With so many prenatal vitamins on the market, it’s hard to know which one to choose. What are the must-have components in any prenatal vitamins? We’ve done the research — and countless hours of it.
After in-depth research, reading customer reviews, and scouring drug labels, we’ve selected the best prenatal vitamins you can get over the counter. These picks will help make your body the perfect host for your unborn child and get your pregnancy off to a smooth start.
- No artificial sweeteners or preservatives
- Affordable
- Well-rounded nutrition
- Made from quality ingredients
- Won’t upset your stomach
- Whole-food vitamin
- Can be taken on an empty stomach
- Kosher, non-GMO and gluten-free
- Tested for pesticide residues
- Easy-to-chew gummies
- Made from 9 organic fruits
- Easy on the stomach
- Taken on an empty stomach
- With naturally occurring folate
- Includes ginger to ease nausea
- High amount of natural folate
- Contains natural B12
- Whole food sources
- No dreaded “fish burps”
- Easy-to-swallow softgels
- Affordable
- Easy to open one-handed
- Made in America
- Good for mom and baby
Product Reviews
Here are 10 great prenatal vitamins to consider.
Rainbow Light Prenatal One Multivitamin
Best Once-a-Day Prenatal Vitamin
Moms-to-be who have a hard time remembering to take pills will like that this one only has to be taken once a day. Rainbow Light Prenatal uses superfood extracts as a base for its nutrients and has high standards of manufacture.
For moms who struggle with unpleasant side effects from iron supplements, this one uses an iron source called iron amino acid chelate, which is meant to be gentler and non-constipating.
In addition to folic acid and iron, this supplement also contains a broad spectrum of other vitamins, including a citrus bioflavonoid complex, choline, inositol, and boron.
Moms who struggle with allergies will be happy to know that this vitamin doesn’t contain wheat, gluten, sugar, dairy or lactose, nuts, soy, shellfish or yeast. It also doesn’t contain any animal ingredients and has no artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, additives or preservatives.
Product Specs
Nutrition Label
| Folic Acid | 800 mcg. |
| Iron | 27 mg. |
| Calcium | 50 mg. |
| Iodine | 290 mcg. |
Our Ratings
Pros
- You only have to take one pill a day.
- Affordable.
- Well-rounded nutrition with the four main nutrients.
Cons
- Doesn’t contain DHA.
- It doesn’t contain enough calcium, so you’ll need to make sure to get it elsewhere.
- The pills are quite large and may be difficult to swallow.
New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Vitamins
Best Organic Prenatal Vitamin
These vitamins are pricier than some other brands, but they have some features that may make them worth the money to health-conscious women.
Because of the way these vitamins are prepared and fermented, they’re a lot more digestible, and you could even take them on an empty stomach. They’re made with organic ingredients and a broad range of whole-food, non-GMO vitamins to support you and your growing baby.
For women who are worried about allergens, this vitamin does contain fermented wheat and fermented soy. But they’re gluten-free, sugar-free, appropriate for vegetarians, and they don’t contain animal gelatin.
Product Specs
Nutrition Label
| Folic Acid | 600 mcg. |
| Iron | 27 mg. |
| Calcium | 75 mg. |
| Iodine | 150 mcg. |
Our Ratings
Pros
- Made from quality ingredients.
- Won’t upset your stomach and non-constipating.
- Low on synthetics.
- Also an excellent vitamin for those trying to conceive.
Cons
- Pricey.
- They don’t contain DHA, or enough calcium or iodine, so you’ll need an additional supplement for those.
- You have to take them three times a day.
- The new formula contains folic acid and not the superior folate.
Megafood Prenatal and Postnatal Supplement
Best Whole Food Prenatal Vitamin
Megafood is a company that goes out of its way to provide supplements that are as close to eating natural food as possible.
They contain a full vitamin profile, all from whole plant sources, and minerals bound to brewer’s yeast.
This company is part of a growing trend of vitamin manufacturers who really care about the bigger picture. They’re a “certified B corporation,” which means they’re committed to business practices that are socially and environmentally sound.
