9 Best Prenatal Vitamins For Your Healthy Pregnancy
Getting adequate nourishment throughout pregnancy can be difficult, especially when you have morning sickness, transitory desires, and unplanned aversions. Even if you consume a nutritious diet, you might miss out on certain minerals...
Getting adequate nourishment throughout pregnancy can be difficult, especially when you have morning sickness, transitory desires, and unplanned aversions. Even if you consume a nutritious diet, you might miss out on certain minerals.
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Begin taking prenatal supplements. They're a simple method to catch up on any missed nutrients and support the development of both you and your baby.
Continue reading to see our selections of the top eight prenatal vitamins.
Whether you're searching for something that will stay put when morning sickness sets in or you just want something delicious, we've compiled a list of 8 excellent alternatives to consider.
1. MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Prenatal Dietary Supplement
This prenatal vitamin is made with organic, plant-based components and is intended to be easily digested, taking it on an empty stomach.
It also contains several important elements for a successful pregnancy, such as iron, choline, folate, and vitamins B6, B12, and D3.
The supplement is also gluten-free and free of soy and dairy products. Although it is vegan friendly, it isn't suitable for vegans.
2. Needed Prenatal Multi
Needed Prenatal Multi is a wonderful prenatal multinutrient supplement that contains 4,000 IU of vitamin D and 100% of your choline requirements.
The powder can be used in smoothies and lattes, making it an ideal option for those who are unable to swallow pills or who become sick from taking several supplements at once. It's also available as a capsule.
Simply add one scoop to your food or beverage of choice when using the powder.
While it does not contain omega-3s, Needed also has an omega-3 powder that is made for expectant and nursing mothers.
3. Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA
DHA and folate, as well as iron and other critical minerals, are included in this liquid softgel multivitamin to assist you meet the nutritional needs of pregnancy.
Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA contains a balanced spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals, including omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.
These fatty acids are important for a healthy pregnancy, as they promote healthy brain and eye development in unborn babies.
The third-party tested Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA has more than 33,000 mostly 5-star reviews by customers on different online stores.
They're also gluten-free, sugar-free, and devoid of artificial colors or preservatives.
But what makes this model so appealing is that it's available in a range of sizes. It also happens to be one of the most budget-friendly and readily accessible choices on our list.
4. Zahler Prenatal + 300 mg DHA
Zahler's new and improved Prenatal + DHA has nutrients necessary for a healthy pregnancy, such as folate, vitamin D, vitamin A, and choline.
It also contains 300 mg of DHA from algae oil, so you won't get fishy burps.
It also contains non-vegan ingredients such as glycerin, which is derived from animal fats. It isn't vegan friendly, though it is dairy-free, gluten-free, and kosher.
According to Zahler, each product is thoroughly tested for hazardous metals and contaminants in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)-certified facility. The supplements, on the other hand, aren't subjected to third-party testing.
5. SmartyPants Prenatal Formula
SmartyPants is a well-known and easy-to-find vitamin supplement that provides a fantastic alternative if you want gummy vitamins.
The prenatal supplement, for example, includes omega-3s EPA and DHA as well as other important minerals like folate and B12.
This one, like the others, does not include iron, which some people may avoid. Just make sure to inquire about an iron supplement from your doctor if necessary.
Keep in mind that 4 gummies provide 6 grams, or 1 1/2 teaspoons, of extra sugar. As a result, the supplement may not be the finest option for individuals trying to keep their blood sugar levels under control, such as those with gestational diabetes.
6. Seeking Health Prenatal Essentials Vitamins
Seeking Health Prenatal Essentials line are nutritional supplements that may be consumed as a chewable. They're an excellent way to administer tablets if you have difficulty swallowing them.
This prenatal supplement is also vegan and gluten-free.
It contains a balanced spectrum of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and superfoods that are designed to support the general health of pregnant women and their developing babies.
The ingredients include ginger, which helps with morning sickness; chlorella, an algae that detoxifies; and organic beet root, a source of natural folate.
The Seeking Health prenatal supplement is also non-GMO, soy-free, dairy-free, and yeast-free.
7. Garden of Life Mykind Organics Prenatal Multi
Similar to the other Garden of Life mykind Organics supplements, this prenatal multivitamin is made with organic, non-GMO ingredients.
What makes it a good prenatal supplement is that it's also vegan and gluten-free. This means that almost anyone can take it without issue.
It provides a balanced range of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are essential for pregnant women and their developing babies.
The ingredients include organic ginger root, which helps with morning sickness; chlorella, an algae that detoxifies; and organic beet root, a source of natural folate.
The Garden of Life mykind Organics prenatal multivitamin is also soy-free, dairy-free, and yeast-free.
8. New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin
The New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin is a 100% iron-rich multivitamin that is intended to be gentle on your stomach.
The prenatal supplement is also easy to digest and includes probiotics and enzymes for digestive support.
It doesn't, however, contain omega-3 fatty acids. It's also one of the pricier models on our list.
Additionally, it contains non-vegan ingredients such as gelatin. The product is certified organic, kosher, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
The supplement also includes ginger, which has been shown to reduce nausea.
9. Best Nest Wellness Mama Bird Prenatal Multi+
This vegan prenatal vitamin is easy on the stomach, thanks to probiotics, organic ginger root, organic chamomile, and an enzyme combination.
In reality, several experts point out that it's the only prenatal they could handle when they were sick with morning sickness.
