A lot of logistics, questions, and considerations go into having a baby. Health for both mother and child is, of course, top of mind. Suboptimal levels of nutrients in a mother’s system from conception to delivery increase the risk of pregnancy complications and infant health problems. ( 1 )
Prenatal vitamins can help ease expectant mothers’ minds and help ensure she is getting the nutrients needed. Research shows that taking these over-the-counter supplements is a best practice for your own health and the health of your baby. ( 2 ) For this reason, it’s smart to start on prenatal vitamins even before conception.
Finding the right prenatal supplement can feel like another daunting task on your long pre-baby to-do list. With dozens of options offering various nutrients in different forms, it’s crucial to remember that not every multivitamin is suited to your specific prenatal needs. As a nutritionist and mom of three, I understand the struggle! That’s why I’m here to guide you through our top prenatal supplements for every situation.
Best prenatal supplement overall
Ritual’s in-depth sourcing and third-party testing make it our pick for best overall prenatal supplement. With middle of the road pricing, we believe this trusted supplement is a reliable pick for most expecting moms. You can read our full review on Ritual below.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
Our picks for the best prenatal vitamins
- Best overall: Ritual Prenatal
- Best for preconception: Beli Baby Preconception Boost
- Best with DHA: OLLY Ultra Strength Prenatal Vitamins
- Best with iron: New Chapter Advanced Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin
- Best with folic acid: Beli Baby Beli Women Prenatal
- Best for hair growth: Nature Made Prenatal Multi Softgels + Choline Capsules
- Best gummy vitamin: Vitafusion PreNatal Gummy Vitamins
- Best vegan: Naturelo Prenatal Multivitamin
Compare prenatal vitamins
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Ritual Prenatal | Beli Baby Preconception Boost | OLLY Ultra Strength Prenatal Vitamins | New Chapter Advanced Perfect Prenatal Vitamin | Beli Baby Beli Women Prenatal | NatureMade Prenatal Multi Softgels + Choline Capsules | Vitafusion PreNatal Gummy Vitamins | Amazon Naturelo Prenatal Multivitamin | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Cost per serving | $1.30/day | $1.50/day | $0.67/day | $1.31/day | $1.67/day | $0.88/day | $0.28/day | $0.67/day |
| Dosage | 2 capsules | 1 scoop | 2 softgels | 3 tablets | 3 capsules | 1 softgel + 1 capsule | 2 gummies | 3 capsules |
| Third-party tested | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Best prenatal vitamins overall: Ritual Prenatal
Key product features
What you should know
Ritual is unique for its two appealing flavors and its in-depth sourcing.
- Ritual’s prenatal supplement includes omega-3s and choline, among other nutrients, both of which are shown to support a baby’s brain health and development.
- Ritual’s price per serving is high at $1.30, but flash sales bring the cost down even further.
- Two flavor options (mint and citrus) mean you can choose whatever appeals to your pregnancy taste buds.
Why we like Ritual Prenatal as best overall
Ritual’s prenatal vitamins stand out for a variety of reasons, most notably their excellent, safe sourcing and the inclusion of 12 traceable ingredients that are scientifically backed-up for baby development. The supplement contains folate, omega-3 DHA, vitamin B12, choline bitartrate, iodine, biotin, vitamin D, iron, boron, vitamin E, vitamin K2, and magnesium.
Ritual’s vitamins also stand out for their availability of two appealing flavors: mint and citrus. Some moms-to-be say having a hint of flavor helps these pills go down with minimal nausea (though several reviewers note fishy-tasting burps from DHA fatty acids). Despite this possible downside, the inclusion of omega-3s in the blend is a benefit. These healthy fats support your baby’s neurological development. ( 11 ) The formula also contains choline, which is critical for babies’ neural tube formation and brain health. ( 3 )
Additionally, Ritual’s inclusion of vitamin D3, vitmain E, folate, biotin, and vitamin B12 may help boost your hair health, as well as a variety of other wellness benefits. ( 8 , 9 , 10 )
One of our favorite things about Ritual is how the brand is extremely transparent about nutrient sourcing. For example, the DHA omega-3s come from microalgae harvested in Saskatoon, Canada, and the choline comes from natural-identical choline sourced in Verona, Missouri. This reassurance of the brand’s commitment to safe, ethical sourcing is something many women may prioritize even more than normal as they experience pregnancy. Ritual’s pills are also vegan, non-GMO project-verified, and free of gluten and other major food allergens.
