Specifically, the prenatal offers more than 100% of your daily needs for folate, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Taking prenatal multivitamins covers the basic requirements. The baby's neural tube, which becomes the brain and spinal cord, develops during the first month of pregnancy perhaps before you even know that you're pregnant. Most of the time its typical, even if it's a different color. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. And theres no iron or calcium. Doctors often recommend that women who are breastfeeding also continue taking prenatal vitamins after delivery. Fertility / Reproductive Health / Obstetrics and Gynecology. Food fix: Best foods to eat when pregnant, When Should You Start Prenatal Vitamins? For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional. With Babylist, you can add any item from any store onto ONE registry. Though it does contain 400 I.U. They assist the growth and. This is because certain amounts of folic acida nutrient found in most prenatal vitaminsis necessary to prevent neural tube defects. According to the Mayo Clinic, constipation is a common side effect of taking a prenatal vitamin. The nutrients provided by a prenatal vitamin vary. The supplement is also certified gluten-free and doesnt contain soy or dairy products. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Theyre unprocessed with clean gummy technology and do not include ingredients typically seen in candy or other gummies like pig gelatin, cornstarch, artificial flavors or colorings. Each packet contains a handful of different capsules, so if youre having trouble stomaching pills and vitamins during your pregnancy, this may not be for you. In fact, it's generally a good idea for women of reproductive age to regularly take a prenatal vitamin. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. They also ensure you have enough nutrients so your own body doesn't become depleted. The upper limit of daily iron intake for non-pregnant adults is 45mg, and prenatal vitamins typically have 27mg. Your body is able to absorb more from your diet than from supplements. This article explains which supplements are believed to be safe during pregnancy and which ones you should avoid. Between morning sickness, fleeting cravings, and random aversions, getting good nutrition during pregnancy can be tough. We include products we think are useful for our readers. perhaps before you even know that you're pregnant. Like most other gummies, this one doesnt contain iron, which some people may prefer. According to 2019 Nutrients research, many prenatal vitamins lack choline, and less than 10% of pregnant . However, some prenatal vitamins can do the opposite and make your morning sickness worse. Dr. Adams says this vitamin is a top choice for its cost and ease claiming that this prenatal has everything needed in the formulation. The company recommends taking one softgel per day. Vitamin supplements are absorbed differently depending on their type. Otherwise, you can find over-the-counter supplements at your local pharmacy or online. Because the brain and spinal cord are already forming at the early stages of pregnancy, folic acid is vital. See additional information. Garden of Life Prenatal Vitamins. Other factors to keep in mind may include: Be sure to speak with your OB-GYN about which prenatal vitamin might be a good fit for you. Ritual vitamins, however, use either bioidentical ingredients (meaning theyre made in a lab) or nutrients sourced through other vegan-friendly methods. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Prenatal vitamins are specially designed to deliver the specific types and optimal levels of nutrients needed during fetal development, so a standard multivitamin wont cut it. Plus, it claims its 18 mg of iron are non-constipating. The ACOG recommends taking a prenatal vitamin that contains at least 400 micrograms of folic acid at least one month before becoming pregnant. Optum Store, Optum Perks, and Healthline Media are owned by RVO Health. Its also delivered in daily packs for added convenience and is vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free, non-GMO, and free of major allergens. Which one is right for you? Taking a high-quality prenatal vitamin beforeand duringpregnancy is important for several reasons. Before joining Forbes Health, Valerie was the trending news editor at Scary Mommy. Accessed Jan. 16, 2020. If youre already pregnant and havent been taking prenatal vitamins, no need to worry; just start as soon as you can. Nature Made prenatal vitamins are a great value and readily available at most drugstores. 