Prenatal Vitamin?

The reason why it is beneficial to take a prenatal vitamin as opposed to a multivitamin is that prenatals are designed specifically for pregnancy and a developing fetus.

That being said, prenatal vitamins typically contain higher doses of essential nutrients such as folic acid and iron which support different functions when it comes to your growing baby. Most multivitamins don’t contain any folic acid or enough iron suitable for pregnancy.

Among many key nutrients, there are a select few that really impact your decision when it comes to choosing the right prenatal vitamin.

Essential Nutrients

So, in order to qualify as the best prenatal vitamins for pregnancy, they must contain six ingredients:

Folic Acid or Folate – This is one of, if not the most important nutrient contained in a prenatal vitamin. It is responsible for preventing neural tube defects, which can lead to spinal cord and brain abnormalities.

*An important thing to note, some prenatal vitamins contain folic acid, and some contain folate. They act the same, so a prenatal vitamin containing either one is great.

Iron – This nutrient helps prevent anemia in both you and your baby, which is a condition where healthy red blood cell count is low.
Calcium & Vitamin D – Both of these nutrients are essential during pregnancy especially in the third trimester when your baby’s bones are developing. While both nutrients alone help in supporting bone health, it is best to look for a prenatal that contains both of these nutrients together.
DHA – An essential fatty acid, crucial for pregnancy to help with the development of your baby’s brain and eyes.
Iodine – Helps maintain your thyroid and regulate, heart rate, and body temperature while pregnant. Also, helps with the development of your baby’s thyroid.

Some women may need higher doses of these particular supplements. Depending on your circumstances and your pregnancy, your doctor may prescribe you a prenatal vitamin or supplement specifically for your needs.

However, in this case, I am strictly referring to over the counter options, and this is what you should look for in general, for a normal healthy pregnancy.

Recommended Doses For Each Essential Nutrient

Recommended doses for these specific nutrients can help define a good overall prenatal vitamin:

Folic Acid or Folate– At least 400 micrograms (mcg) of either one
Iron – 17- 30 milligrams (mg)
Calcium – 200-300 milligrams (mg)
Vitamin D – 400 International Units (IU)
DHA – 200 milligrams (mg)
Iodine – 150 micrograms (mcg)

When Should I Start Taking A Prenatal Vitamin?

So now that we know all the positive benefits and influences a prenatal vitamin has on you and your baby, you’re probably still wondering when you should start taking one.

It all depends on your circumstances, but it’s best to take a prenatal vitamin as soon as you discover you’re pregnant. However, if you are planning to become pregnant, or actively trying to conceive, it’s best to start taking a prenatal vitamin now.

Click here to read more tips for trying to conceive.

Upon conception, your baby’s neural tube has already begun to develop which will eventually become the spinal cord and brain stem. This happens so early on, that most women don’t even know they are pregnant yet.

Remember, folic acid is extremely important when it comes to the neural tube, so it’s best to introduce the beneficial folic acid supplement found in a prenatal vitamin as early as possible.

That being said, if you find that you are pregnant, and have not been taking a prenatal vitamin, don’t panic. Just begin taking one as soon as possible upon finding out to make sure you and your baby get the best nutrition possible.

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The Best Prenatal Vitamin Overall

Click Here To Order Your Women’s One A Day Prenatal

So the winner for the best prenatal vitamin for pregnancy is the Women’s One A Day. It literally checks off or exceeds the minimum recommended dosage of each vital nutrient listed above. This is the prenatal vitamin that I took before, during and after my pregnancy and it will be the vitamin I take with all of my pregnancies.

Among other great ingredients, here is the break down of dosages per each essential nutrient required in a great prenatal:

Women’s One A Day Prenatal Vitamin (Gluten-Free)

Folic Acid – 800 micrograms (mcg)
Iron – 28 milligrams (mg)
Calcium – 300 milligrams (mg)
Vitamin D – 400 International Units (IU)
DHA – 200 milligrams (mg)
Iodine – 150 micrograms (mcg)

As you can see this vitamin is amazing and meets or exceeds all the requirements needed to qualify as a great prenatal vitamin. Another thing I love about this vitamin is that it has the option of a men’s preconception tablet as well for those of you trying to conceive!