Product Specs
Nutrition Label
| Folic Acid | 600 mcg. |
| Iron | 18 mg. |
| Calcium | N/A. |
| Iodine | 150 mcg. |
Our Ratings
Pros
- Can be taken on an empty stomach.
- Kosher, non-GMO and gluten-free.
- Tested for pesticide residues.
Cons
- Pills are very large and need to be taken 2 times a day.
- Requires refrigeration.
- It contains yeast extract which you may want to avoid if you are allergic to it.
Garden of Life Organics Prenatal Chew Gummies
Best Gummy Prenatal Vitamin
These vitamins are an affordable option for moms-to-be. For women who are adamant about having folate in their vitamin, Garden of Life has it – a full 600 mcg in each serving. The vitamins are derived from organic fruits, which could be a plus if you’re worried about the harmful effects of lower-quality supplements.
They come in berry flavor and the gummies are a good choice for those who have problems swallowing giant pills whole.
Moms who are on the lookout for allergen information will be glad to know that there are no artificial flavors, colorings, gluten, kosher, preservatives.
Product Specs
Nutrition Label
| Folic Acid | 600 mcg. |
| Iron | None |
| Calcium | None |
| Iodine | None. |
Our Ratings
Pros
- Contains folate.
- Inexpensive.
- Easy on the stomach.
Cons
- Doesn’t contain any iron or calcium.
- Molds may accumulate upon long storage.
- The taste might not be to everyone’s liking.
Garden of Life Vitamin Code Prenatal Vitamin
Best Prenatal Vitamin With Probiotics
This product is made from raw whole foods and designed for both pregnancy and lactation. They contain a broad spectrum of vitamins, plus ginger, which may help with morning sickness and may be soothing for digestive issues.
The probiotics in these vitamins are great not only for the baby’s development but to support your gut health, too. Garden of Life Vitamin Code also contains 23 organic fruits and vegetables and all the antioxidants and vitamins contained in them.
There are no synthetic binders, fillers, flavors, colors, additives or sweeteners. Plus, the manufacturing process doesn’t use high heat that could denature any active enzymes. The iron used in this product comes from all-natural food sources which should help cut down on nausea or constipation. Finally, everything is GMO-free.
Product Specs
Nutrition Label
| Folic Acid | 800 mcg. |
| Iron | 18 mg. |
| Calcium | 125 mg. |
| Iodine | 150 mcg. |
Our Ratings
Pros
- Can be taken on an empty stomach.
- Contains naturally occurring folate, rather than synthetic folic acid.
- It’s a good choice for moms who are worried about clean ingredients.
Cons
- A little pricey compared to some other brands.
- You have to take these three times a day.
- Contains no DHA, and not enough calcium.
DEVA Prenatal Vitamins One Daily
Best Vegan Prenatal Vitamin
This product is inexpensive, very easy on the stomach and contains 90 vitamins all derived from plant sources. The ingredients list also makes it a godsend for those women with allergies to soy, gelatin or fish.
These don’t use artificial colors or preservatives, and they’re gluten-free. They contain a full complement of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin D and B vitamins, which are essential for maintaining energy levels. High amounts of B12 are great for mom and baby, and the tablets don’t have any strong taste or smell.
Product Specs
Nutrition Label
| Folic Acid | 550 mcg |
| Iron | 21 mg. |
| Calcium | 100 mg. |
| Iodine | 150 mcg. |
Our Ratings
Pros
- Very inexpensive.
- Unlike many other brands, they contain DHA.
- You only have to take them once a day.
- Vegan-friendly.
Cons
- Some people have complained of black spots forming on the pills after some time.
- Can cause nausea.
- Contains chamomile flower, which may be unsafe for pregnancy.
Mama Bird Prenatal Vitamin
Best Vegan Prenatal Vitamin with Natural B12
Methylcobalamin is the natural form of B12 your body uses from the diet, and though it’s absorbed less thoroughly than the synthetic kind, more of it tends to stay in the body. Research is unresolved on which is the best kind, but if you’re a vegan/vegetarian and want to play it safe, Mama Bird makes their product with natural B12.