1. When she's not helping women and families live their best and healthiest lives, she's spending time with her family, walking her dogs, reading or exercising. But they arent really intended for women (or men) who arent expecting or lactating. If you arent already taking a daily prenatal vitamin, start taking one as soon as you find out youre expecting. You also notice that some prenatal vitamins contain folate while others contain folic acid. That could happen before you even realize youre pregnant. With 480 mg of DHA per serving, it surpasses daily intake recommendations of omega-3s for babys brain development. I know vitamins can have a smell.But not this smell! This liquid softgel multivitamin combines DHA with folate, iron, and other essential nutrients to help you meet the nutritional demands of pregnancy. Last medically reviewed on January 8, 2018. In: Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. Youll need to eat six a day to get the amount of folic acid and vitamin D required for pregnant women. Prenatal vitamins: Why they matter, how to choose. While some folic acid can be derived from foods like fortified cereals and leafy green vegetables, ACOG recommends supplementing with a prenatal vitamin to make sure youre getting the recommended amount. Dr. Enter: prenatal vitamins. If you dont get enough calcium between that and your diet, you may need a supplement that has more of this vital nutrient. Prepare your body for pregnancy and support your nutrient needs with Ritual's Essential Prenatal Vitamin. Additionally, all products are manufactured in a facility thats certified by NSF International and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Non-GMO Project verified, glyphosate residue free, tested for 125+ herbicides and pesticides, gluten-free, third-party certified glyphosate residue-free, tested for 125+ herbicides and pesticides, lacks magnesium and the omega-3s DHA and EPA, not third-party tested for purity and potency, vitamin A 750 mcg (58% DV), vitamin C 100 mg (83% DV), vitamin D3 15 mcg (100% DV), vitamin E 20 mg (105% DV), vitamin K 60 mcg (67% DV), thiamin 1.5 mg (107% DV), riboflavin 1.7 mg (106% DV), niacin 20 mg (111% DV), vitamin B6 8 mg (400% DV), folate 1020 mg (170% DV), vitamin B12 8 mg (286% DV), biotin 300 mg (857% DV), pantothenic acid 10 mg (143% DV), choline 300 mg (55% DV), iron 18 mg (67% DV), iodine 150 mcg (52% DV), zinc 15 mg (115% DV), selenium 50 mcg (71% DV), copper 0.2 mcg (15% DV), manganese 1 mg (38% DV), GTF chromium 50 mcg (111% DV), molybdenum 20 mcg (20% DV), vitamin K2 30 mcg, food blend (organic brown rice, organic orange, carrot, organic broccoli, cabbage) 333 mg, third-party tested, Non-GMO Project verified, third-party tested for purity and potency, vegan, non-GMO verified, and free of gluten and major allergens, provides only 10% of recommended choline needs, not as comprehensive as others on our list, vitamin D3 50 mcg (333% DV), vitamin E 7 mg (37% DV), folate 1,000 mcg DFE (167% DV), vitamin B12 8 mcg (286% DV), biotin 150 mcg (429% DV), choline 55 mg (10% DV), iron 18 mg (67% DV), iodine 150 mcg (52% DV), magnesium 32 mg (8% DV), boron 0.5 mg, DHA 350 mg, vitamin K2 90 mcg, features highly absorbable forms of certain nutrients, formulated to support pre and postnatal nutrition needs, vitamin A 1.05 mg (81% DV), vitamin C 150 mg (125% DV), vitamin D3 25 mcg (167% DV), vitamin E 33.5 mg (176% DV), vitamin K 100 mcg (111% DV), thiamin 5 mg (357% DV), riboflavin 5 mg (313% DV), niacin 30 mg (167% DV), vitamin B6 12 mg (600% DV), folate 1.7 mg DFE (283% DV), vitamin B12 200 mcg (7142% DV), biotin 50 mcg (143% DV), pantothenic acid 18 mg (257% DV), choline 110 mg (20% DV), calcium 180 mg (14% DV), iron 45 mg (167% DV), magnesium 90 mg (23% DV), zinc 25 mg (192% DV), selenium 50 mcg (71% DV), copper 2 mg (154% DV), manganese 5 mg (192% DV), chromium 100 mcg (222% DV), boron 1 mg, third-party tested for purity and potency; certificate of analysis (COA) available, high in choline, magnesium, and vitamin D, uses chelated minerals for optimal absorption, does not contain iron though this may be a positive for some, should be paired with an omega-3 supplement containing DHA and EPA, expensive, especially when paired with the company's omega-3 supplement, vitamin A 1,500 mcg (115% DV), vitamin C 275 mg (229% DV), vitamin D 100 mcg (667% DV), vitamin E 100 mg (526% DV), thiamin 5 mg (357% DV), riboflavin 10 mg (625% DV), niacin 25 mg (139% DV), vitamin B6 20 mg (1,000% DV), folate 1360 mcg DFE (227% DV), vitamin B12 150 mcg (5,357% DV), biotin 500 mcg (1,429%), pantothenic acid 150 mg (2,143% DV), choline 300 mg (55% DV), calcium 400 mg (31% DV), iodine 250 mg (86% DV), magnesium 300 mg (75% DV), zinc 20 mg (154% DV), selenium 200 mcg (286% DV), copper 750 mcg (58% DV), manganese 5 mg (192% DV), chromium 120 mcg (267% DV), molybdenum 100 mcg (200% DV), potassium 100 mg (2% DV), inositol 150 mg, betaine HCL 150 mg, vitamin K2 100 mcg, First Trimester Pack available in powder form, provides only 22% of the recommended choline needs, multiple capsules may be difficult to tolerate, All timester packs contain vitamin A 500 mcg (38% DV), vitamin C 50 mg (42% DV), vitamin D 50 mcg (333% DV), vitamin E 10 mg (53% DV), thiamin 3 mg (214% DV), riboflavin 3 mg (188% DV), niacin 15 mg (83% DV), vitamin B6 3 mg (150% DV), folate 700 mcg DFE (117% DV), vitamin B12 10 mcg (357% DV), pantothenic acid 6 mg (86% DV), choline 120 mg (22% DV), iron 15 mg (56% DV), iodine 150 mcg (52% DV), magnesium 30 mg (8% DV), zinc 25 mg (192% DV), selenium 50 mcg (71% DV), copper 1 mg (77%), chromium 30 mcg (67% DV), vitamin K 30 mcg, boron 1 mg, total omega-3 fatty acids 375 mg, DHA 250 mg, EPA 100 mg, other fatty acids 25 mg; First Trimester Pack also contains folate 1000 DFE (167% DV), vitamin B6 25 mg (1,250% DV), ginger root extract 300 mg; Second Trimester Pack also contains calcium 200 mg (15% DV), magnesium 200 mg (50% DV); Third Trimester Pack also contains calcium 100 mg (8% DV), Magnesium 100 mg (25% DV), probiotic blend 5 billion CFU, vitamin A 770 mcg (59% DV), vitamin C 85 mg (71% DV), vitamin D3 25 mcg (167% DV), vitamin E 15 mg (79% DV), vitamin K 90 mcg (100% DV), thiamin 1.4 mg (100% DV), riboflavin 1.4 mg (88% DV), niacin 18 mg (100% DV), vitamin B6 1.9 mg (95% DV), folate 1,330 mcg DFE (800 mcg folic acid) (222% DV), vitamin B12 5.2 mcg (186% DV), biotin 30 mcg (86% DV), pantothenic acid 6 mg (86% DV), calcium 150 mg (12% DV), iron 27 mg (100% DV), iodine 150 mcg (52% DV), magnesium 45 mg (11% DV), zinc 11 mg (85% DV), omega-3 fatty acids 260 mg, omega-3 DHA 200 mg, omega-3 EPA 60 mg, NSF certified, Clean Label Project, non-GMO tested, total carb 9 g (3% DV), total sugars 6 g, added sugars 6 g, vitamin A 520 mcg (40% DV), vitamin C 48 mg (40% DV), vitamin D 30 mcg (200% DV), vitamin E 14.3 mg (75% DV), vitamin K 24 mcg (27% DV), thiamin 0.14 mg (10% DV), riboflavin 0.16 mg (10% DV), niacin 18 mg (100% DV), vitamin B6 2 mg (100% DV), folate 500 mcg DFE (100% DV), vitamin B12 4.7 mcg (168% DV), biotin 17.5 mcg (50% DV), iodine 290 mcg (100% DV), zinc 3.9 mg 30% DV), selenium 14 mcg (20% DV), sodium 25 mg (1% DV), fish oil 455 mg, total omega-3 fatty acids 132 mg, EPA and DHA 114 mg, inositol 5 mg, vitamin K2 16 mcg, powder form may be easier for some to tolerate, low in choline and lower in vitamin D than some others on this list, total carb <4 g (<1% DV), total sugars 0 g, vitamin A 1,300 mcg (100% DV), vitamin C 120 mg (100% DV), vitamin D 35 mcg (233% DV), vitamin E 19 mg (100% DV), thiamin 1.4 mg (100% DV), riboflavin 1.6 mg (100% DV), niacin 18 mg (100% DV), vitamin B6 2 mg (100% DV), folate 600 mcg DFE (100% DV), vitamin B12 15 mcg (536% DV), biotin 35 mcg (100% DV), pantothenic acid 7 mg (100% DV), choline 45 mg (8% DV), calcium 78 mg (6% DV), iron 9 mg (33% DV), iodine 290 mcg (100% DV), magnesium 50 mg (13% DV), zinc 2.5 mg (19% DV), selenium 70 mcg (100% DV), copper 0.3 mg (23% DV), manganese 0.5 mg (19% DV), chromium 45 mcg (100% DV), molybdenum 50 mcg (100% DV), sodium 271 mg (13% DV), potassium 138 mg (3% DV), superfood