With powerful antioxidants like Vitamins C, E, Selenium, Zinc, and Lycopene which support healthy sperm, it will help get your man healthy and in the best condition needed for trying to conceive. Darin took these before we became pregnant and I fully believe it was a contributing factor to our positive pregnancy test.

This is the only prenatal vitamin that I have ever come across that is made for both men and women, and therefore I believe it’s the best prenatal for couples who are planning to become pregnant and are actively trying to conceive.

Darin and I bought the couple’s pack, it comes with a women’s One A Day bottle of 30 soft gels and a men’s One A Day bottle of 30 tablets. An entire month’s supply for both you and your husband for less than $30!

Men only need to take these supplements pre-pregnancy, as they are intended for conception. Once you become pregnant, they are no longer needed.

The Best Organic Prenatal Vitamins

Alright, my health-conscious mommas! This one is for you. Recently, I have taken on a gluten-free lifestyle and therefore have started to pay more attention to what goes into my food and supplements.

Prenatal vitamins are no exception to this. So if you’re looking for a natural alternative for your prenatal vitamins, these are the best on the market.

Click here to order the Actif Organic Vitamin

#1 – Actif Organic (Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly)

Folic Acid – 800 micrograms (mcg)
Iron – 30 milligrams (mg)
Calcium – 200 milligrams (mg)
Vitamin D – 400 International Units (IU)
DHA – 200 milligrams (mg)
Iodine – 150 micrograms (mcg)

This is the best option for an organic prenatal option, with 100{cff05f84b557692690786f01aac343ca795d254bba52b32b6e7dc8eb4ccdb223} natural ingredients and vegetable food coloring. It fulfills every recommended dosage for the essential ingredients required to qualify as a great prenatal vitamin. This prenatal is also allergen friendly.

Click here to order Mama Bird AM/PM

#2 Mama Bird AM/PM (Vegan)

Folic Acid – 800 micrograms (mcg)
Iron – 18 milligrams (mg)
Calcium – 100 milligrams (mg)
Vitamin D – 10 micrograms (mcg), which is equivalent to 400 International Units (IU)
DHA – Does not contain DHA
Iodine – 150 micrograms (mcg)

With vegan ingredients, this is a great natural organic vitamin. However, this prenatal does not contain DHA which is a necessary nutrient to support a healthy baby and pregnancy.

Mama Bird does provide omega 3 fatty acid supplements which is sold separately and it is called One Fish, Two Fish. This supplement will fulfill the necessary requirement of your daily DHA intake, however, the downside is that it is sold separately.

Click here to order the Garden Of Life myKind Prenatal Vitamin

#3 Garden Of Life myKind (Vegan)

Folic Acid – 600 micrograms (mcg)
Iron – 18 milligrams (mg)
Vitamin D – 600 International Units (IU)
Calcium – Does not contain calcium
DHA – Does not contain DHA
Iodine – 150 micrograms (mcg)

Garden Of Life organic prenatal vitamins are a great option, however, they do not contain DHA, which is an essential nutrient for protecting and supporting your baby’s eyes and brain development. If you wish to get the necessary amount of DHA, talk to your doctor about taking a fish oil supplement or soft gel.

Notice this vitamin does not contain calcium. Seeing that it contains more than the recommended amount of vitamin D, this may be okay. However, if you are concerned about calcium intake, ask your doctor about calcium supplements to fulfill your daily intake.

The Best Prenatal Vitamin On A Budget

Let’s face it, having a baby and growing your family can be expensive. However, your prenatal vitamin doesn’t have to be! Nature Made Multi + DHA is the best bang for your buck. It has all the essential nutrients needed to support a healthy pregnancy and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Click here to order the Nature Made Multi + DHA vitamin now

Nature Made Multi + DHA (Gluten Free)

Folic Acid – 800 micrograms (mcg)
Iron – 27 milligrams (mg)
Calcium – 150 milligrams (mg)
Vitamin D – 1000 International Units (IU)
DHA – 200 milligrams (mg)
Iodine – 150 micrograms (mcg)

This prenatal also comes in a Gummy!

