Create Your Own Prenatal Vitamins
You can also create your own prenatal vitamins based on your particular biological needs.
Some moms do blood and/or hair tissue mineral analysis to see specifically which nutrients they may need more of and which minerals they dont need to supplement with. Obviously, not everyone can afford or access this kind of personalized testing, but hopefully this will be the medical norm one day.
If you do create your own, make sure it includes folate, magnesium, iodine, zinc, iron, plus vitamins A, D, C, K, and B. Its also a good idea to include a good probiotic for gut health. By boosting your good bacteria levels, you may ward off things like Group B Strep and thrush when breastfeeding. You may also help colonize your baby with the best bacteria possible, which can affect her health for the rest of her life.
What Else We Considered
What else we recommend
MyKind Organics Prenatal Multivitamins: These are another great option if you’re looking for a multivitamin that is certified organic, GMO-free, and vegan. A few added ingredients such as palm oil, along with a slightly higher price tag let New Chapter edge this brand out for a daily organic pill.
What we don’t recommend
Vitafusion PreNatal Gummy Multivitamins: Vitafusion’s gummies deliver good nutrition while being easy on the taste buds and wallet, but they don’t include vitamin B1 .
Ritual Essential Prenatals: These vitamins seem like a great option with the brand’s commitment to transparency and the prenatal’s vegan omega-3s, bio-available folate, and delayed-release capsules. However, its formula doesn’t include calcium or vitamin C under the claim that most adults get enough of both. Our medical reviewer Dr. Regina Cardaci flagged this as inaccurate, adding that most women do not get enough calcium and both this mineral and vitamin C are especially important during pregnancy to build strong bones and teeth and, in the case of vitamin C, help the body absorb iron.
Best Flavored Prenatal Gummies: Natures Bounty Prenatal Gummies
These gluten-free gummies provide 100% DV of folic acid and iodine for pregnant people. They also contain two types of omega-3s DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid . Two gummies provide 51 mg of DHA and EPA.
The product contains 13 key nutrients.
Online reviewers praise the pleasant berry flavor. Due to their pleasant taste, these gummies may be helpful for people experiencing nausea.
Some online reviewers question the high levels of vitamin A.
The price starts at $21.95 for 60 gummies.
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Excess Prenatal Vitamin Toxicity
Vitamin A: According to the Institute of Medicine, the tolerable upper intake level during pregnancy for preformed Vitamin A is 3,000 mcg. Excessive vitamin A from the retinol form can cause birth defects and weaken bones. If you and a healthcare provider determine that you would like to include prenatal that contains vitamin A, we recommend choosing one with the beta-carotene form of vitamin A instead, as the only side effect of taking excessive beta-carotene is a yellowing of the skin.
Folate: The tolerable upper intake level for folate is listed as 1,000 mcg for pregnancy. One study showed that intakes over 1,000 mcg in the period immediately before and after getting pregnant resulted in poor cognitive development in 4-year-olds. It has also been shown that high levels of unmetabolized folic acid, which can result from the body’s inability to convert folic acid to the acid methyl form , could weaken the immune response and even increase the risk of neonatal jaundice, and infant asthma. It can also lead to developmental delays like autism.
Vitamin D: Intakes over 4,000 IU are considered to exceed the tolerable upper intake level, and excessive vitamin D can result in dangerously high calcium levels. However, this amount often does not take into consideration whether a person is deficient going into pregnancy. If a pregnant person is deficient, they may benefit from slightly higher therapeutic doses for the health of themself and the baby.
What Makes This Sustainably Sourced Omega
At New Chapter, we believe the best vegan omega-3 or dha supplement for pregnant moms is one the body can easily recognize and absorb. Thats why our convenient, one-daily prenatal DHA/Omega-3 softgels are crafted with clinically studied algal oil that is well-absorbed by the body.*
- Potent Omegas are naturally concentrated, providing more DHA & EPA per gram than fish
- Pure, USA-grown microalgae are meticulously cultivated in clean, fully traceable conditions
- Non-GMO tested and solvent free
- 100% Vegan & Certified Gluten-Free by NSF
Compared to New Chapter® fish oil products.
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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 .
Whats 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 .
Additionally, supplementing with a well-rounded prenatal that includes methylated folate and B12 may improve the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technology treatment .