and root blend (organic beet root, organic chlorella, organic kale, organic broccoli, organic barley grass, organic oat grass) 305 mg, Lactobacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 60 million CFU, lutein 700 mcg, Non-GMO Project verified, certified gluten-free by NSF, carbon-free, contains ginger, which may be helpful for nausea, 32 per bottle, 62 per bottle, 90 per bottle, vitamin A 1,300 mcg (100% DV), vitamin C 75 mg (63% DV), vitamin D3 25 mcg (167% DV), vitamin E 20.9 mg (110% DV), vitamin K 90 mcg (98% DV), thiamin 1.4 mg (100% DV), riboflavin 1.6 mg (100% DV), niacin 18 mg (100% DV), vitamin B6 5 mg (250% DV), folate 600 mcg DFE (100% DV), vitamin B12 3 mcg (107% DV), biotin 35 mcg (100% DV), pantothenic acid 7 mg (100% DV), calcium 75 mg (6% DV), iron 27 mg (100%DV), iodine 150 mcg (52% DV), magnesium 15 mg (4% DV), zinc 6.5 mg (50% DV), selenium 70 mcg (100% DV), copper 0.65 mg (50% DV), manganese 2.6 mg (100% DV), chromium 45 mcg (100% DV), molybdenum 20 mcg (40% DV), prenatal herbal blend (organic brown rice, organic oats, organic prune, organic blueberry, organic blackberry, organic flame raisin, organic raspberry, organic dandelion, organic rose hip, organic lavender, organic lemon balm, organic peppermint, organic clove) 225 mg, third-party tested, NSF certified facility, total fat 3.5 g (4% DV), saturated fat 1 g (5% DV), total carb 15 g (5% DV), fiber 4 g (14% DV), total sugars 4 g, added sugars 4 g, protein 14 g, vitamin A 1500 mcg (115% DV), vitamin C 350 mg (292% DV), vitamin D 50 mcg (333% DV), vitamin E 178 mg (937% DV), thiamin 5 mg (357% DV), riboflavin 20 mg (1250% DV), niacin 25 mg (139% DV), vitamin B6 20 mg (1000% DV), folate 1360 mcg DFE (227% DV), vitamin B12 150 mcg (5357% DV), biotin 500 mcg (1429% DV), pantothenic acid 150 mg (2143% DV), choline 250 mg (45% DV), calcium 400 mg (31% DV), iodine 250 mcg (86% DV), magnesium 250 mg (63% DV), zinc 20 mg (154% DV), selenium 200 mcg (286%), manganese 5 mg (192% DV), chromium 120 mcg (267% DV), molybdenum 100 mcg (200% DV), sodium 100 mg (4% DV), potassium 99 mg (2% DV), glycine 2000 mg, taurine 550 mg, acetyl-L-carnitine 500 mg, betaine hydrochloride 300 mg, red raspberry 250 mg, ginger root extract 200 mg, inositol 150 mg, L-carnosine 150 mg, milk thistle extract 75 mg, L-glutamine 68.6 mg, coenzyme Q10 50 mg, lutein 5 mg, zeaxanthin 5 mg, boron 1 mg, vitamin K2 100 mcg, Certified Plastic Neutral, CGMP Certified, vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and free of gluten and major allergens, free of artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors, vitamin A 700 mcg (54% DV), vitamin C 48 mg (40% DV), vitamin D 50 mcg (333% DV), vitamin E 15 mg (79% DV), thiamin 0.16 mg (11% DV), riboflavin 2 mg (125% DV), niacin 18 mg (100% DV), vitamin B6 2 mg (100% DV), folate 1330 mcg DFE (222% DV), vitamin B12 16 mcg (571% DV), biotin 100 mcg (286% DV), choline 150 mg (27% DV), calcium 200 mg (15% DV), iron 27 mg (100% DV), iodine 150 mcg (52% DV), magnesium 50 mg (13% DV), zinc 3.9 mg (30% DV), selenium 55 mcg (79% DV), menaquinone 90 mcg, DHA 450 mg. third-party tested, non-GMO, Certified C.L.E.A.N. Earlier Than You Think, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, The Ultimate Vaginal Discharge Color Guide. Additionally, it features organic ginger and peppermint to alleviate nausea. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. The brands founder and CEO is even a vegan. Many prenatal vitamins contain around 800 micrograms of folic acid, and OB-GYNs typically recommend taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms. hi ladies!so I've been taking the ritual prenatal vitamins my whole pregnancy and I LOVE THEM. Taking birth control and prenatal vitamins at the same time isnt harmful but shouldn't be done for a long period. The company recommends taking the two pills with food. Women who are carrying multiples, pregnant teenagers, and pregnant women with a history of substance abuse have a higher risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Thorne Basic Prenatal is formulated to support the specific nutrient needs of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Thats because half of the pregnancies in the United States arent