The price point for Ritual isn’t the highest on our list, but it’s not the lowest, either. At $1.30 per day, the two-pill serving is fairly middle of the road. However, frequent sales may bring prices down, and shipping is free.
What customers are saying
Ritual Amazon customers have some strong opinions, both positive and negative, about these prenatals. Lovers of the supplements say they go down easily, both for their size and their appealing flavor options.
“They are actually pretty easy to swallow (coming from someone who struggles with this typically),” writes user AHaven02.
However, others complain that the omega-3 fats from fish result in fishy-tasting burps. “Be ready to have fish burps all day,” quips Christina W.
Specs
| Price per serving | $1.30 |
| Third-party tested | Yes |
| Subscription | Yes |
| Key nutrients | Vitamin D3, vitamin E, folate, biotin, and vitamin B12 |
Best prenatal vitamins for preconception: Beli Baby Preconception Boost
Key product features
What you should know
Get your body ready to conceive with Beli Baby’s pre-pregnancy supplement.
- Beli Baby’s Preconception Boost is formulated to help your body prepare for conception, so it’s best for those getting ready to start a family.
- At $1.50 per daily serving, this powdered supplement is on the pricier end of the spectrum.
- The Preconception Boost helps set the stage for healthy conception, but it won’t support your nutrition needs during pregnancy.
Why we like Beli Baby Preconception Boost as best for preconception
Even before you get pregnant, you can set the stage for healthy conception by eating well, dialing back on stress, and—potentially—taking a supplement. Beli Baby’s Preconception Boost is intended to help women’s fertility by promoting egg quality, regulating hormones, prompting predictable ovulation, and more.
If you know you’d like to start trying for a baby, this powdered mix might be right for you. Beli Baby’s scoopable supplement contains multiple nutrients that may help you achieve pregnancy. Research shows that some minerals in this blend (such as magnesium and selenium) could help manage oxidative stress, boosting the chances of conception. ( 12 ) Other compounds in the mix like myo-inositol have been linked to increased fertility and healthy gestation. ( 13 )
That said, this powder is missing some other nutrients (like calcium, iron, and zinc) that have strong links to fertility. ( 14 )
It’s also important to realize that, though Beli Baby could boost your chances of conception, it’s not intended as a supplement during pregnancy. It also doesn’t contain the kinds of mainstream nutrition support you’ll find in a multivitamin. However, the brand does offer other vitamins (one of which we’ll highlight below) specific to prenatal nutrition. Once you’ve conceived, you can switch over to Beli Baby’s prenatal vitamin.
As a scoopable powder, Beli Baby’s Preconception Boost is easy to take. If you’re not big on swallowing pills, you’ll probably like the ability to simply stir it into any beverage, like water, milk, juice, or smoothies.
Since the berry-flavored powder can be taken with or without food, it doesn’t really matter what time of day you take it; it’s the consistency that counts. For best results, the brand encourages taking it every day. Doing so will set you back $45 for a month’s supply, but Beli Baby does offer a subscription service that knocks $5 off each month.
Specs
| Price per serving | $1.50 |
| Third-party tested | Yes |
| Subscription | Yes |
| Key nutrients | Vitamin E, magnesium, selenium |
Best prenatal vitamins with DHA: OLLY Ultra Strength Prenatal Vitamins
Key product features
What you should know
Inexpensive and widely available, OLLY’s prenatals are an easy go-to for moms-to-be.