These vitamins also contain probiotics and digestive enzymes, so even though they don’t have DHA or much calcium, they’re still an excellent all-round vitamin with high-quality ingredients. Even if you’re not a vegan or vegetarian, you might enjoy that every ingredient in these vitamins has been carefully sourced from high-quality synthetics or whole foods where possible.
Product Specs
Nutrition Label
| Folic Acid | 800 mcg. |
| Iron | 18 mg. |
| Calcium | 100 mg. |
| Iodine | 150 mcg. |
Our Ratings
Pros
- A high amount of natural folate.
- Vegan.
- Whole food sources.
Cons
- No DHA.
- Not enough calcium.
- The tablets are quite large.
Spectrum Essentials Prenatal DHA
Best DHA Prenatal Supplement
This supplement from Spectrum is exclusively designed to fill the biggest gap you’d get from taking an ordinary prenatal vitamin: your DHA. It’s not a multivitamin so it doesn’t contain any of the other essential vitamins and minerals; you’ll need to take a broad-spectrum multivitamin for that.
Nobody would argue about the health benefits of eating oily fish or taking fish oil supplements, but the sad truth is that you can often end up consuming more than just Omega 3s when you eat fish or fish oil today. Heavy metals such as mercury and other ocean contaminants can accumulate in fish, making lower quality fish oils a potential risk for you or your baby.
A non-fish oil source of DHA is the safer option. These vitamins give you a good portion of DHA plus 240 mg of Omega 3 fatty acids, which are both vital for brain and eye development in your baby (1).
Product Specs
Nutrition Label
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 240 mg. |
| DHA | 200 mg. |
Our Ratings
Pros
- No dreaded “fish burps.”
- Truly complete nutrition.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Some women have complained that the company frequently ships soon-to-expire products.
- It can cause nausea.
- The smell may be off-putting.
Pink Stork Total Prenatal Vitamins
Best for Before, During and After Pregnancy
Let your vitamins do more with the Pink Stork Total. They are ideal for before, during and after pregnancy so your body can find something it loves and stick with it.
These vitamins are doctor-formulated with 100 percent of your daily values needed for pregnancy. Simply take two per day and enjoy the benefits.
These vitamins are formulated with all the good stuff and none of the stuff you’re trying to avoid. No gluten, sugars, sweeteners, wheat, dairy, soy or other genetically modified ingredients.
Product Specs
Nutrition Label
| Folic Acid | 600 mcg. |
| Iron | 27 mg. |
| Calcium | 195 mg. |
| Iodine | 290 mcg. |
Our Ratings
Pros
- Good for mom and baby, providing healthy development and immune support.
- The flip-top design of the bottle is easy to open one-handed.
- Vegan and vegetarian friendly.
- Suitable for before, during and after pregnancy.
Cons
- A few women experienced headaches after taking these.
- The smell and taste made some women feel unwell.
Enfamom Prenatal Vitamins
Best Prenatal Vitamin with DHA
This pack from Enfamom was made with this very issue in mind. It’s easy to purchase one box and know that you’re getting everything you need, even if not exactly in the same pill.
These vitamins are very high in both iron and calcium and provide a hefty dose of folic acid. They also contain an impressive amount of vitamin D and vitamin C. If you’re not interested in deciphering vitamin bottle labels and taking a handful of giant pills every morning, this prenatal duo covers all your bases with one simple purchase.
Product Specs
Nutrition Label
| Folate | 595 mcg. |
| Iron | 28 mg. |
| Calcium | 250 mg. |
| Iodine | 150 mcg. |
Our Ratings
Pros
- No artificial flavors.
- Truly complete nutrition.
- Sugar free.
Cons
- Some may find that the size of the capsule is a bit bigger.
The Different Types of Prenatal Vitamins
Building a baby is hard work. When you consider that your growing child is relying exclusively on you to support them as they grow, you can appreciate how important it is to take in enough of the right nutrients. Though a healthy diet will go a long way, most of us will need a little help from a supplement to make sure we’re ticking all the boxes.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe a prenatal vitamin, particularly if you have unique nutritional requirements. But if you’re in good health and more focused on just covering your nutritional bases, you can easily buy vitamins over the counter without a prescription.
