BabyCenter selects products based on the research of our editors and the wisdom of parents in the BabyCenter Community. All prices and details are accurate at the time of publication. We may earn a commission from shopping links. Show
It’s no secret that a prenatal vitamin is a must for a healthy pregnancy and baby. But choosing one shouldn’t take as much time and energy as, oh, picking out the perfect name. Prenatal multivitamins are designed to deliver key nutrients including folate or folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin D to support your baby’s growth and development, and help moms-to-be feel their best. “Folic acid and iron are especially important for the prevention of neural tube defects,” says Sheri Puffer, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist with Women’s Health Services in Arlington, Texas. Many also contain added nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and choline, which play an important role in fetal development. “The nutritional needs of a pregnant woman are significantly higher than that of someone who isn’t pregnant,” explains nutrition expert Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, a mom of three and author of Feed the Belly: The Pregnant Mom’s Healthy Eating Guide. “Certain nutrients, like omega-3 DHA and choline, are vital to the health of the growing baby. It’s challenging to get all of these nutrients from diet alone, so a prenatal vitamin is essential.” Like other multivitamins, you can get prenatals as capsules, soft gels, gummies, and even liquids. And each type has its pros and cons: Gummies taste better and may be easier to take, but they don’t usually contain iron, for example. A high-quality over-the-counter (OTC) brand can be just as good as a prescription option, depending on your nutritional needs. So before starting on a prenatal,talk with your practitioner. “Whether to choose a prenatal from the drug store or take one that your OB/GYN prescribes for you is really a conversation you should have with your doctor,” says Largeman-Roth. “Sometimes they’ll have you take an OTC prenatal, but then will recommend a omega-3 supplement with DHA and EPA, for instance." How we chose the best prenatal vitaminsWe sought out prenatal multivitamins that supported the pregnancy nutrition recommendations from medical organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) as well as experts like Largeman-Roth and Dr. Puffer. All of the vitamins recommended in this story meet or come close to meeting the prenatal nutrition guidelines from the ACOG; we've noted instances where supplements fall short. Among moms-to-be, including BabyCenter Community members, our picks scored high marks because they're easy to take, cause minimal side effects like nausea or constipation, and taste good (or at least not bad). Buying options:  $26 $23 These daily capsules are beloved by moms-to-be who say that when other vitamins made them nauseous, Pink Stork went down just right. This formulation has the prenatal support moms need—the right amounts of folate, iron, vitamin D, and vitamin B6 required for optimal development plus 200 mg DHA—without additives they don't want: Pink Stork is sugar-free, vegetarian, and doesn't contain milk, eggs, soy, wheat, shellfish, fish, peanuts, or tree nut allergens. Moms say “I take Pink Stork Prenatal. Made with whole foods. My doctor likes that one. I get it auto-delivered through Amazon. I started taking it before getting pregnant. It didn’t cause constipation.” Heads up Like most prenatal multis, this one doesn’t contain choline, which plays a role in brain development and may ward off some birth defects. The ACOG says that pregnant women should get 450 milligrams daily. Specs
Buying options:
$29 $17 These fruit-flavored gummies serve up must-have prenatal nutrients like folate and vitamin D, plus fish-based omega-3s and choline to support fetal brain development. Made with non-GMO ingredients, they’re free of synthetic colors and flavors and—woot woot!—aren’t known for triggering nausea. Moms say “I love the Smarty Pants gummies. They taste good and don’t make me feel sick.” “Smarty Pants have good ingredients (more absorbable forms of the vitamins) and don’t make me feel sick.” Heads up Gummies typically don’t contain iron, Largeman-Roth notes, and that’s true for these. If you’re going the gummy route, talk with your doc about adding a separate iron supplement, Largeman-Roth recommends. These vitamins also don't contain calcium, so make sure you and your caregiver have a plan for that need. Specs
Buying options: $22 $25 Made with fruits and vegetables, these gummies are free of gelatin, artificial flavorings, and GMOs. If you are looking for gluten-free, kosher, or halal vitamins, these fit the bill. Rest assured, mykind provides essential nutrients for your pregnancy and beyond. Moms say “Prefer them over anything else I've found. My doc said I may have to supplement with iron later in the pregnancy, but I don't mind because I just like the prenatals.” Heads up Like other gummies, these don’t contain iron. They also don't contain calcium, so make sure you are taking an additional supplement or get enough calcium from your diet. These vitamins do not contain choline or DHA, either. Specs