- OLLY’s Ultra Strength Prenatal Vitamins pack over 20 nutrients (including omega-3s for baby’s neurological development) in a two-softgel serving.
- These prenatal supplements are one of the more affordable options on our list, at just $0.67 per daily serving.
- OLLY’s vitamins are conveniently available online or at big box retailers.
Why we like OLLY Ultra Strength Prenatal as best with DHA
Forget about playing Mozart to your belly during pregnancy—what really supports growing babies’ brain development? Omega-3 fatty acids. Numerous studies suggest that a mother’s levels of the omega-3 fats DHA and EPA play an important role in fetal brain development. This includes neurodevelopment, nervous tissue, and optimal visual and neuronal signaling. ( 11 ) To give your little one the best chance at a healthy brain and nervous system, it’s important to ensure you’re taking in enough of these fats during pregnancy.
You can, of course, consume omega-3s in foods like fatty fish and grass-fed meats, but a supplement like OLLY’s Ultra Strength Prenatal Vitamins provides extra support. Two softgels contain 200 milligrams of DHA and 60 milligrams of EPA. Official recommendations during pregnancy are 400-550 milligrams in total, at least 225 milligrams of which should come from DHA. ( 15 )
OLLY’s prenatal vitamin doesn’t just contain healthy fats, of course. The capsules are also loaded with 20 additional nutrients for a healthy pregnancy, including folate, iron, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. They’re even infused with ginger extract to help quell nausea—a nice touch for moms experiencing morning sickness. However, we’d like to see higher amounts of certain nutrients, like calcium, magnesium , and zinc.
Though OLLY’s prenatal vitamins are widely available both online and in stores, their low price of $0.67 may reflect some undesirable issues. For one, the vitamins are produced in a facility that processes multiple common food allergens; they’re also not vegan or vegetarian. Plus, the brand isn’t very forthcoming about how and where their nutrients are sourced. According to the supplement label, the DHA and EPA fats in the capsules come from tuna, anchovies, and sardines, but it’s unclear where these fish are farm-raised or wild-caught and whether they’re sustainably sourced.
What customers are saying
Overall, the reviews of OLLY’s Ultra Strength Prenatal Vitamins are generally positive. Despite fatty acids from fish, users say the softgels don’t taste fishy at all. Actually, many rave about a pleasant minty aftertaste.
“They smell minty and have a slight mint taste as well,” writes Amazon reviewer Brooke. Others say the pills are small enough that they’re easy to swallow.
One common thread among negative reviews is OLLY’s packaging. Many users find the container difficult to open.
Amazon reviewer Elene writes, “I have to wrestle with it every time or just hand it over to my husband. It’s actually frustrating.”
Specs
| Price per serving | $0.67 |
| Third-party tested | Yes |
| Subscription | Yes |
| Key nutrients | DHA, folate, iron, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 |
Best prenatal vitamins with iron: New Chapter Advanced Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin
Key product features
What you should know
With plenty of iron, New Chapter’s vitamin could help prevent anemia. It also offers a unique “superfood” blend you won’t find in other prenatals.
- The fermented iron in New Chapter’s supplements meets 100% of your daily needs during pregnancy.
- New Chapter’s cost is $1.31 per serving, placing it on the middle-high point of the price spectrum.
- If iron usually bothers your stomach or gives you constipation, the fermented iron in these pills might work better for you.
Why we like New Chapter Advanced Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin as best with iron
During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by a staggering 45%. ( 16 ) Compared to non-pregnant women, mamas-to-be need an additional 50% of daily iron (27 milligrams per day) to create all that extra blood. ( 6 ) Fortunately, that’s exactly how much New Chapter’s Advanced Perfect Prenatal vitamins supply.