Broadly, there are two main types:
Synthetic vitamins
You’ll have probably seen these for sale at drugstores or supermarkets. These are an excellent, affordable choice for the woman who doesn’t want to get a chemistry degree just to choose a vitamin. These can also have an impressive ingredients list but beware: not all prenatal vitamins are created equal.
Synthetic vitamins are isolated, single nutrients manufactured artificially, and come in pill, powder, capsule or liquid form. The cheaper brands may be of variable quality. A high quantity of a certain vitamin on the label is less impressive if you know your body never absorbs half of it.
Pros
- Usually one pill a day, so it’s easy to take.
- Inexpensive, and no extra cost if you were already taking an OTC vitamin. Simply switch to the prenatal one.
- Comprehensive vitamin intake all in one pill.
- Popular and readily available.
Cons
- Some brands will have higher standards and quality control than others.
- Synthetics are generally less biologically active than real food and may be harder to digest, absorb and retain.
Food-based vitamins
Understandably, many moms are dedicated to going as natural as possible during those all-important early months of pregnancy. It can feel strange to follow a healthy, whole-food diet every day but then pop a pill that was synthesized in a lab. Though synthetic vitamins are chemically identical to ones found naturally in the diet, our bodies don’t always react to them the same way.
This is because when you eat real food, you also take in a whole symphony of vitamins, as well as enzymes, minerals and cofactors that support proper absorption. Food-based supplements try to mimic this. Though it depends on which vitamin you’re talking about, most are better absorbed when they’re part of a whole-food diet or a food-based supplement.
Pros
- Easier on digestion.
- A less risky alternative than synthetics, some of which can be dangerous in higher doses.
- Are probably manufactured to a more rigorous standard.
- More likely to include the essential nutrients not found in synthetic OTC pills.
Cons
- More expensive than synthetics.
- The research is still ongoing as to whether food-based vitamins are always a benefit, or always better than synthetics.
What to Look for in the Best Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins contain many vitamins and essential nutrients, but there are 4 key components that pregnant women need to look for. If your vitamin doesn’t contain one of these nutrients, you’ll want to keep searching until you find one or supplement with a second vitamin that specifically addresses that need.
The essential components of a prenatal vitamin and their recommended dosages are:
- Folic acid – 500mcg: One of the first nutrients you’ll want in your vitamin is folic acid because it’s non-negotiable when it comes to preventing birth defects.
- Iron – 17mg: You’ll need to ramp up your iron consumption during pregnancy (2). For one thing, you’ll need more iron for your baby, but you’ll also have more blood in your body while you’re pregnant, and you’ll need the extra iron to make hemoglobin.
- Calcium – 200 to 300mg: Your baby needs calcium to grow their bones from scratch, but if you don’t have enough in your system, your bones will suffer the deficit (3).
- Iodine – 150mcg: Your baby needs iodine for brain and nervous system development. Every prenatal vitamin should have iodine in it (4).
Other important vitamins and minerals to look for are:
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine) – 3mg: Helps prevent fatigue and is responsible for eye, brain, and respiratory fetal development.
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) – 2mg: Responsible for healthy skin and eye development in your baby.
- Vitamin B3 (niacin) – 20mg: Helps ease pregnancy nausea and maintain healthy digestion.
- Vitamin B12 – 6mcg: Promotes healthy fetal neurological development and lowers the risk of neural tube defects, intrauterine growth retardation, and early miscarriage.
- Vitamin C – 70mg: Being pregnant will put your body under more stress than usual. Vitamin C protects against stress and helps you better absorb iron (5).
- Vitamin D – 400iu: If you’re pregnant during the winter, or you don’t spend any time in the sun, supplementing vitamin D will help strengthen you and your baby’s teeth and bones, as well as help your body use calcium and phosphorus.
- Vitamin E – 10mg: Can help reduce the risk of miscarriages.
- Zinc – 15mg: Helps support nerve and muscle function while maintaining a healthy fluid balance in your body.
When Should I Start Taking a Prenatal Vitamin?