Click here to order the Nature Made Multi + DHA Gummy

Nature Made Multi + DHA Gummy (Gluten-Free)

Folic Acid – 600 micrograms (mcg)
Iron – 0 milligrams (mg)
Calcium – 130 milligrams (mg)
Vitamin D – 1000 International Units (IU)
DHA – 58 milligrams (mg) contains 70 mg Omega 3 fatty acids total + 263 mg fish oil
Iodine – 150 micrograms (mcg)

Notice this vitamin does not contain iron. Iron cannot be found in any prenatal gummy, so if this is the vitamin you choose, please ask your doctor about iron supplements to fulfill the necessary daily intake.

The Best Prenatal Vitamin Gummies

Okay, we all know just how hard it can be to keep things down during pregnancy, much less swallow a huge pill. So if you’re having a hard time with pills or capsules, there is an alternative option for queasy stomachs, gummy vitamins!

Not only are these gummies easier to get down, but there are so many options when it comes to flavors. So regardless of a sensitive stomach or palette, there is sure to be an option for you. When it comes to morning sickness, and stomach sensitivities, these are the best prenatal vitamins for pregnancy.

Something I will say though, you won’t find any iron in any gummy prenatal vitamins, so talk with your doctor to find out a good source or supplement to fulfill your necessary iron intake.

Click here to order the Smarty Pants prenatal gummy

#1 – Smarty Pants Gummy (Gluten-Free)

Folic Acid – 600 micrograms (mcg)
Iron – 0 milligrams (mg)
Calcium – Does not contain calcium
Vitamin D – 1200 International Units (IU)
DHA – 48 milligrams (mg) contains 132 mg Omega 3 fatty acids total
Iodine – 290 micrograms (mcg)

This is the number one option for a prenatal gummy vitamin because it best fulfills the requirements of essential nutrients needed in a prenatal vitamin. It also has a great source of iodine which has been proven to help support the thyroid, brain and nervous system of your growing baby.

This gummy does not contain calcium. Seeing that it contains more than the recommended amount of vitamin D, this may be okay. However, if you are concerned about calcium intake, ask your doctor about calcium supplements to fulfill your daily intake.

Click here to order the First Response prenatal gummy

#2 – First Response (Gluten-Free)

Folic Acid – 800 micrograms (mcg)
Iron – 0 milligrams (mg)
Calcium – 150 milligrams (mg)
Vitamin D – 400 International Units (IU)
DHA – 50 milligrams (mg) contains 65 mg Omega 3 fatty acids total
Iodine – Does not contain Iodine

This gummy is a great alternative to capsules in that it fulfills almost all of the required essential nutrients needed to support a healthy pregnancy. Notice that this vitamin does not contain iodine, so if you are concerned with meeting the necessary daily intake, ask your doctor about iodine supplements or alternatives.

Click here to order the Vitafusion prenatal gummy

#3 – Vitafusion

Folic Acid – 600 micrograms (mcg)
Iron – 0 milligrams (mg)
Calcium – Does not contain calcium
Vitamin D – 800 International Units (IU)
DHA – 50 milligrams (mg) contains 65 mg Omega 3 fatty acids total
Iodine – 220 micrograms (mcg)

How Long Should I Take A Prenatal Vitamin?

Once pregnancy is over and you’ve had your sweet little baby, you may be wondering “do I still need to take my prenatal vitamin?” The answer is yes!

Taking a prenatal vitamin post-pregnancy is just as important as before and during pregnancy, especially if you are breastfeeding. This is because the vitamin supplies essential nutrients to you while you are lactating, and your baby also gets those essential nutrients through your breast milk.

It’s ultimately up to you when it comes to taking a prenatal vitamin post-pregnancy. I stopped taking my prenatal vitamin once I was done breastfeeding. I felt that I no longer needed it, and switched back to my multivitamin.