Buying options: $15 Not only will you not have to worry about restocking each month, you’ll rest easy knowing these easy-to-swallow soft gels have all the key nutrients you and your baby need, including 100 percent of your RDA for iron and the daily recommended amount of DHA. Also nice: You only need to take one a day. Heads up You can buy a one-month supply without subscribing, but it costs a little more. This formulation contains only 12 percent of your daily calcium needs, so make sure you're getting enough calcium elsewhere. Specs
Buying options: $58 $61 If you follow a plant-based diet, these tablets may be a great match. That's because they fill in the gap of certain nutrients—such as zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin B12—often missing from vegan diets. Garden of Life formulates its tablets with an organic food blend that contains 1,000 international units of plant-based vitamin D from lichen. Moms say “I’m taking these and I’ve compared them with so many other prenatals and these ones seem to have the best and most complete nutritional values.” Heads up These vegan capsules also contain natural stomach soothers like organic ginger root and peppermint, which might be helpful for fighting nausea. This prenatal doesn't contain calcium, so you'll have to take another supplement or calibrate your diet with your caregiver. Specs
Buying options: $20
$15 $26 $13 The most affordable prenatal goes to Nature Made. Taking this once-a-day meets your needs for crucial nutrients, like vitamin D and iron, plus 260 mg of fish oil-based omega-3 fatty acids and the recommended 200 milligrams daily of DHA. Moms say “I use these and they are great! Never had a problem with morning sickness because of them.” “I take them. Awesome product.” Heads up Moms-to-be with intense morning sickness, be aware: Some Community members found these made their nausea worse. Note that this prenatal contains only 12 percent of your daily calcium, so make sure you're getting enough calcium in some other way. Specs
Buying options: $40 $42 These caplets contain stomach-soothers like organic ginger root and organic chamomile, plus probiotics and an enzyme blend to promote healthy digestion. They’ve got more than half of your daily choline too! Moms say “Best Nest/Mama Bird are amazing.” Heads up These have 18 milligrams of iron, so you may need to supplement to reach the daily 27 milligrams recommendation. The calcium is also below the daily recommendations, as is the vitamin D, so make sure you're accounting for these differences in daily values. Specs
Buying options: $38 $27 $35 $20 You won’t find Instagram-worthy packaging here. But you will find a full day’s worth of iron, 235 milligrams of omega 3 fatty acids, and all the folate, vitamin D, and vitamin B6 experts recommend for a healthy pregnancy. Moms say “I've also been taking the One A Day plus DHA. It doesn't bother my stomach at all, but I usually have no issues taking pills. DHA is also a mood elevator... so there's that extra plus too!” I am currently 19 weeks pregnant and I use the Women's One A Day Prenatal Vitamins with DHA supplements. I LOVE them as long as I take them on a full stomach or just before I am about to eat.” Heads up You can also buy this vitamin in 30- or 60-count bottles. Note that it only contains a percentage of the daily value of calcium, so make sure you're either eating enough calcium-rich foods or talk to your doctor about a calcium supplement. Specs
Buying options: $26
$29 $29 These capsules include a gentle form of iron and bioactive forms of folate and vitamin B12, and they are specially formulated to be gentle on the stomach. They also deliver 12 milligrams of vitamin B6, which may help relieve nausea, Dr. Puffer says. Moms say “I have been taking Thorne Prenatals for several months in the morning at breakfast. Yup 3 capsules daily. At first I was a bit nauseated after taking these but I got used to it quickly. No nausea anymore; only if I take these on an empty stomach.” Heads up Some community members say these leave a metallic taste in the mouth. They don't contain the recommended daily value for calcium, so make sure you and your caregiver have a plan to get you what you need. Specs
Buying options: $20 $10 $8 If your prenatal multivitamin doesn’t contain 27 milligrams of iron, a supplement can help you meet your needs, Largeman-Roth says. These soft gels fit the bill, serving up the mineral in an easy-to-digest form that’s less likely to cause constipation. Moms say “I am 27 weeks and found out this week I’m anemic. I take Gentle Iron by Nature’s Bounty. It’s good to know that I need to take it opposite of my prenatal.” Heads up These also contain 400 micrograms of folic acid, so figure that into your daily recommended value (the ACOG recommends 600 micrograms daily). Note that this is not a multivitamin or a prenatal, so you'll have to account for your other nutritional needs in your diet or with another supplement recommended by your doctor. Specs