By taking three New Chapter tablets per day, you’ll ensure you meet your iron needs, in addition to any foods you might consume. Considering that iron-deficiency anemia in pregnancy is associated with preterm birth and low birth weight, this extra boost is critical. ( 17 )
Unlike most iron supplements, the iron in New Chapter’s prenatal multivitamin is fermented. Research suggests that fermented iron may be easier on the digestive system than regular iron, causing less constipation. ( 18 )
Besides covering 100% of your iron needs for the day, this multivitamin also includes sizable amounts of other vitamins and minerals that are necessary for a healthy pregnancy like folate, zinc, selenium, and vitamin B6. And, each serving packs a “superfood” herbal blend of organic vegetables and herbs. But don’t expect these ingredients to substitute actual vegetables. Unlike real veggies, they don’t add any fiber or hydration to New Chapter’s tablets. Lastly, New Chapter’s product doesn’t supply any omega-3s or choline.
Compared to other prenatal supplements, New Chapter’s price point is fairly average. With a one-time purchase, a single serving costs about $1.30. However, subscribing for one to three products saves 15%, and subscribing for four or more products saves 20%. You’ll also get 15% off your first order, regardless of whether or not you subscribe.
Some users may be disappointed with having to swallow three tablets to get a full serving. If you don’t do well with pills or prefer to take your prenatal in a single package, New Chapter might not be ideal for you.
What customers are saying
New Chapter customers have lots of positive things to say about the brand’s prenatal. Many emphasize how pleased they are with the digestibility of the fermented iron.
“I’ve been taking these for about 6 weeks now and they have not bothered my stomach at all.”
Wuzz, Amazon
Others note the brand’s organic superfood blend as a plus. “I really like that the ingredients are holistic,” writes Gabrielle B. on Amazon.
The few negative reviews of these prenatal supplements focus primarily on a few missing nutrients. Some say they’ve elected to add an omega-3 supplement on top of New Chapter’s pills. Several also mention an unpleasant smell.
“These vitamins smell way too strong, especially to my pregnant nose. It’s great that you can take these on an empty stomach, but they induce gagging immediately for me,” writes Kelly B. on Amazon.
Specs
| Price per serving | $1.31 |
| Third-party tested | Yes |
| Subscription | Yes |
| Key nutrients | Iron, folate, zinc, selenium, and vitamin B6 |
Best prenatal vitamins with folic acid: Beli Baby Beli Women Prenatal
Key product features
What you should know
Beli Baby supports your baby’s developing brain while supplying you with key nutrients for a healthy pregnancy.
- At 167% of the DV for folic acid for pregnant women, these vitamins don’t skimp on the nutrient that helps prevent neural tube defects in newborns.
- This multivitamin provides over 100% of numerous other nutrients, too—but is definitely in the higher-than-average price range at $1.67 per serving.
- If your diet is low in fruits and vegetables, this supplement can help fill in some key gaps.
Why we like Beli Women Prenatal as best with folic acid
If you asked us to pick a single nutrient experts most commonly say pregnant women need more of, we’d have to go with folic acid. Both the March of Dimes and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) list folic acid as the first nutrient to look for in a prenatal vitamin. ( 19 , 20 )
Why is this particular micronutrient so critical? As noted above, folic acid is key for babies’ neurological development. ( 4 ) According to the March of Dimes, if all women of childbearing age took 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily, it could potentially prevent 70% of neural tube defects in newborns. ( 21 )
Though it’s possible to get folic acid from foods like leafy greens, fortified cereals, chickpeas, and eggs, it’s still wise to add more in the form of a dietary supplement. Beli’s women’s prenatal does so in spades. Each three-capsule serving provides 167% of pregnant and lactating women’s daily folic acid needs. Besides folic acid, it contains approximately 20 other nutrients as well, most at high doses. Choline, biotin, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, and zinc are all included to fill in gaps you might not get from food. If you know your diet is lacking micronutrients, this option might be the best bet.
Before you snag this particular multivitamin, though, be sure to run it by your doctor. While getting enough folate is critical during pregnancy, getting excessive amounts can be harmful.
