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During pregnancy, there are tons of things you should keep in mind. Taking the best prenatal vitamins is one of them. What you consume directly affects your growing baby. Therefore, taking the relevant supplements is crucial for your baby’s health. These prenatal supplements have folic acid, iron, vitamins, and folate to aid fetal development. They help prevent deficiencies and support the healthy development of your baby. The supplements also boost tissue and organ growth, keeping your baby healthy.
So, if you’re looking for prenatal supplements to consume during your pregnancy, you have come to the right place. However, remember to consult a healthcare professional before purchasing them and always use a prescription.
Top Picks
15 Best Prenatal Vitamins
1. Best For Balancing Hormones: Eu Natural Store Conception Fertility Prenatal Vitamins
Eu Naturals folic acid prenatal vitamins help balance your hormones, regulate cycles and promote conception. They include clinically studied ingredients such as myo-inositol, ashwagandha, and vitex chaste tree berry. The vitex and the folic acid in every capsule help offer potency and strength. This multivitamin nutrition is ideal for the baby’s future as it contains iron, zinc, Vitamin B, Vitamin D, and selenium that might support and promote natural fertility. You may check out this review video to know more about a tester’s experience with using the product.
Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 3 inches | Weight: 0.01 Ounces
Pros
- 100% organic formula
- Easy to swallow
- Do not contain dairy, wheat, or gluten
- Not tested on animals
- Free of fillers and binders
- cGMP-certified
Cons
- May have a peculiar smell
- May not work for regular cycles in some cases
Did you know?
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 26,141 reviews on Amazon.
2. Best With Probiotics:Garden Of Life Vitamin Code Raw Prenatal Capsules
If you’re looking for vitamin capsules with helpful digestive enzymes and essential nutrients, consider the Vitamin Code capsules by Garden of Life. True to its name, the supplement is infused with raw fruits and vegetables to preserve all their nutrients, cofactors, and enzymes. In addition to containing probiotics for improved immunity, it also includes 800mcg of folate for proper growth of the neural tube, stomach-friendly iron, and other essential micronutrients. Meanwhile, the lipase, lactase, protease, and papain in the capsules contribute to its digestive-boosting properties.
Product Dimensions: 2.75 x 2.75 x 5.22 inches | Weight: 11.2 Ounces
Pros
- Whole food source-based
- Free of additives and binders
- No artificial sweeteners and flavors
- NSF-certified
Cons
- May not be vegan
- May have an overpowering smell
3. Best For Early Fetal Brain Development: Smartypants Prenatal Formula Daily Gummy Multivitamin
The chewable prenatal vitamins from SmartyPants are available in banana, orange, lemon, and strawberry flavors. This premium formula contains vitamin B6, beta carotene, choline, and vitamin K2. The gummies are free of soy, wheat, gluten, and milk.
The 18 essential nutrients in this product help promote and support fetal development and contribute to stronger immunity. It also has iodine that contributes to the fetal nervous system development and leads to normal brain development during pregnancy. The folate can lead to the normal and early development of the brain and the spinal cord of the fetus. If you want a detailed review of the product, make sure to take a look at this video.
Product Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 5 inches| Weight: 1 Pounds
Pros
- Supports thyroid health
- Includes 120 gummies
- Free of artificial flavors and sweeteners
- Free of tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, and fish allergens
- Gummies do not contain synthetic colors
Cons
- Some may not like the smell
- May be slightly sweeter than you expect
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 20,689 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
Eu Natural Store Conception Fertility Prenatal Vitamins Best For Balancing Hormones | Garden Of Life Vitamin Code Raw Prenatal Capsules Best With Probiotics | Smartypants Prenatal Formula Daily Gummy Multivitamin Best For Early Fetal Brain Development | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 26,141 | 2,862 | 20,689 |
| Price | $28.95 | $32.4 | $24.99 |
4. Best For Fighting Free Radicals: Vitafusion Prenatal Gummy Vitamins
With 90 gummies, these prenatal vitamins come in assorted flavors, and the recommended intake is two soft gels per day. They are made of high-quality purified fish oil, DHA, and folate and do not contain corn syrup, synthetic dyes, or gluten, making them nutritious and healthy.
This pack of dietary supplements helps promote your overall health, and the various pregnancy vitamins present in it help combat free radicals. These multivitamins also contain citric acid, lactic acid, fumaric acid, and other elements that enhance the product’s quality and contribute to the baby’s development.
