Prenatal vitamins are vital for anyone who is pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. Like many stages of life, your body has specific needs before, during, and after pregnancy that supplements can support. Plus, you’re supporting a growing life—and your baby needs specific vitamins and nutrients as they develop. Prenatal supplements help ensure you’re getting the nutrients you and baby need! Many women take prenatal supplements for peace of mind, knowing they’re getting the recommended amounts of the vitamins and nutrients they need regardless of their diet.
There are a lot of prenatal vitamins on the market. Finding the best prenatal vitamins and supplements can feel overwhelming. Here’s what you need to know.
Key Takeaways:
- Prenatal nutrition is essential for supporting mom’s health and baby’s development.
- Look for supplements that include prenatal-specific nutrients such as folate, iron, DHA and vitamin D.
- Choose trusted, high-quality supplements from reputable brands to ensure effectiveness.
- Shop online from certified retailers or the official brand site for peace of mind.
Why Prenatal Vitamins are Essential
Unlike standard multivitamins, prenatal vitamins typically include higher levels of certain nutrients that are critical for fetal development to provide proper support for both you and your baby before and after conception. Prenatal supplements may include additional folate or methylfolate, iron, DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid), and vitamin D. Others may include thoughtful additions like ginger to help ease nausea (morning sickness), supporting you through common pregnancy symptoms.
A healthy diet is important for supporting your body and baby during pregnancy. Morning sickness, cravings, and other pregnancy symptoms can make eating a consistent, balanced diet difficult during pregnancy. You can look for foods rich in folate, iron, calcium, choline, omega-3s, and protein. But a high-quality supplement will help ensure any gaps in your nutrition are covered!
Remember, prenatals are crafted to provide support before and during pregnancy. Once your baby arrives, you’ll have different nutrition needs! Diet and a quality postnatal multivitamin can provide additional support once your little one is here, with lactation support, mood support, and more.
What to Look for in the Best Prenatal Vitamins and Supplements
These are your must-have nutrients to look for in a quality prenatal:
Folate
Folate is used by the body to make new cells and is essential for proper neural tube development in babies. Folate supports your baby’s healthy brain and spine as they develop, which is why it’s important to start taking folate even before conception. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, you should take a daily prenatal supplement with at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folate, ideally starting at least 1 month before pregnancy.
Folate and folic acid are both forms of vitamin B9. Since neither are stored in the body, it’s important to supplement your intake. There are several differences between the two, but one of the most important differences is that folate can be used by your body immediately—folic acid must be converted to another form first. Methylfolate is the form of B9 that both folic acid and folate convert into to be used. All four of our prenatals use 100% methylfolate!
Iron
When you’re pregnant, your need for iron increases from 18 mg to 27 mg per day. Your blood volume increases during pregnancy, and iron helps your blood transport oxygen effectively to your growing baby.
Always check your supplement labels for the iron content and, if needed, add an iron supplement liked Fermented Iron Complex to your routine. If you prefer liquid or gummy forms, they may not contain iron because of the strong flavor.
Omega-3 DHA
Omega-3s help support healthy brain and visual development for your baby during pregnancy. DHA, EPA, and other omegas are important for women who are expecting and breastfeeding. Some research has shown that they may also play a role in determining the length of gestation and in preventing perinatal depression. Surveys also show that pregnant women in the US don’t consume enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diet, possibly due to concern about mercury levels in fish. Adding a high-quality omega-3 supplement can provide a reliable amount of omega-3s to meet recommended amounts.
Vitamin D & Calcium
Many of us are deficient in vitamin D, an essential nutrient during pregnancy because it supports your immune system as well as healthy bones and teeth.* Calcium is also in high demand during pregnancy and breastfeeding, being vital to the baby’s growth in the womb and after birth. Some calcium needs are met by moving calcium out of the mother’s bones, which can cause temporary decreases in bone density during pregnancy. While bone density is typically restored after pregnancy, it can be useful to supplement with vitamin D and calcium during this time.
There are a few other specific considerations you might want to look for as well. If you are over 35, there are prenatals crafted with age-specific support. If you have dietary restrictions, like being vegan or gluten free, you can find prenatals that fit those needs. Prenatals can also come in a variety of forms, from tablets to capsules to gummies.
Where Can I Buy Reliable Prenatal Vitamins Online?
With so many prenatals on the market, it can be hard to know which ones to choose. To make sure you’re getting high-quality supplements, you should always purchase from trusted retailers or official brand websites.
Third-party certifications provide independent confirmation that the products you purchase meet standards of quality, purity, and more. Here are a few certifications you might look for:
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- Where Food Comes From Organic® (WFCFO)
- USDA Organic
- NSF® Contents Certified
- Certified B Corporation®
- Upcycled Certified™
You can learn more about what each certification means on our website!
Top-Rated Prenatal Vitamins for Expecting Mothers
New Chapter offers a range of tested and trusted prenatal vitamins for you to choose from on our site!
One Daily Prenatal Multivitamin
Ideal for everyday support
This one daily prenatal multivitamin delivers high-quality nutrients for healthy conception and pregnancy including cognitive-supporting methylfolate, choline, plus ginger for nausea relief (morning sickness).*
One Daily Prenatal 35+ Multivitamin
Tailored for pregnant people over 35
This one daily prenatal multivitamin for mothers 35+ provides higher levels of key nutrients you need, including vitamin C, B12, calcium, magnesium plus ginger for nausea relief (morning sickness).*
Advanced Perfect Prenatal™ Multivitamin
Comprehensive formula for optimal wellness
This award-winning prenatal delivers essential nutrients and ginger for nausea (morning sickness) to support both baby and mother’s wellness. Get complete nutrition in 3 daily tablets that are gentle even on an empty stomach.
Prenatal Multivitamin Gummies
Foundational wellness in an easy-to-take form
This tasty prenatal in gummy form supports a healthy pregnancy and provides essential nutrients to mom and baby in a delicious gummy form.* Chew 3 gummies daily, gentle even on an empty stomach.
No matter which one you choose, you can rest easy knowing you’re getting New Chapter’s signature high-quality formulations in every bottle, crafted to bring you exceptional wellness guided by nature’s wisdom.
Additional Supplements for Complete Prenatal Care
In addition to a prenatal multivitamin, there are some other supplements you can add to your routine. Thankfully, New Chapter has all your pregnancy-related wellness needs covered!
Wholemega™ Fish Oil for Moms supports your baby’s brain and eye development during pregnancy and breastfeeding with omega-3s DHA and EPA.* These easy-to-swallow mini softgels are made with Upcycled Certified® wild Alaskan salmon oil with naturally occurring astaxanthin & vitamin D3.
Fermented Iron Complex provides non-constipating iron along with 5 blood-bonding minerals and vitamins for holistic blood health and energy† support.* Just one per day helps meet your needs during pregnancy and during menstruation.*
Feel Prepared for Your Pregnancy Journey with Quality Prenatals
Pregnancy can be both a challenging and joyful time. You deserve to enjoy the journey without worrying if you’re getting the wellness support you need! When you and your baby’s health depend on it, it’s important to choose the best prenatal vitamins and supplements. Shop our trusted prenatal collection for peace of mind during your pregnancy journey!
†Healthy Iron levels support your body's natural energy production process.
