8 Best Prenatal Vitamins for a Healthy Pregnancy in 2024

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A varied diet is the best way to get the nutrients necessary for fetal development and maternal health.

Taking a daily prenatal vitamin alongside a balanced diet can provide reassurance that you are meeting daily nutrient recommendations for a healthy pregnancy and preventing nutritional deficiencies.

Prenatal vitamins are formulated to provide important nutrients for pregnancy, including folate or folic acid (both are forms of vitamin B9), vitamin C, vitamin D, and iron. Some also contain DHA.

The best prenatal vitamin to take during pregnancy depends on your needs. In this article, we list eight of the best prenatal supplements for different needs and advise on what to look for when choosing the right one for you.

Below, we list the places we trust to buy the best prenatal vitamins.

Medical News Today has tested some of the products below. Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own.

The following table compares the prenatal vitamins above on price, dosage, and type:

Nutrient comparison

The table below compares the daily values (DV) of key nutrients in each product.

See our charts of DV recommendations.

Some nutrients, such as DHA, have no DV. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that may help the development of the brain and eyes. Not all prenatal vitamins contain DHA, so check ingredient lists carefully.

According to one 2016 review, folate and iron are two of the most important nutrients for promoting healthy pregnancy.

¹1st Trimester Pack

When choosing where to buy prenatal vitamins, consider the following:

• Nutrient ingredients: Look at the nutrients on the product’s ingredient list. You can also discuss with your doctor which supplements you may need more of during pregnancy. Some key nutrients for prenatal vitamins include folate, iron, iodine, and vitamin D.
• Amounts of nutrients: Pay attention to the amounts of nutrients in a single dose. Be careful not to take more than the daily recommended dose for any nutrient while ensuring you are receiving enough.
• Third-party testing: Most legitimate vitamin brands will subject their products to third-party testing to help ensure quality and safety. All brands in this article use third-party testing.
• Dietary needs or preferences: If you have specific dietary requirements, such as allergies or veganism, check that the supplement clearly states it is suitable for this diet. Natalist is suitable for many special diets.

You may also want to consider your preferred type of vitamin and budget. For example, prenatal gummy vitamins such as SmartyPants may be easier to take if you have difficulty swallowing capsules or tablets. Some brands, such as Perelel, also offer powdered versions of their prenatals.

If you are pregnant or planning to be, you can benefit from taking prenatal vitamins. This is because nutritional requirements during pregnancy differ significantly from when you’re not pregnant.

Start taking prenatal vitamins around 3 months before pregnancy, if you are planning to get pregnant. Otherwise, begin taking prenatal vitamins as early as possible during pregnancy.

Many prenatal vitamins provide a combination of vitamins and minerals, frequently including:

• Vitamin B12: This vitamin plays a vital role in preventing neural tube abnormalities (NTAs), such as:
  • spina bifida, in which the spine does not develop properly
  • anencephaly, in which the baby is born without parts of its brain and skull
  • encephalocele, in which the membrane containing part of the brain protrudes from a hole in the skull
• Folate or folic acid (vitamin B9): Folate and folic acid are two forms of vitamin B9, which can also help prevent NTAs. Folate is the version found in foods such as beans, dark leafy greens, and nuts. Folic acid is a synthetic version often added to supplements. Medical experts recommend taking a daily dose of 400 micrograms of folic acid before pregnancy and at least during the first trimester. A 2019 study shows a possible link between continued folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and healthy infant cognitive development. Learn more about folate vs. folic acid.
• Iron: This mineral is important for helping prevent fatigue and anemia during pregnancy. A doctor may prescribe iron supplements if you are anemic or expecting twins.
• Calcium: This mineral is important for developing healthy bones and teeth.
• Vitamin D: This vitamin regulates calcium and phosphate levels, ensuring healthy teeth, bones, and muscles.
• Vitamin C: This vitamin helps protect body cells from damage.

These are just some of the important vitamins and minerals you’ll find in most prenatal supplements.

According to research from 2020, many over-the-counter prenatal vitamins provide an inadequate amount of choline and vitamin D. The same research says, on the whole, these vitamins provided too much folate and unknown amounts of iodine.

A common side effect of some prenatal supplements is constipation, particularly with supplements high in iron. Some prenatal vitamins contain a form called iron bisglycinate that may minimize adverse digestive side effects.

Other potential side effects of supplements include:

• stomach cramps
• bloating
• gas
• tarry bowel movements
• hair loss
• skin itching or peeling

Taking your supplements with a meal and a drink can reduce your risk of certain side effects, such as nausea or constipation.

Speak with a doctor if you experience side effects while taking a supplement.

If you have concerns about experiencing specific side effects, a doctor can advise on the best prenatals for you. They can also provide recommendations if pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea, make taking a prenatal difficult.

Prenatal vitamins may support a healthy pregnancy and fetal development. Alongside a well-balanced diet, they can prevent nutritional deficiencies.

When choosing a supplement, consider various factors, including potential deficiencies you may want to target, what form of vitamin you would prefer, and whether you want a regular subscription.

You may want to receive professional advice before buying prenatal vitamins. A doctor can make personalized recommendations based on your health needs and preferences.