Product Dimensions: 3.06 x 3.06 x 5.62 inches | Weight: 12.8 Ounces
Pros
- Contains vitamins D and B6
- Gentle on the stomach
- Comes with natural flavoring
- Dairy-free
Cons
- Not for vegan consumers
- May melt if exposed to heat
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 16,922 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
5. Best Gluten-Free: Garden Of Life Mykind Organics Prenatal vitamins
Available in lemon flavor, these whole-food multivitamins are some of the best maternal vitamins. The prenatal supplements have iron and folate to help support the neural tube development of the child. Packed with 21 essential nutrients, this product contains organic lemon and ginger to help fight nausea too. It is a gluten-free and non-GMO verified product. It contains fruits, including parsley, amla, berry, broccoli, kale, sea kelp, and holy basil, to support fetal development.
Product Dimensions: 2.32 x 2.32 x 4.16 inches | Weight: 7.04 Ounces
Pros
- Suitable for use during pregnancy and lactation
- Certified organic ingredients
- Vegan-friendly
- Kosher-certified
- Third-party-tested product
Cons
- Contains palm oil
- May not be easy to swallow
6. Best For Antioxidant Support: Nature Made Prenatal Multi Tablets
This bottle of prenatal multivitamins from Nature Made contains no artificial flavors and the recommended intake of the vitamin tablet is one unit per day. One bottle has 250 tablets formulated to support the development of the fetal brain, bones, eyes, and nervous system. This folic acid supplement with 17 essential nutrients can help contribute to the well-being of the mother and the child. The zinc and other vitamins can provide you and your baby with antioxidant support and cellular energy production.
Product Dimensions: 2.94 x 2.94 x 5.31 inches | Weight: 12 Ounces
Pros
- Contains vitamins A, B, C, D, and E
- Supports immune health
- No added flavors and colors
- Gluten-free
- USP-verified
Cons
- Not FDA-approved
- Contains gelatin
Quick tip7. Best For Overall Nutritional Support: One A Day Women’s Prenatal 1 Multivitamin
The softgels from One A Day have no added flavors and contain essential nutrients, including vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, and E, Omega-3, folic acid, and DHA. These chewable prenatal vitamins offer nutritional support during pregnancy and help enhance the baby’s eye, brain, bone, and spinal cord development. The pack contains 90 gel capsules. Iodine and folic acid inside the gummies can help provide essential nutrients to the mother for pregnancy and support the baby’s growth.
Item Weight: 0.2 Kilograms | Product Dimensions: 2.56 x 2.56 x 4.96 inches | Weight: 7.05 Ounces
Pros
- Suitable for pregnancy and post-pregnancy nutritional requirements
- OB/GYN-recommended
- Free of gluten and dairy
- Do not contain artificial flavors or sweeteners
- Do not contain wheat
- Supports fetal bone development
Cons
- May have a fishy smell
- May not be suitable for those who experience nausea
8. Best For Fetal Eye Development: Olly The Essential Prenatal Gummy Multivitamin
These essential gummies contain omega-3 DHA, folic acid, sweet citrus, and vitamin D supplements. They are gentle on the stomach, and the pack includes 60 gummies to help promote wellness for both the mother and the child.
The DHA present inside the gummies is extracted from a purified marine source and helps support the brain and eye development of the fetus. This dietary supplement is free of artificial flavors, colors, gluten, and sugars. The palate-pleasing gummies have a sweet yet delicate flavor that will delight your senses in every bite.
Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 4.13 inches | Weight: 12 Ounces
Pros
- Excellent source of daily doses of vitamins C and E
- Blend of citrus and raspberry flavors
- Easy to consume
- Chewable
- B-Corp certified
Cons
- May melt in warm weather
- Taste may not be palate-pleasing
9. Best For Vegetarian Diet: Rainbow Light Prenatal One Daily Multivitamin
The multivitamin helps boost your immune health and contributes to the overall development of your child. The red supplements contain vitamins B2, B5, and D, folate, iron, calcium, and zinc. Iron and choline are also added to them. One tablet every day may help meet the nutritional needs of nursing moms and pregnant women.
These vegan multivitamins can be taken early in the morning. They do not contain any artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors, and colors. The product is also free of shellfish, eggs, peanuts, gluten, milk, tree nuts, and wheat.
