Pregnancy is a time of incredible change, and it’s important to take the right vitamins for your growing body. The best prenatals contain all the essential nutrients your body needs during pregnancy, and they’re formulated to be easy on the stomach, too!
Choose a multivitamin that contains all the essentials: Vitamin A, C, D, E, B6, and folic acid. Folate helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida, and it’s also needed for brain development during the fetal brain stages. Some prenatals also have choline, which supports your baby’s neurological development in the early stages of development.
Look for a product that has folic acid and methylfolate, the form of folate most absorbable by the body, says Dr. Purdie, as well as iron (which is needed by your baby for growth). If you’re vegetarian or vegan, choose a prenatal that contains no animal-based products.
Consider taking a prenatal that has DHA and EPA, which help with fetal brain development. Some prenatals don’t contain these fatty acids, but they’re essential for your baby’s development during pregnancy and breastfeeding, according to ACOG. They’re also a good source of omega-3s, which have been shown to protect babies from brain defects and improve IQ, says Dr. Jacobson, a board-certified ob-gyn in San Diego.
For vegans, try a prenatal that doesn’t contain animal-based ingredients and instead is made with natural, non-GMO vegetables, fruits, and herbs. The best prenatals are those that have no added sugar or artificial flavors, and meet certifications for safety and purity.
The Honest Company Once Daily Women’s Prenatal 1 is one of our top picks because it provides a balanced combination of all the essential nutrients your body and baby need during pregnancy. It’s free of dairy, soy, wheat, and added sugars, and it comes in a convenient softgel that’s easy to swallow.
Another excellent option is FullWell best prenatals, designed by dietitian and fertility expert Ayla Barmmer. This vegan prenatal is loaded with key nutrients like methylated folate, choline, and vitamin D. It also has iodine and a blend of minerals for your growing baby, including phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and zinc.
This formula is easy to digest and is a great choice for pregnant women who may struggle with swallowing pills, especially those with a history of constipation or other digestive issues. It also contains added enzymes, which are useful for soothing a queasy stomach.
It’s a good idea to make sure your prenatal includes a healthy amount of vitamin D, which is necessary for fetal bone development and maternal immunity, notes Dr. Purdie. She also recommends looking for a prenatal that has vitamin A, which is important for fetal eye health and immunity.
Finally, it’s a good idea to include some CoQ10, which has been shown to improve egg quality in IVF patients. It’s available in different forms, so talk to your practitioner to find out what dosing and form are most appropriate for you.
The best prenatals should also have a mix of natural and synthetic vitamin A, which is important to ensure you’re getting the right amount of vitamin A to support your health and development during pregnancy. It’s best to avoid supplements that only contain synthetic retinol, as some people are genetically unable to convert beta-carotene to vitamin A.