planned. gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegetarian-friendly, option to add an omega-3 DHA and EPA supplement to your subscription, vitamin A 190 mcg (15% DV), vitamin C 20 mg (17% DV), vitamin D3 25 mcg (167% DV), vitamin E 5 mg (26% DV), vitamin B6 1.9 mg (95% DV), folate 600 mcg DFE (100% DV), vitamin B12 2.6 mcg (93% DV), biotin 35 mcg (100% DV), pantothenic acid 3 mg (43% DV), choline 110 mg (20% DV), calcium 225 mg (17% DV), iron 18 mg (67% DV), iodine 150 mcg (52% DV), magnesium 100 mg (25% DV), zinc 6.5 mg (50% DV), selenium 35 mcg (50% DV), copper 0.5 mg (38% DV), chromium 15 mcg (33% DV), potassium 75 mg (1% DV), silica 20 mg, boron 2 mg, mixed tocopherols 1.35 mg, vitamin K2 45 mcg, A quick look at the best prenatal vitamins, MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Prenatal Multivitamin, Nature Made Prenatal Folic Acid + DHA Softgels, New Chapter Advanced Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin, Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal Protein Powder, Healthlines picks of the best prenatal vitamins, Essential Daily Protein Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum, A comparison of the best prenatal vitamins for pregnancy, How to choose the best prenatal vitamin for pregnancy, Important nutrients to look for in a prenatal vitamin, Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D (Vegan) Liquid. Honest prenatals are a once daily non-GMO vitamin formulated from highly bioavailable (AKA easily absorbed by your body) forms of nutrients, digestive fruit enzymes and organic ingredients. Your health care provider may prescribe a prenatal vitamin for you, or you can buy them over the counter without a prescription. To prevent constipation: If these tips don't seem to help, ask your health care provider about other options. No. When shes not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. Were helping you navigate the world of prenatal vitamins through expert-led information and advice. Taking prenatal vitamins for better hair or nails likely wont bring the desired results. Begin taking prenatal vitamins when you start tryingdont wait until youre pregnant, says Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. Compared to a regular multivitamin, they have more of some nutrients that you need during pregnancy. 4. Star ratings are based on cost, user rating and third-party certification. Swallowing pills may come easy to some, but I can't say I'm one of those people. The March of Dimes recommends 200 mg of DHA a day through diet or supplementation. A softgel is a middle ground between a gummy and a standard vitamin capsule, and a good option if youre having trouble getting the latter down without gagging. 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. Typically, the neural tube is formed in the first month of pregnancy; a time in which you might not even realize youre pregnant. The following vitamins are also essential during pregnancy, as you may not get enough of them through diet alone: Consider it a bonus if you find a prenatal vitamin that also contains omega-3 fatty acids. A prenatal vitamin with choline. Trying to figure out the best prenatal vitamin for you can feel overwhelming, especially considering the number of choices available. Heres a look at the risks and benefits of taking prenatal vitamins. While this product is not third-party tested, Thorne is known for its rigorous in-house testing standards to ensure that the contents of each supplement match whats listed on the bottle. These vitamins also fall shy of the daily calcium requirement for pregnancy, with only 200 mg. Should You Take a Prenatal Vitamin Before Trying to Conceive? The opinions expressed are the authors alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers. How to Pick the Best Prenatal Vitamin for You, Compare the Best Prenatal Vitamins of 2023, One A Day Womens Prenatal Advanced Complete Multivitamin With Brain Support, mykind Organics Garden of Life Prenatal Multi, One A Day Womens Prenatal 1 Multivitamin, When To Take A Pregnancy Test, According To Experts, Ritual Essential Prenatal Multivitamin Review. And while you might not actually need that many more calories when youre expecting, your nutritional needs do increase. But during pregnancy you might fall short on key nutrients. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. If youre trying to conceive or are pregnant, your doctor will likely recommend that you take them. Generally speaking, folic acid is a key nutrient. Its important to read nutrition labels and balance your intake of vitamins and minerals with a well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet. The FDA does not review or approve the safety of dietary supplements, including prenatal vitamins. Conception is not a one-sided equation, and it shouldn't be up to only one partner to prepare their bodies for a possible pregnancy. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. For these reasons, most women should skip prenatal vitamins unless their doctors tell them otherwise. Headaches during pregnancy: What's the best treatment? Prenatal supplements give the extra vitamins and minerals needed before and as a pregnancy starts. A prenatal vitamin is important for pregnant people, as the growing fetus requires certain nutrients that can be hard to get through diet alone. information submitted for this request. Pregnancy Vitamins for Women, With Folate and DHA, America's Number 1 Gummy Vitamin Brand, 45 Day Supply, 90 Count. Persona offers a prenatal vitamin that is free from soy, shellfish, nuts, gluten, and fish. I recommend starting prenatal vitamins as soon as you start thinking of trying to conceive. One A Day Women's Prenatal Advanced Complete Multivitamin With Brain Support 4.0 $0.21 per serving Features 110 milligrams of choline and 800 micrograms of folic acid Features 200 milligrams of. If you're planning to have a baby, it's important that you take folic acid tablets for two to three months before you conceive. Prenatal vitamins typically have between 200 and 300 mg of calcium. Ritual prides itself on ingredient transparency, offering visibly supply chain information on where each of the 12 key nutrients in their prenatal vitamins are sourced. Here's why: Prenatal vitamins are available over-the-counter in nearly any pharmacy. It also contains DHA, which helps support babys brain, eye, nervous system and bone development.. Preconception care. 3 So if you eat a lot of iron-rich foods, such as red meat, poultry and beans, and you are not pregnant, you may want to stick to a regular multivitamin that contains less iron. Women of childbearing age could also eat more folate-rich foods as an alternative to taking a supplement. Heres a quick look at how our top picks compare: *First Trimester pack includes an additional folate supplement, which offers 278% of the Daily Value (DV) for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 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. Theres not much difference between over-the-counter and prescription prenatals, and both are adequate, assures Dr. Nwankwo. Folate is the natural form of the vitamin (vitamin B9) and folic acid is the synthetic version. The pink stork rexall prenatal vitamin makes for great company and it is great for easy on your stomach. (The FDA, the government agency that ensures the safety and efficacy of drugs, medical devices and our nations food supply and cosmetics.) These are crucial for proper fetal development and can prevent birth defects and complications. Prenatal vitamins often contain other vitamins and minerals. (Think meat, fish, eggs and milk.) Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fat found naturally in many kinds of fish, help promote a baby's brain development. While I occasionally experienced the fishy burps that can come with taking a DHA supplement, overall I found the vitamins taste and smell to be quite neutral. If you want to take a prescription prenatal, be sure to check with your insurance first to see if theyre covered; if so, youll likely need your doctor to give you a prescription for them. A prenatal vitamin is a dietary supplement that contains specific nutrients beneficial to a growing fetus, such as folic acid, which plays a critical role in preventing birth defects of the brain and spine. Benefits of prenatal vitamins Prenatal vitamins can help to ensure that the body receives the vitamins and minerals it needs to support a healthy pregnancy.