If you're planning to have a baby soon or you've recently seen a positive pregnancy test, one of the first questions you may have is whether you need prenatal vitamins.
The short answer is yes. Even if you eat a healthy, balanced diet, it can be difficult to get all the nutrients you and your growing baby need from food alone. Prenatal vitamins are designed to help fill nutritional gaps before and during pregnancy, supporting healthy fetal development while helping meet your own increased nutritional needs.
Not all prenatal vitamins are the same, though. Here's what you should know about choosing prenatal vitamins for pregnancy and why taking them is an important part of a healthy pregnancy.
During pregnancy, your body is working harder than ever. You're supporting your own changing health needs while providing the nutrients your developing baby needs to grow.
Many essential vitamins and minerals are especially important during pregnancy because they help support your baby's brain, spinal cord, bones and organs as they develop. Pregnancy also increases your need for specific nutrients like iron, folate and iodine.
While eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats is still the foundation of good nutrition, even the healthiest diet may not provide enough of certain nutrients.
But remember that prenatal vitamins are meant to supplement a healthy diet—not replace it.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, research has shown that getting 400 micrograms of folic acid daily before and during early pregnancy helps reduce the risk of certain birth defects affecting the brain and spinal cord. Other nutrients found in prenatal vitamins support healthy red blood cell production, bone health, immune function and fetal growth.
Think of prenatal vitamins as one piece of your overall maternity care. Along with regular prenatal visits, healthy eating, physical activity and managing any chronic health conditions, they can help support a healthy pregnancy.
If possible, start taking prenatal vitamins before you become pregnant. It’s recommended to start taking prenatal vitamins for pregnancy at least one month before trying to conceive, although taking them up to three months before pregnancy can be even more beneficial.
This is because your baby's neural tube, which eventually becomes the brain and spinal cord, develops very early in pregnancy—often before you even know you're pregnant.
If your pregnancy wasn't planned, don't worry. Start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as you find out you're pregnant and continue taking them throughout your pregnancy unless your healthcare provider recommends otherwise.
Many healthcare providers also recommend continuing prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding since your nutritional needs remain higher during this time.
If you're unsure when to start taking prenatal vitamins or which one is right for you, talk with your OBGYN. They can recommend the best option based on your medical history, diet and any underlying health conditions.
With so many options available for prenatal vitamins, perusing the supplement aisle can quickly become overwhelming. Let’s break down some of the most important nutrients during pregnancy. A quality prenatal vitamin should include all of these nutrients in the appropriate amounts.
Folic acid is one of the most important nutrients during pregnancy. It helps support early brain and spinal cord development and lowers the risk of neural tube defects.
Most experts recommend that people who could become pregnant get at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily before pregnancy and at least 600 micrograms during pregnancy.
Some people, including those with certain medical conditions or a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect, may need higher amounts as directed by their healthcare provider.
Your blood volume increases significantly during pregnancy, which means your body needs more iron to make healthy red blood cells.
Getting enough iron helps reduce the risk of iron-deficiency anemia, which can leave you feeling tired and weak. It also supports healthy fetal growth.
Iodine plays an important role in your baby's brain and thyroid development. Because many people don't get enough iodine through their diet, it's an important ingredient to look for in prenatal vitamins.
Choline is gaining more attention because of its role in fetal brain development. However, not every prenatal vitamin contains enough choline, so you may need to get additional amounts through foods like eggs or discuss supplementation with your OBGYN.
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and supports healthy bone development for both you and your baby. It also plays a role in immune function.
Calcium supports the development of your baby's bones and teeth while helping protect your own bone health. Some prenatal vitamins don't contain enough calcium to meet your daily needs, so try to incorporate dairy products or other calcium-rich foods into your diet as well.
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that supports your baby's brain and eye development. Some prenatal vitamins include DHA, while others require a separate supplement.
Walk into any pharmacy or grocery store and you'll find dozens of prenatal vitamin options. The best one is the one that meets your nutritional needs and that you'll consistently take.
When comparing products, consider these factors:
Most prenatal vitamins are available over the counter, although some people may benefit from a prescription prenatal vitamin based on their individual health needs.
There are a lot of frequently asked questions when it comes to prenatal vitamins and making sure both mom and baby get all the nutrients they need for a healthy pregnancy.
Regular multivitamins are not designed to meet the increased nutritional needs of pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins typically contain higher amounts of key nutrients like folic acid and iron that are important during pregnancy.
Nausea is a common pregnancy symptoms, especially during the first trimester. Taking your prenatal vitamin with food or before bed may help. If one type continues to bother your stomach, ask your OBGYN about switching to a different prenatal vitamin.
Missing one dose occasionally isn't usually cause for concern. Simply take your next scheduled dose. Avoid taking extra vitamins to make up for a missed dose unless your OBGYN advises you to do so.
It can help to set a reminder and place your prenatal vitamins in a highly visible spot to make sure you don’t miss taking them.
A healthy diet remains one of the most important ways to support a healthy pregnancy, but some nutrients can be difficult to get in adequate amounts from food alone. Prenatal vitamins help fill those gaps, which is why healthcare providers recommend them even for people who eat a nutritious diet.
Taking prenatal vitamins is one of the simplest steps you can take to support a healthy pregnancy. Combined with nutritious eating, regular prenatal care and healthy lifestyle habits, they help provide the nutrients you and your growing baby need from the very beginning.
Questions about prenatal vitamins? Talk to your OBGYN or find one near you today.
You don’t have to navigate pregnancy alone. Through our Pregnancy Care program, you can access virtual support and resources for every phase of your pregnancy and postpartum journey.
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