Ideally, you want to start taking one long before you try to conceive your baby. Why so early? Prenatal vitamins contain folic acid, which can help prevent birth defects like spina bifida (6).
But for them to give your baby all the protection he needs, you’ll need to have folic acid in your system during conception. Babies grow at a rapid rate in the first few weeks – long before you even know you’re pregnant.
What Time of Day Should I Take Prenatal Vitamins?
Take your multivitamin at whatever time you want as long as you can remember to take it consistently daily. If you suffer from morning sickness, you might want to take it later in the day or with a meal. If it’s easiest for you to take it right before bed, you can do that as well.
When I was pregnant, I made sure to take mine with something to eat. If I didn’t and I took it on an empty stomach, I felt nauseous for a couple of hours afterward.
Do Prenatal Vitamins Have Side Effects?
Just because something is good for you doesn’t mean you can take it without any side effects. Your system may be a little more delicate when you’re pregnant, and this could mean that certain ingredients in a multivitamin don’t agree with you. However, almost all side effects are not dangerous, so much as uncomfortable.
Try to push through any discomfort for a few days but don’t feel bad about switching if a pill isn’t working for you. If one brand of vitamins doesn’t suit you, another one will.
Some of the more common side effects are:
- Constipation: Pregnant women often struggle with constipation – it’s just one item on a laundry list of complaints women have about pregnancy. The iron in your vitamin may be making things much worse in this department.
- Weird colored poop: Once again, iron proves to be a double-edged sword. Yes, you need it to remain healthy throughout your pregnancy, but it can also cause some issues. If you see green or extremely dark stool, iron is likely to blame. However, you should still check with your doctor to make sure.
- Nausea: A lot of things can make pregnant women feel nauseous, including smells, food, and even prenatal vitamins (7). If you are struggling with a sick feeling when you take your vitamin, you might want to switch brands to one that doesn’t contain quite as much iron, or try taking your vitamin with food to see if that helps.
- Loss of appetite: Pregnant women may not be as hungry as usual in the first trimester of pregnancy because of morning sickness. But your lack of hunger might be caused by your vitamin as well (8). Prenatal vitamins can cause your appetite to take a nosedive, especially if accompanied by nausea.
What About Other Side Effects?
When taking prenatal vitamins, many women report experiencing trouble with:
- Acne.
- Fatigue.
- Increased appetite/hunger.
- Insomnia.
- Anxiety.
- Dizziness.
Could the vitamins be to blame for these nasty side effects?
It’s important to remember that prenatal vitamins are much like ordinary vitamins, only with some key additions to make them more suited to a pregnant woman’s needs. They have high folic acid and iron, but typically less vitamin A, for example. So, any side effects will likely be related to their high content of the nutrients pregnant women need, for example, iron.
Though you may start noticing some unwanted side effects when you begin taking one, you can’t be sure if these effects are from the vitamins or from merely being pregnant. Your body is undergoing massive changes. Experiencing acne during pregnancy, fatigue, anxiety, or changes in appetite are all quite common as your body adjusts to its new hormonal state.
If your side effects are bothering you, switch vitamins and see if things improve. If your symptoms persist, it’s time to consult your doctor, as it’s likely not your vitamins that are the cause.
How Do I Know Which Vitamin I Need the Most?
During pregnancy, all nutrients are important for your health and the health of your growing baby. The most important ones are iodine, iron, folic acid, DHA, calcium, and vitamin D.
If you’re generally in good health, a quality over-the-counter vitamin will be more than enough to make sure you don’t develop any dangerous deficiencies during pregnancy. However, you might like to pay special attention if you have any known deficiencies to begin with or have unique nutritional needs.
Women with absorption problems, digestive difficulties or those following diet restrictions might like to check with their doctors if there are any extra supplements they can take. If necessary, your doctor will prescribe a vitamin unique to your needs.
Prenatal Vitamin FAQs
Are Prenatal Vitamins Covered by FSA?
Yes, they are generally FSA-eligible, because they are a recognized way to address any potential deficiencies in expectant mothers and reduce the incidence of birth defects (9).
If you’re prescribed a particular vitamin to address a more urgent nutritional need, you will likely need a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor if you want reimbursement from FSA. This should be no problem, however, as these supplements are understood to “treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent” a disease.