This may also be the case for some of Beli’s other nutrients, such as vitamin B6. Each vitamin serving supplies 1,500% of pregnant women’s daily B6 target, which could cause adverse symptoms in some people. ( 22 ) And since this prenatal also doesn’t contain any omega-3 fatty acids, you’ll want to get those elsewhere. If you do add any other supplements to support your pregnancy, just note that it’ll total at least four daily pills, since Beli’s serving size is three capsules.
Specs
| Price per serving | $1.67/serving |
| Third-party tested | Yes |
| Subscription | Yes |
| Key nutrients | Folic acid, vitamin B6, choline, biotin, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, and zinc |
Best prenatal vitamins for hair growth: Nature Made Prenatal Multi Softgels + Choline Capsules
Key product features
What you should know
NatureMade includes a diverse array of vitamins and minerals that can boost an expecting mom’s hair health while also supporting a growing baby’s development.
- NatureMade’s soft gels and choline capsules are two different pills. You’ll need to take both to get complete prenatal nutrition.
- At $0.88 per serving, they are a mid-range price.
- Choline needs are elevated during pregnancy, so we like NatureMade for including 48% of the Daily Value for pregnant women. ( 3 )
Why we like NatureMade Prenatal Multi Softgels + Choline as best for hair growth
With all the emotional and physical changes that happen during pregnancy, it can be hard to feel your best. A prenatal that benefits hair growth might help give your confidence, in addition to your health, a little boost.
NatureMade’s Prenatal Multi Softgels + Choline is a broad-spectrum supplement that supplies ample nutrients you and your growing baby need. Each serving contains at least 10% of a total of 21 different vitamins and minerals—many of which can positively affect hair health. They’re rich in vitamin D3, vitamin E, folate, biotin, and vitamin B12, each of which has links to healthier hair. ( 8 , 9 , 10 ) Still, it’s worth noting that research on dietary supplements and hair growth is somewhat inconclusive. The nutrients in NatureMade’s prenatal may help your hair stay shiny and full, but there’s no guarantee.
The vitamins and minerals in NatureMade’s prenatal, while possibly helpful for hair health, also serve other worthwhile purposes for both mom and baby.
Folate (folic acid) helps prevent neural tube defects in the baby’s spinal cord, while vitamin D3 boosts fetal growth and reduces the risk of gestational diabetes, and iron to make extra blood. ( 4 , 5 , 6 )
Research from 2023 shows that choline is indispensable for babies’ neural tube formation and brain development and supports expectant mothers’ overall well-being. ( 3 ) It has also been found to increase cognition in children. ( 4 ) While choline is found in foods like egg yolks, chicken, beef, and broccoli, NatureMade’s prenatal can help supplement any deficiencies you may have. (7 )
We’re also fans of Nature Made’s third-party testing and money-saving subscription option. And, the capsules are gluten-free and contain no artificial colors or flavors, making them a bonus for mamas-to-be with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
NatureMade’s product does have one main drawback. The softgels and choline capsule dosage means you’ll need to take two separate pills per serving. If you prefer one-a-day nutrition, you may not like swallowing two pills instead of one.
At $0.88 per serving, the price point is average. There are 60 capsules and 60 softgels in each package. Signing up for a monthly subscription will save you a little cash—10%.
What customers are saying
Online reviews of NatureMade’s Prenatal Softgels with Choline are limited, but if Amazon is any indication, customers are abundantly satisfied with these supplements. Users say the capsules are easy to swallow, have no aftertaste, and contain an ideal mix of vitamins and minerals.
“They contain all the nutrients you and baby will need.”
Jay B., Verified Amazon Buyer
Some reviewers mention a few minor downsides, though. Price and the necessity of taking two pills are common pain points.
“Why does it have to be so expensive? For a monthly supply, it’s $45 and I have to be on these for the next nine months?” writes Amazon user Kathryan.
Specs
| Price per serving | $0.88 |
| Third-party tested | Yes |
| Subscription | Yes |
| Key nutrients | Choline, vitamin D3, folate, vitamin K, iron, vitamin B12 |
Best gummy prenatal vitamins: Vitafusion PreNatal Gummy Vitamins
Key product features
What you should know
These gummies may be inexpensive, but that doesn’t mean they’re ineffective. They provide DHA and numerous other nutrients.