What Can You Do If You Feel Nauseous After Taking Prenatal Vitamins Are Any Types Better For Nausea Than Others
While it’s not uncommon for prenatals to cause some queasiness, it’s important to find a prenatal that you can tolerate so you’ll take it regularly, Largeman-Roth says. Taking your vitamins after dinner can help. Mornings are tough because you may be waking up nauseated and need to have a substantial amount of food in your stomach for the prenatal to be tolerable. Definitely don’t take them on an empty stomach, she says.
Some women find it helpful to take more simple supplements in the first trimester, when nausea is the worst, and then switch to a more complete prenatal with iron and DHA once they feel better in the second trimester.
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When To Stop Taking Fish Oil During Pregnancy
Fish oil is a great source of omega-3s and has many health benefits to support your pregnancy. Its possible youve heard that fish oil can lead to increased bleeding during surgeries such as cesarean sections, but a recent study concluded that there is no link to fish oil and increased bleeding during or after surgery. However, it is important to note that this data may not be applicable to pregnant women and those undergoing cesareans specifically, thus more studies are needed.
And while there’s no universal guidance on when to stop fish oil supplementation during pregnancy, its abundantly clear that the earlier you start, the better. Especially since the diet of pregnant women is largely deficient in DHA intake, making it difficult to comply with current recommendations without dietary supplementation.
Omega-3s, DHA, and fish oil are often used interchangeably, and thats because they all do very similar things for your body. DHA is an essential nutrient found in fish oil supplements that supports the development of your babys brain and eyes. Fish oil also contains vitamins A and D, plus EPA, another important omega-3 fatty acid. The recommended amount of fish oil during pregnancy is at least 300 mg, and its important you find a reputable supplier that provides purified fish oil, free of any toxins such as mercury or lead. Have more questions? Learn about the differences between omega-3s, DHA, and fish oil.
What Does A Vegan Dha & Epa Supplement Do For My Baby
Did you know that Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are essential for overall health, but our bodies cant make enough of these good fats on their own? Instead, vegan Omega-3 sources have to come from food or in supplement form. Just one softgel a day during pregnancy gives your baby critical prenatal Omega-3s. After baby is born, those same good fats help with healthy breastfeeding.*
- Supports babys brain development during pregnancy and breastfeeding*
- Supports babys visual development and eye health during pregnancy and breastfeeding*
- Delivers recommended DHA & EPA that are essential for cell membrane development*
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What Is On The Label Is What Is In Your Bottle
That means all of our products are meticulously created, tested multiple times, and held up to strict standards. If they dont meet these requirements, they dont make it to your home.
You may be wondering why we didnt include DHA in our Mama Bird prenatal multivitamins. And I have a very good reason for that. Its impossible to put the necessary amount of DHA into a prenatal vitamin without it becoming bulky. Some prenatal multis may include DHA, but not at the recommended amounts.
So, we developed a separate DHA. It comes in two small softgels and is easily swallowed.
And then, because our multi+ caplets are vegan, I knew we needed a vegan option for DHA, as well. As a category innovation, we created our DHA from algae with a seaweed and tapioca softgel casing.
Our No Fish, No Fish Vegan Prenatal DHA delivers the recommended amount, and much needed benefits, for mom and baby.
-Madhavi Gupta, MD
You may be wondering why we didnt include DHA in our Mama Bird prenatal multivitamins. And I have a very good reason for that. Its impossible to put the necessary amount of DHA into a prenatal vitamin without it becoming bulky. Some prenatal multis may include DHA, but not at the recommended amounts.
So, we developed a separate DHA. It comes in two small softgels and is easily swallowed.
Our No Fish, No Fish Vegan Prenatal DHA delivers the recommended amount, and much needed benefits, for mom and baby.
-Madhavi Gupta, MD
What To Look For When Buying Prenatal Vitamins
Here are the various factors that you should consider before choosing the right prenatal vitamins.
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Exceptional Nutrients No Exceptions
Omega-3s dont only come from fish oil. Algae is an ideal, sustainably-sourced vegan alternative that provides all of the vital DHA needed for your babys neurodevelopment.
Omega-3s dont only come from fish oil. Algae is an ideal, sustainably-sourced vegan alternative that provides all of the vital DHA needed for your babys neurodevelopment.
When To Start Taking A Prenatal Vitamin
Prenatal vitamins arent just for pregnant peopletheyre for people trying to get pregnant, too. The ACOG recommends taking a prenatal vitamin that contains at least 400 micrograms of folic acid at least one month before becoming pregnant.
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. I encourage all my patients to take folic acid supplementation before they conceiveat least 400 micrograms per dayas we know that women on folic acid supplementation can significantly reduce the risk of certain birth defects like spina bifida.
