When choosing the best prenatal vitamins, we considered the following factors: Show
Best prenatal vitamin subscriptionRitual Essential Prenatal Multivitamin
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, so it’s still important to include sources of choline, such as eggs, in your diet. Additionally, while it does contain omega-3 DHA, it lacks eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), so it’s a good idea to take an additional EPA supplement. Ritual vitamins are third-party tested for purity and accuracy. What our tester saysI found Ritual’s Essential for Women Prenatal to be a great prenatal vitamin option. I appreciated the convenience of the subscription model and would recommend this supplement to people looking for a prenatal vitamin 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, Healthline Editor II Best prenatal vitamin for vegetariansMegaFood Baby & Me 2 Prenatal Dietary Supplement
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. 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. Editor’s pick of the best prenatal vitaminFullWell Prenatal Multivitamin
FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin was designed by dietitian and fertility expert Ayla Barmmer. It’s considered one of the highest quality prenatals on the market and is the top overall pick of both Jillian Kubala, MS, RD, and Healthline editor Kelli McGrane, MS, RD. 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 doesn’t 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 the product should be combined with a DHA and EPA supplement. Each batch undergoes independent third-party testing for harmful contaminants, including heavy metals. FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin is highly rated, with customers mentioning how easy it is to digest. Several also note that they’ve noticed increased energy levels since switching to this product. Best trimester-specific prenatal vitaminPerelel Prenatal Packs
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. Best prenatal supplement powderNeeded Prenatal Multi
Needed Prenatal Multi is an excellent prenatal multinutrient supplement that provides 4,000 IU of vitamin D and covers 88% of your choline needs during pregnancy. Women need 450 mg of choline per day during pregnancy (1 ). The powder can be added to smoothies or lattes, so it’s a smart choice for people who can’t swallow pills or who get nauseated when taking multiple supplements per day. But it comes in a capsule form as well. To use the powder, simply mix one scoop into your food or beverage of choice. While the powder doesn’t include omega-3s, Needed also offers prenatal omega-3 capsules designed specifically for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Best prenatal vitamin with DHANature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA
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. Best gummy prenatal vitaminSmartyPants Prenatal Formula
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. Just 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. Best chewable prenatal vitaminSeeking Health Prenatal Essentials Chewable
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. Best prenatal vitamin for morning sicknessNew Chapter Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin
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. Best prenatal omega-3 supplementNordic Naturals Prenatal DHA
If your prenatal vitamin doesn’t cover your omega-3 needs during pregnancy, then you’ll want to purchase a separate omega-3 supplement like this one from Nordic Naturals. During pregnancy, it’s recommended that women take in optimal amounts of omega-3 fats, including DHA. Omega-3s are essential for fetal brain and neuron development (4, 5). Even though current recommendations state that pregnant women should increase their daily DHA intake by 200 mg, some experts suggest that higher amounts may be necessary to maintain optimal blood levels of omega-3s during pregnancy (5). Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA provides 480 mg of DHA along with 205 mg of EPA, another omega-3 fat that’s essential to fetal development. The supplement also contains a small amount of vitamin D, another critical nutrient during pregnancy. Keep in mind that this supplement isn’t vegan-friendly. However, Nordic Naturals offers a vegan prenatal DHA made with algal oil. Nordic Naturals products are third-party tested for purity and potency, and customers can request a COA for all Nordic Naturals supplements on the company’s website. Best prenatal choline supplementThorne Research Phosphatidyl Choline
Choline is a nutrient that’s incredibly important during pregnancy and breastfeeding because it’s essential to fetal growth and development. However, many prenatal vitamins are missing or low in this key nutrient (1, 6). If your prenatal contains a small amount of choline or none at all, consider taking a choline supplement such as this one from Thorne Research. Thorne Research Phosphatidyl Choline covers 93% of choline needs during pregnancy in the form of phosphatidyl choline, the type of choline found in foods. Thorne’s manufacturing facilities are third-party audited by NSF International, an organization that independently tests supplements for quality and potency and inspects manufacturing facilities. Thorne also has an “A” rating from the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA), a regulatory agency run by the Australian Department of Health. Thorne products undergo four rounds of testing at in-house laboratories. Having trouble deciding which prenatal is right for you? Here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare: *First Trimester pack includes an additional folate supplement, which offers 278% of the DV for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 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 (7). For example, folate needs increase by 50% and iron needs increase by 150% (8, 9). 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. Other nutrients to look for in a prenatal vitamin include iodine, vitamin D, choline, B vitamins, and calcium. It can also be a good idea to choose a product with omega-3 fatty acids (7). If you have pregnancy complications or other health concerns, your doctor might recommend a prescription prenatal supplement. Otherwise, you can find over-the-counter supplements at your local pharmacy or online. While many products are available, you’ll want to choose a prenatal supplement that includes all the vitamins and minerals needed to support a healthy pregnancy. Important nutrients in a prenatal vitaminWhen shopping for a prenatal, there are a few things that you should look for. 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. In addition to taking a prenatal supplement, following a nutrient-rich diet that provides the appropriate amount of calories and micronutrients that are in high demand during pregnancy can support your health and decrease the risk of certain pregnancy-related complications. Nutrients often missing in prenatal supplementsMost prenatals contain all or most of the micronutrients needed during pregnancy. However, many prenatals fall short in a few areas, which is why it’s important to do your research before purchasing a prenatal supplement. In particular, prenatal supplements are often lacking in these nutrients that are important during pregnancy (1, 5, 10, 16):
Since each pregnancy is unique, your doctor or a registered dietitian may suggest a specific prenatal supplement based on your health needs. 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 (7). 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. 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. They also recommend continuing to take a prenatal supplement after you’ve given birth, though there are several products on the market specifically designed for the postnatal period. 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 (17). 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 (17, 18, 19, 20). Additionally, supplementing with a well-rounded prenatal that includes methylated folate and B12 may improve the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technology treatment (21). Are prenatal vitamins FDA-approved?While it sets strict standards for the labeling of supplements, the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements the same way that it does medications (22). 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. What is the highest quality prenatal vitamin?Best Overall: FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin is developed by a dietitian and third-party tested, containing key prenatal nutrients including vitamin D, choline, B12 and folate.
How do I choose the best prenatal vitamin?Beyond checking for folic acid and iron, look for a prenatal vitamin that contains calcium and vitamin D. They help promote the development of the baby's teeth and bones. It also might be beneficial to look for a prenatal vitamin that contains vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, B vitamins, zinc and iodine.
What is the #1 suggested supplement a woman should take before and during pregnancy to prevent birth defects?Learn how to get healthy before and during early pregnancy to increase your chance of having a healthy baby. Plan ahead by getting 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily.
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What is the highest rated prenatal vitamin?
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