Methylated forms of several vitamins including folate and B12 are included in the Nest Wellness Mama Bird Prenatal Multi+ to enhance absorption. It's also gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan-friendly, and free of artificial colors and flavors.
It lacks omega-3 DHA, which is a good thing since most supplements contain zero. The product does not include any omega-3s; however, it includes a prenatal multivitamin and probiotic supplements.
Mama Bird Prenatal Multi+ isn't third-party tested, but the business promises that all of its goods are thoroughly verified multiple times to guarantee safety, quality, and purity.
Reasons For These Vitamins During Your Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your nutritional requirements rise significantly to support your health and the developing fetus's development.
Even if the nutrient is perfectly balanced, some nutrients need to be increased by a specific percentage. For example, folate needs must increase by 50% and iron needs must rise 150%.
Vitamins and minerals such as folate, choline, betaine, carnitine, pantethine, biotin, inositol, cysteine and folic acid are all required for fetal and placental development and overall health throughout pregnancy.
Taking a prenatal vitamin that contains all of the nutrients required to promote a healthy pregnancy can help you avoid deficiencies and ensure that you receive the vitamins and minerals you require to maintain your health and your baby's.
Besides folic acid, other nutrients to look for in a prenatal vitamin include iodine, vitamin D, choline, B vitamins, and calcium. It's also a good idea to get a pill or capsule with omega-3 fatty acids.
Although prenatal nutrients might help fill in nutritional gaps, they don't guarantee perfect health throughout your pregnancy.
It's critical to study nutrition labels and maintain a balanced diet that includes vitamins and minerals as well as other nutrients.
A nutritionist who is experienced in pregnancy nutrition may assist you in creating a diet based on your preferences and specific medical requirements.
How to Choose The Most Effective Prenatal Vitamin For You
A prescription prenatal supplement is sometimes prescribed for you if you have pregnancy complications or other health issues. Otherwise, over-the-counter supplements may be found at your local pharmacy or on the internet.
There are several different types of prenatal vitamins on the market, and you'll want to select one that contains all of the nutrients required for a healthy pregnancy.
All or most of the micronutrients required during pregnancy are included in prenatal vitamins.
However, many prenatals do not have everything a pregnant woman needs. That is why it is important to do your research before purchasing a prenatal supplement.
Some prenatal supplements are low in the following nutrients, even though they are essential to get during pregnancy:
- Vitamin D. Most pregnant people need 600 IU of vitamin D a day, but research suggests that they need about 4,000 IU to have optimal levels. When breastfeeding, vitamin D needs are even higher.
- Choline. Choline is important for fetal and placental growth and development. Many expectant moms do not get enough of it, therefore it's critical to consume choline-rich foods like egg yolks while taking prenatal vitamins.
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a fatty acid that plays an important part in fetal brain development. If your prenatal does not include DHA, ask your doctor for suggestions for DHA supplements.
- EPA. Another fatty acid that is essential during pregnancy is Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). As a result, healthcare providers usually suggest taking a prenatal with DHA and EPA or supplementing with DHA and EPA separately.
Because each pregnancy is unique, your doctor or a licensed dietitian may recommend a different prenatal vitamin based on your individual health demands.
Conclusion
Taking a prenatal supplement is strongly advised for all expectant mothers. A well-balanced prenatal vitamin may help you fulfill your nutrient requirements before, during, and after delivery.
The prenatal vitamins listed above are recommended by experts and can assist guarantee that you and your baby receive the appropriate amounts of nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should I start taking prenatal vitamins?
The ideal time to begin taking prenatal vitamins is before you get pregnant. Before conceiving, supplementing with folate which is present in prenatal vitamins reduces the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida by a factor of three.
The neural tube, which will eventually form the brain and spinal cord of a baby, is formed during the first month of pregnancy. This might happen long before you even know you're pregnant.
Due to the high risk of having a neural tube defect, doctors recommend taking a prenatal vitamin with folate for at least three months before conception.
If you haven't already started taking a daily prenatal vitamin, do so as soon as possible. You'll keep taking your prenatal vitamin each day throughout your pregnancy.
Following delivery, experts recommend continuing to utilize a prenatal vitamin.
Because your body requires extra nutrients to assist with recovery after delivery and more nutrients during breastfeeding, you will be receiving less food than usual. This is due to the fact that many elements in food require greater quantities during breastfeeding than they did while pregnant.
2. Are there side effects in taking prenatal vitamins?
After taking prenatal vitamins, some people may feel sick. If you're having trouble getting your prenatal down, your doctor could suggest a different type of prenatal supplements, such as a powder or chewable supplement.
Constipation can also be an issue, especially if you’re taking a prenatal vitamin with high amounts of iron.
Be sure to drink lots of water and increase fiber in your diet. You’ll also want to get regular exercise. Ask your doctor for advice if constipation becomes an issue.
3. Is it acceptable to take prenatal vitamins if you are not expecting?
Yes, you can take prenatal vitamins even if you aren't pregnant. In fact, health experts advise taking prenatal supplements for at least three months before getting pregnant.
Taking a prenatal vitamin after you've given birth is another one of experts suggestions. However, there are several brands on the market now that are designed specifically for the postpartum period.
4. Can taking prenatal vitamins change your menstrual cycle?
Prenatal vitamins might slightly change your menstrual cycle, with the most likely result being a shorter, lighter period. However, this is not harmful and will return to normal once you stop taking prenatal vitamins.