Product Dimensions: 2.36 x 2.36 x 4.93 inches | Weight: 6.4 Ounces
Pros
- Contains plant-source enzymes
- Gentle on the stomach
- Clinically proven absorption
- Non-GMO-verified
Cons
- May be hard to swallow
- May have a peculiar smell
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The 5,678 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
10. Best Flavor-Free: Pink Stork Total Prenatal Vitamin
The prenatal vitamin gummies by Pink Stork are ideal for vegetarian women and are made without dairy, wheat, or gluten. This high-quality product includes 50 capsules per bottle, containing vegetarian DHA, iron, essential vitamins, and folate. The recommended intake is two capsules per day. They help support the immune system for prenatal development and nutrition of the baby and the mother. The multivitamin also helps boost immunity, enables neural growth, and supports your infant’s health and development during pregnancy. Artificial sweeteners, soy, and GMOs have not been added to this product.
Item Weight: 3 Ounces | Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 4 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3 Ounces
Pros
- Organic ingredients
- Unflavored
- Free of preservatives
- Suitable for all stages of pregnancy
- Does not contain artificial dyes, tree nuts
- Does not contain animal products
Cons
- May have a sweet smell
- May leave an aftertaste
11. Best For Improving Visual Acuity: Zahler Prenatal DHA
Available as soft gels and in black color, this dietary supplement is a form of premium nutrition for the fetus and the mother. It can help provide optimal nutrition at the crucial stage of pregnancy. The DHA supplement contains 25 vitamins and nutrients and other high-quality ingredients in the optimal ratio for metabolism, absorption, and safety. The 300mg of DHA can help improve overall mood and cognitive function and reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes. Two soft gels are recommended per day to improve visual acuity, cardiovascular profile, nervous system, memory, and thinking.
Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 4.4 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 0.01 Ounces
Pros
- Help reduce postpartum depression
- Easy on the stomach
- Contain chromium for healthy blood sugar levels
- GMP-certified high-quality prenatal vitamin supplement
- Gluten- and dairy-free
Cons
- Capsules may leak
- May have a fishy flavor
12. Best For Cognitive Development: Megafood Baby & Me 2 Prenatal Vitamins
MegaFood’s organic prenatal vitamins may lead to a healthy pregnancy and are ideal for the mother and the developing baby. The product contains methyl folate, an active form of folic acid, to support your infant’s health and development during pregnancy.
The iron and the choline can help support pregnancy, and the B complex vitamins can provide optimal nutrition to the mother. The product is free of gluten, and the pack contains 120 tablets that you can take at any time of the day. The folate-rich vitamins can help in healthy brain development and support the cognitive development of the child.
Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 2 inches | Weight: 1 Ounces
Pros
- Does not contain milk, peanuts, tree nuts
- Soy- and wheat-free
- Vegetarian pills
- Non-GMO-verified
Cons
- Pills may be big and hard to swallow
- May have an aftertaste
13. Best For Morning Sickness: New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Vitamins
These gluten- and gelatin-free multivitamins from New Chapter are unflavored and come in tablet form. This pack contains 192 tablets ideal for vegetarian women, and you can take them at any time of the day, even on an empty stomach. It has a clinical dose of organic ginger that can help ease morning sickness. The tablets contain your daily requirement of iron, folate, zinc, and vitamins D3, A, and C. Methyl folate is ideal for developing the spinal cord and can also promote fetal brain health. The iron supplement can help boost the mother’s energy levels during pregnancy.
Product Dimensions: 8 x 6.13 x 5 inches | Weight: 1.33 Pounds
Pros
- Contains organic herbs and vegetables
- Free of synthetic fillers and artificial colors
- Does not contain sugar
- Kosher-certified and NSF-certified
- Non-GMO-verified
Cons
- Does not have DHA
- May be larger than expected
14. Best For Pre-Conception Stage: Thorne Research – Basic Prenatal – Folate Multivitamin
Available in the form of capsules, these folic acid prenatal vitamins are ideal for the pre-conception, pregnancy, and nursing stages. The exclusive formula incorporates 5-MTHF, the bioactive form of folate, that helps optimize absorption. The vitamins B6, C, and K present in the capsules help combat morning sickness. They are free of soy, yeast, dairy products, peanuts, eggs, gluten, and tree nuts.