Prenatal vitamins provide important nutrients for conception, pregnancy, and the postpartum months. Regularly taking a prenatal vitamin before becoming pregnant ensures adequate folic acid to support fetal development and reduces the risk of birth defects. Then, during pregnancy, your body requires more vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins. Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated to meet these needs. Beginning supplementation at least one month prior to conception is ideal, specifically for the folic acid benefits. Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. But if you're pregnant and just starting a supplement, don't worry: you'll still reap rewards and plenty of mothers have healthy babies even if they start supplementing during pregnancy. Also, keep in mind that a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein is vital for your health and your baby's. Important note: Before taking a new supplement, it's always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider first, to make certain it's appropriate (and safe!) for your unique needs. Can anyone take prenatal vitamins?Prenatals are formulated to meet nutritional needs of moms-to-be, but you don't have to be pregnant (or trying to conceive) in order to take them. "Anyone can have them, and some women who aren’t pregnant take them because they want the extra nutrients, like iron and omega-3s," Largeman-Roth says. How long do you take prenatal vitamins?You should take your prenatal vitamin every day during pregnancy, recommends the ACOG. After that? Your body is still hard at work recovering from birth, and if you’re breastfeeding, making food for your baby. "I recommend taking a prenatal for at least 3 months postpartum. And if you're breastfeeding you should take them for as long as you're feeding the baby exclusively with breast milk," Largeman-Roth says. When should you start taking prenatal vitamins?Beginning supplementation at least one month prior to conception is ideal, specifically for the folic acid benefits. You should also keep in mind that a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein is vital for your health and your baby's; even the best supplement is not a substitute. Take your vitamins on a full stomach, preferably after dinner, to reduce the chances for nausea, Largeman-Roth recommends. Certain foods can also help the nutrients in your vitamin be better absorbed—for instance, citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which can enhance the absorption of iron. What nutrients are important for prenatal vitamins to have?Prenatal vitamins typically offer a variety of vitamins and minerals, and come in gummies, pills, liquids, and powders. Many are kosher, gluten-free, vegan, or organic. Look for these key nutrients, listed here with the daily recommended amounts recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for pregnant women:
If a prenatal also contains DHA omega-3 fatty acids—essential fats that promote healthy fetal brain and eye development—that’s even better, Dr. Puffer says. Choline, another mineral that supports your baby’s growing brain, is another added bonus “Many prenatals still don’t contain it, but 450 milligrams of choline is needed daily during pregnancy,” Largeman-Roth says. If your prenatal doesn’t deliver DHA omega-3 fatty acids and choline, make sure you’re getting them from foods. DHA omega-3s are plentiful in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and herring (which are safe to consume during pregnancy), and choline is found in eggs, beef, poultry, peanuts, and peanut butter. What can you do if you feel nauseous after taking prenatal vitamins? Are any types better for nausea than others?While it's not uncommon for prenatals to cause some queasiness, it's important to find a prenatal that you can tolerate so you'll take it regularly, Largeman-Roth says. Taking your vitamins after dinner can help. Mornings are tough because you may be waking up nauseated and need to have a substantial amount of food in your stomach for the prenatal to be tolerable. Definitely don't take them on an empty stomach, she says. Some women find it helpful to take more simple supplements in the first trimester, when nausea is the worst, and then switch to a more complete prenatal with iron and DHA once they feel better in the second trimester. Do prenatal vitamins cause constipation?Constipation is a common side effect of supplementary iron – something most non-gummy prenatals are packed with. Drinking plenty of water, eating fiber-rich foods, and being active every day can all help get things moving, but if you’re still having trouble, talk with your doctor about taking a stool softener like Colace. They’re generally considered safe for routineoccasional use during pregnancy, according to the Mayo Clinic. Do gummy Prenatals have folic acid?A complete multivitamin, each serving of vitafusion PreNatal includes essential vitamins and minerals as well as an excellent source of folic acid and 50 mg of Omega-3 DHA. vitafusion PreNatal gummies are delicious, and with no iron, they are easy on the stomach.
Which Prenatal gummy vitamins are the best?Latest update:. Best Prenatal Vitamin Overall : One A Day Prenatal 1 Complete Multivitamin.. Best Value Prenatal Vitamin : Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA.. Best Prenatal Gummy Vitamin : Vitafusion Prenatal Gummy Vitamins.. Best Vegetarian Prenatal Vitamin : Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Prenatal.. Are gummy Prenatals as good as pills?Prenatal vitamins during pregnancy are meant to supplement a healthy dietary intake. If over-the-counter or prescribed prenatal pills are not well tolerated, some women may choose gummy prenatal vitamins. Gummy prenatal vitamins can provide many, but not all, of the extra vitamins and minerals needed during pregnancy.
Are you supposed to take folic acid and prenatal vitamins together?Prenatal vitamins shouldn't replace a well-balanced diet. But taking them can give your body — and your baby — an added boost of vitamins and minerals. Some health care providers recommend taking a folic acid supplement in addition to a prenatal vitamin.
|
Best gummy prenatal vitamins with folic acid
Related Posts
Copyright © 2024 kemunculan Inc.