And even if youre not trying to conceive, if youre not using contraception, you could become pregnant if youre having sex, she says, adding if youre not using contraception, you should take a prenatal vitamin just in case.
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Do Prenatal Vitamins Have Any Side Effects
Some people may feel nauseated after taking prenatal vitamins. If youre 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 youre experiencing bouts of morning sickness.
You may also experience constipation, especially if youre taking a prenatal vitamin with large amounts of iron.
Be sure to drink lots of water and increase the fiber in your diet. Youll also want to get regular exercise. Ask your doctor for advice if constipation becomes an issue.
Why Its Important To Take Fish Oil During Pregnancy
A fIsh oil pill is packed with two essential omega-3s essential nutrients for healthy brain and eye development in a pregnant woman as well as for fetal growth and development which is why it should be taken in conjunction with your prenatal vitamin. DHA, an essential fatty acid, is specifically linked to healthy birth weight and developmental milestones, while EPA is correlated with improved heart health and cholesterol.
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When To See A Doctor
A person should receive professional advice before buying prenatal vitamins. According to a 2016 study, the top 25 over-the-counter prenatal vitamins in the US did not contain the daily required amount of choline. A healthcare professional can describe what a supplement should contain to ensure that each person meets their nutrient recommendations during pregnancy.
A person should also see their doctor if they experience side effects while taking a supplement. A common side effect of prenatal supplements is . Some prenatal vitamins contain non-constipating iron to counteract this. Other potential side effects of supplements include:
What Are The Different Kinds Of Prenatals
Walking into the pharmacy or searching for prenatals on Amazon makes it feel like there are approximately 10 billion different kinds of prenatals. But they can broadly be divided into these categories:
- Capsules or tablets: “If a woman wants to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals in one prenatal vitamin, a pill that you swallow whole is the best choice,” says Purdie.
- Liquids, powders and chewables: “For women experiencing nausea, a chewable or liquid vitamin may be a better option, but these may be missing some of the above essential nutrients,” says Dr. Purdie. It is important to read the labels to see if you would need to take an additional supplement.
- Prescription: Some women who experience side effects with their prenatals may want a prescription. “Both prescription and over-the-counter vitamins will have all the necessary nutrients, however, the formulation may be different the prescription vitamin may have iron that causes less constipation, or it may include a stool softener to help with constipation or vitamin B6 to help with nausea, says Dr. Purdie. But assuming you can tolerate the OTC versions, there’s no reason to go running to the doctor. “In general it’s easier, more convenient and maybe even less expensive to stick with an over-the-counter vitamin,” Dr. Rankins adds.
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How To Choose The Best Prenatal Vitamins
When shopping for prenatal vitamins, look for these four primary nutrients that are especially important during pregnancy, per Dr. Nwankwo and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists:
- Folic acid: 600 mcg Helps with neural tube development and can help prevent neural tube defects like Spina Bifida.
- Iron: 27 mg Helps to prevent anemia, which can affect delivery of oxygen to the baby via red blood cells.
- Calcium: 1,000 mg Helps with bone health. Keep in mind that most prenatal vitamins dont contain this much calcium, so if you dont get enough from your diet, talk to your doctor about taking a separate calcium supplement.
- Vitamin D: 600 IU Helps support healthy bone development and your immune system.
The following vitamins are also essential during pregnancy, and you may not get enough of them through diet alone. Having these in your prenatals are helpful too:
- Vitamin A: 770 mcg
- Vitamin C: 85 mg
Are Prescribed Prenatals Better Than Store
While prescription prenatals are available, they arent necessarily better than prenatal vitamins that you can purchase over the counter.
In fact, there are several high quality prenatal supplements that dont 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, whats most important is that you choose a supplement thats formulated to meet the unique nutritional demands of pregnancy.
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Why You Should Trust Us
Every brand and product on our list has been vetted to ensure that it aligns with Healthlines brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article:
- adheres to allowable health claims and labeling requirements, per Food and Drug Administration regulations
- is manufactured in facilities that adhere to current good manufacturing practices established by the FDA
- is produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standards
- is made by a company that provides objective measures of trust, such as having its supplements validated by third-party labs
- Dosage: 2 capsules per day
- Included nutrients: folate, biotin, choline, iron, iodine, magnesium, boron, omega-3 DHA, and vitamins B12, D3, E, and K
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 omega-3 from algae, so its 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 its still important to include , such as eggs, in your diet.