Product Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.5 x 4.47 inches | Weight: 3.2 Ounces
Pros
- Gentle on the stomach
- Free of coatings and binders
- Do not contain lubricants or fillers
- Doctor- and pediatrician-recommended
- Unflavored
Cons
- May not be suitable for pregnant women with nausea
- May not be easy to swallow
15. Best for Nervous System: Enfamil Prenatals & Baby VitaminEnfamom Prenatal Daily Gummy Multivitamin
Free from carbohydrates and available in raspberry and lemon flavors, these vitamins are rich in folate, calcium, omega-3 fatty acid, and DHA. These prenatal gummies will nourish you and your baby.
The product is formulated to protect the nervous system from any birth defects, including brain and spinal cord abnormalities. It contains no artificial sweeteners, colors, sugars, and corn syrup. The recommended intake is three times a day. The pack contains 75 chewable prenatal vitamins.
Product Dimensions: 4 x 2 x 2 inches | Weight: 6.74 Ounces
Pros
- No animal testing
- NSF- and IFOS-certified
- Physician and dietician-tested
- Easy to swallow
Cons
- May have a metallic taste
How To Choose The Right Prenatal Vitamins?
Here are the various factors that you should consider before choosing the right prenatal vitamins.
- Form: Gummy, capsule, or pill is completely your choice. Ensure that whatever form you choose, should have all the nutrients you require during this phase to meet the nutritional recommendations.
- Ingredients: Your prenatal vitamin should contain a set of some essential nutrients required for the baby’s overall development and health. Choose a vitamin with 600 to 800 micrograms of folic acid and 18 milligrams of iron per day. Also, pick a comprehensive multivitamin option that contains a wide range of nutrients infused in a single capsule or tablet, eliminating the need to take additional supplements.
- Allergens: Some prenatal vitamins might contain fish oil, wheat, soy, etc. Know the ingredients to which you are allergic to prevent any unforeseen situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it okay to take prenatal vitamins if I am not pregnant?
If you are not planning to be pregnant, taking high amounts of nutrients is not advisable (1).
2. Will prenatal vitamins help me get pregnant?
Prenatal vitamins can fill the nutrient gaps and encourage a healthy pregnancy. But they don’t make any direct contribution in getting you pregnant.
3. Are prenatal vitamins FDA-approved?
Prenatal vitamins are considered as dietary supplements. FDA is non-referential to dietary supplements before they are sold (2).
4. Are prescribed prenatal supplements better than store-bought ones?
Whether OTC or prescribed prenatal, both supplements have folic acid and other nutrients with a difference in mg. However, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before you take any type of supplements.
5. Who may not benefit from a prenatal vitamin?
Women who are not planning for a baby or not lactating may not benefit from prenatal vitamins. In fact, taking prenatal vitamins when there is no requirement can cause side effects.
6. Will prenatal vitamins help my hair grow?
Certain nutrients may boost the appearance of hair texture or make them look healthier. But there is no evidence to show that prenatal vitamins increase hair length.
Why Trust MomJunction?
We have compiled this list of the best prenatal vitamins for providing the necessary nutrition during pregnancy and to aid the baby’s proper development. We have carefully chosen these prenatal vitamins based on the products’ quality, safety, and nutritional value. Numerous users on various e-commerce sites have also endorsed them. This post also includes a buying guide that mentions the products’ ingredients and tips on choosing the right prenatal vitamins for your requirements.
Pregnancy brings great joy and the responsibility of looking after your health and your unborn baby. As your baby keeps growing in the womb, your regular diet may have insufficient nutrients for your and your baby’s overall well-being and growth. Hence, investing in the best prenatal supplements is essential to boost your health, support fetal growth, and keep the mom and baby healthy. Consider the ingredients list carefully and consult a healthcare professional to ensure you choose the right product.
Infographic: Key Nutrients Essential During Pregnancy
Consuming prenatal vitamin supplements based on your doctor’s recommendations is necessary for your well-being and the fetus’ development. Check out the following infographic to learn how various vitamins and nutrients aid your pregnancy.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Prenatal vitamins: OK for women who aren\’t pregnant?
https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/faqs/prenatal-vitamins-ok-for-women-who-arent-pregnant/ - Dietary Supplements: Tips for Women
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/women/dietary-supplements-tips-women - Facts about Neural Tube Defects
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/facts-about-neural-tube-defects.html#:~:text=Neural%20tube%20defects%20are%20severeneural%20tube%20defects%20(NTDs). - Vitamins supplements and nutrition in pregnancy
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vitamins-supplements-and-nutrition/
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