- Users appreciate the raspberry lemonade flavor of these gummies, which masks gritty vitamin taste.
- At under $0.28 per serving, VitaFusion’s prenatals are by far the lowest-priced on our list.
- These chewable gummies are a great choice for anyone who struggles with swallowing pills.
Why we like Vitafusion PreNatal as best gummy
Not everyone can deal with jumbo-sized prenatal “horse pills,” especially amidst the nausea of pregnancy. Fortunately, some prenatals—like VitaFusion Prenatal—come in tasty chewable form. This two-gummy-per-serving multivitamin has a lemon raspberry flavor that most users say genuinely tastes good, not chalky or gritty.
Not only are these gummies easy to pop any time of day, they boast all sorts of vitamins and minerals intended to facilitate a healthy pregnancy. Here, you’ll find at least 50% of your Daily Value of vitamins A, D, E, B6, and B12, iodine, and folate. A total of 130 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids are also included in the mix. A few nutrients are missing—choline and iron.
To add flavor, VitaFusion’s gummies contain 4 grams of added sugars per serving. If you’re watching your sugar intake due to gestational diabetes or any other reason, you may want to skip these prenatals to limit your sugar. On the other hand, the gummies are friendly for most special diets, since they’re made with no artificial flavors, synthetic dyes, or high fructose corn syrup. They’re also gluten- and dairy-free.
VitaFusion’s gummies have a clear advantage cost-wise, coming in at the rock bottom price on our list. Each serving costs just $0.28, and a bottle contains 45 days’ worth of gummies—significantly more than most prenatals’ 30-day supply. However, the brand doesn’t offer a subscription option.
One last factor to note about VitaFusion: though the company claims they test their supplements in-house for purity and quality, only some of their products are third-party tested (and it’s unclear whether their prenatals are one of them). Third-party testing is a gold standard for establishing dietary supplements’ effectiveness. The lack of clarity surrounding VitaFusion’s prenatal vitamin testing may be a red flag for some users.
What customers are saying
With over 21,000 Amazon reviews, VitaFusion’s Prenatal is clearly a popular choice among expecting moms. Positive reviews consistently praise the gummies’ enjoyable taste.
“I have tried probably 10+ different prenatals, ranging from pills to gummies, and these are by far the best tasting prenatals.”
Breanna, Amazon
Some users note, though, that the gummies tend to stick together or clump up, especially when left in a warm environment.
While most reviewers say they’re satisfied with VitaFusion’s blend of pregnancy-supporting nutrients, a few say that the gummies could have more complete nutrition. “My midwife advised me not to take these anymore because they do not have the recommended amount of folic acid and they do not have iron in them,” writes Amazon user Gypsy Girl.
Specs
| Price per serving | $0.28 |
| Third-party tested | No |
| Subscription | No |
| Key nutrients | Omega-3s, vitamins A, D, E, B6, and B12, iodine, and folate |
Best vegan prenatal vitamins: Naturelo Prenatal Multivitamin
Key product features
What you should know
A blend of plant-derived ingredients supplies the nutrients in these capsules.
- Though Naturelo’s multivitamins offer great broad-spectrum nutrition, users say they have an unpleasant smell.
- Naturelo’s prenatals won’t break the bank—a day’s serving costs just $0.67.
- These vitamins contain no animal products, making them an ideal choice for a vegan pregnancy.
Why we like Naturelo Prenatal Multivitamin as best vegan
Since many prenatal vitamins are made with gelatin or other animal products, it can be challenging for vegan moms to find a supplement that suits their diet. Fortunately, Naturelo’s Prenatal Multivitamins contain nothing from animal sources, making them our top choice for a plant-based, vegan, or vegetarian pregnancy. These capsules are also free of gluten, sugar, dairy, soy, preservatives, and yeast. They’re even non-GMO and are made in the U.S.