Are Prenatal Vitamins Regulated by the FDA?
No, vitamins and supplements are not regulated by the FDA. The FDA has classified nutritional supplements as a class of food and not as medicine, and so they are not held to the same standards.
While the FDA has not given its seal of approval to dietary supplements, it doesn’t mean that the vitamins on the market are not OK to take. It does mean, however, that you’ll have to do a little research on your own to determine whether a pill is safe for you to take.
It’s true that less rigorous standards mean that some companies can make dubious claims about their products, or else include ineffective or even harmful ingredients in their vitamins. But there’s no need to get paranoid about poison in your pills or assume that everything made in China contains lead. Take your time researching a new product, and if in any doubt, visit your doctor.
When Do I Stop Taking Prenatal Vitamins?
Although they are “pre” natal vitamins, there are a few good reasons to keep taking them even after you’ve given birth. You may not be growing a baby inside you anymore, but if you’re breastfeeding, you’re growing a baby outside you!
Keep taking your prenatal vitamin if you’re breastfeeding. The extra nutrition will go straight to supplying milk for your baby, and you may “top up” on any depleted stores you incurred throughout your pregnancy.
If you’re done breastfeeding, it’s recommended to stop taking them and switch back to a normal vitamin. It may seem like a good idea to give yourself a little extra, but the high vitamin content could actually do more harm than good, or lead to toxicity.
One exception is if you’re actively trying to conceive another baby. Check with your doctor, but if you intend to get pregnant again, you can usually keep going with your vitamin schedule into your next pregnancy.
Can Prenatal Vitamins Help With Hair Growth?
The rumor is that being so rich in nutrients, they can be used as a kind of beauty hack to give you glowing skin and thick, shiny hair. Is it true, though?
Well, in the short term, yes. Particularly for women who may be a little deficient in iron or calcium anyway, a prenatal vitamin can give a “boost.” But the truth is that this boost is nothing that can’t be achieved without a regular iron or calcium supplement.
For women who aren’t pregnant or trying to conceive, and who don’t have any nutritional deficiencies, they can cause more harm than good. Think constipation, fatigue, iron toxicity, nausea, and diarrhea. Not pretty!
Taking a prenatal once in a while won’t cause any problems, but they don’t belong in your permanent beauty routine. You’ll get more benefit in the long run from taking a vitamin designed for non-pregnant women.
What Prenatals Do OB/GYNs Recommend?
First of all, your personal doctor is definitely your #1 source of information when it comes to prenatal care. But the most popular prenatal vitamins contain at least 400-800 micrograms of folic acid.
These are essential for your baby’s neural tube development. Also check for iron, calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Some of the best prenatal vitamins recommended by OB/GYNs include:
How Can I Improve My Baby’s Brain During Pregnancy?
Taking daily prenatal vitamins helps with your baby’s brain development throughout your pregnancy. In addition to all the much-needed nutrients like iron and calcium, you should also look for prenatal vitamins that contain choline, something important for brain development.
Can I Take Prenatal and Multivitamins at the Same Time?
It’s not really recommended to take both prenatal and multivitamin supplements at the same time, because it can lead to an excess of certain vitamins and minerals.
Some ingredients, such as iron and calcium, are already present in prenatal vitamins, so taking extra supplements on top of that isn’t always necessary. As usual, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider before taking any additional supplements.
Can I Just Take Folic Acid Instead of Prenatal Vitamins?
Folic acid is a super important nutrient during any pregnancy, but taking only folic acid supplements just isn’t enough.
Prenatal vitamins have a combination of key vitamins and minerals that you’ll need to support a healthy pregnancy. So, you should take prenatal vitamins instead of just folic acid supplements.
What Weeks are Prenatal Vitamins Most Important?
Prenatal vitamins are essential throughout pregnancy, but they are especially important during the first trimester when your baby’s neural tube is developing.
It’s a good idea to start taking prenatal vitamins before your pregnancy or as soon as you find out you’re pregnant to ensure your baby gets all the essential nutrients needed for healthy development.