Within each three-capsule serving lie ample nutrients to give your pregnancy nutritional backup. Micronutrients like zinc, folate, vitamin C, iron, vitamin D3, copper, manganese, chromium, selenium, and B12 come in 100% of your Daily Value and above. Women on vegan diets may be more likely to be deficient in iron and vitamin B12, so these two nutrients are particularly noteworthy. ( 24 , 25 )
The choline content in Naturelo’s pills isn’t very high, though, at just 18% of the Daily Value. DHA omega-3 fatty acids aren’t included, either. Still, since Naturelo has a low price of just $0.67 per serving, you may be willing to get these nutrients elsewhere. A money-back guarantee and free shipping sweeten the financial deal. Meanwhile, a monthly subscription brings costs down from $39.95 to $33.96 for a 30-day supply.
Naturelo’s vitamins are third-party tested, so you can be assured of their quality and purity. The brand provides some information about which plants their nutrients come from.
Because Naturelo capsules contain iodine from kelp and magnesium and calcium from marine algae, many reviewers report that the supplement has a very strong seaweed or algae smell. If pregnancy has made you sensitive to strong smells, you might have trouble taking these. The three capsule serving might also be a bit much for mamas who don’t do well with lots of pills.
What customers are saying
Naturelo’s high-dose vitamin and mineral content is a big draw for many customers. Many report that the numerous nutrients in these prenatals got them through their pregnancy feeling their best.
“These are not cheap but I would buy this product over and over again, as throughout my pregnancy I felt great, had lots of energy whilst other friends suffered from iron deficiency, etc.”
TN, Amazon
By a landslide, the most-cited complaints about Naturelo’s prenatal are its smell and taste.
“These smell absolutely horrible, like fish food or something. I’m not quite sure why the smell is so strong but it is strong enough to make me gag,” writes an unnamed Amazon reviewer. Still, many users say the unpleasant smell is worth the supplement’s benefits.
Specs
| Price per serving | $0.67 |
| Third-party tested | Yes |
| Subscription | Yes |
| Key nutrients | Zinc, folate, vitamin C, iron, vitamin D3, copper, manganese, chromium, selenium, and B12 |
Our supplement testing methodology
There’s no more important time to fortify your diet than when you’re growing a child. We understand that, in seeking the right prenatal vitamin, you’re looking for options that check all the boxes of your own and your growing baby’s nutrition needs. That’s why our search for the best prenatal vitamins accounted for quality vitamins that provide the right mix of nutrients for pregnancy. Additionally, we looked for products with a track record of quality, reliability, effectiveness, and value. Last but not least, we made sure to consider customer experience.
You can read our full supplement testing methodology here .
Testing criteria
Efficacy—40%
Efficacy is our most important criteria in selecting our recommendations. When you purchase a prenatal vitamin, you want to be certain it’ll do what it says in terms of nourishing you and the baby you’re carrying. We take the following factors into account:
- Clinical evidence
- Calories per serving
- Dose efficacy
- Synergistic effects
- Proprietary blends
Safety and side effects—35%
Though supplements don’t require a prescription, they can have serious unintended effects. We take your safety seriously by looking for the following:
- Reported side effects
- Third-party testing
- Manufacturer accreditation
- Artificial sweeteners
Value—20%
No one wants to spend more of their hard-earned cash than necessary. To give you the best cost-effective recommendations, our methodology includes:
- Price per serving
- Nutrients per serving
Customer experience—5%
Customer experience tells the tale of what you can expect from interacting with a brand—whether you love their product or have a problem with it. We consider these customer-reported factors:
- Ease of purchase
- Shipping and returns
- Customer support
Benefits of prenatal vitamins
Taking prenatal vitamins during pregnancy (as well as before you conceive and while breastfeeding) supports both your health and the development of your little one. Taking the right prenatal can decrease your child’s chances of having spinal or brain defects, low birth weight, congenital heart defects, and more. ( 25 ) For your own well-being, it can reduce the risk of anemia, postpartum depression, hypertension, and gestational diabetes. ( 25 )
Ingredients to look for in prenatal vitamins
Folic acid, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and choline are some of the key nutrients to look for in vitamins for pregnancy. For more general nutrition support, you may also want to seek out prenatals that contain vitamin D, B12, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.
Potential side effects of prenatal vitamins
Not everyone will have side effects from prenatal vitamins, but it’s possible you could experience nausea, stomach pain, constipation, and/or diarrhea from some supplements. Seriously overconsuming some nutrients could also lead to toxicity, so be sure to consult your OB-GYN or primary care doctor about the right amounts of vitamins and minerals for your pregnancy.
FAQs
What is the most effective prenatal vitamin?
Your doctor or a registered dietitian can help you determine the most effective prenatal vitamin for you and your baby. That said, in general, it’s smart to look for a multivitamin that offers a broad spectrum of micronutrients. Some to particularly seek out during pregnancy include folic acid, choline, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron.
How long can you take prenatal vitamins if you’re not pregnant?
Taking prenatal vitamins outside of pregnancy isn’t likely to be harmful, but doing so may cause some undesirable side effects. Because these vitamins are formulated for the needs of women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant, they contain nutrients in different amounts than the mainstream population needs. For example, they may contain more iron than you need, which could cause constipation or nausea. ( 23 )
Do prenatals help with hair growth?
There’s a common belief that prenatal vitamins will help you grow longer, thicker locks—but research doesn’t necessarily support this conclusion. Though some specific nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, E, some B vitamins, selenium, and zinc could promote healthier hair, prenatal vitamins haven’t definitively been linked with hair growth. ( 24 )
When should I start taking prenatal vitamins?
If you intend to get pregnant, it’s smart to start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as you start trying to conceive. Or, if your pregnancy was unplanned, begin as soon as possible after discovering you’re expecting.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Our experts
Victoria Burgess, Ph.D., CSCS, CISSN
Victoria Burgess earned her Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance from Concordia University Chicago and holds her NSCA CSCS and Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN). She is an adjunct professor in the Human Performance and Nutrition department at Concordia University Chicago & Parker University, where she teaches undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level courses.
Robert Wildman, Ph.D., RD, LD, CISSN, FISSN
“Dr. Rob” is a globally renowned exercise, fitness, and nutrition expert who speaks around the world on exercise and sport nutrition, and continues to work with professional and elite athletes to achieve their highest level of performance as well as health and fitness. Rob received his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University, earned his MS from Florida State University, and earned his BS from the University of Pittsburgh. He is also a registered and licensed dietitian.
Lily Moe
Lily is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor with over seven years of experience in health media. As a former Fitness Coach, Lily’s editorial prowess has largely focused on fitness, nutrition, and weight management. She has also spent a fair share of time in testing labs, analyzing everything from protein powders to yoga mats. Her work has appeared in Verywell Fit, Verywell Mind, Health, and more.
Joana Neziri, MS, NASM CPT
Joana is a writer, editor, and content strategist focusing on nutrition, fitness, and all things health. After earning a master’s degree in business from the University of North Florida, she began a career in research and digital marketing.
Kelly Uhler
Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Sarah Garone, NDTR, CNC
Fortune Recommends Nutrition Writer
About Author
Sarah Garone, NDTR, CNC, is a nutritionist and freelance writer who lives in Mesa, AZ, with her husband and three teenaged kids. She loves all things food, nutrition, and health. Sarah’s work has appeared in The Washington Post, Insider, Today, Health.com, Shape.com, and numerous other publications. After a brief career as a college German instructor, her desire to feed her children well (and a quest for better personal health) led her to pursue a career as a nutritionist in 2013. Now, her mission is to share evidence-based health and nutrition information in a fun and relatable way, empowering readers to make healthy choices. She enjoys running, baking, reading, singing in a local classical choir, and doting on her pet rabbit, Nibbles.