Why it’s Important to Take Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins are supplements containing a daily dose of vitamins and minerals needed before and during pregnancy.

The CDC recommends women in childbearing ages to consume at least 400mcg of folic acid every day. It is difficult to consume the recommended daily amount of folic acid from diet alone especially when paired with pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness, aversions, and cravings which is why it is important to select a prenatal vitamin with the recommended amount of folic acid in it and take it daily to meet the increased nutrient demands during pregnancy. Furthermore, insufficient vitamin intake is associated with a wide range of adverse health outcomes such as anemia, cesarean section, depression, gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, developmental delays, low birth weight etc.

Below are listed the top 5 prenatal vitamins for 2023 aiding in a healthy pregnancy and baby:

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1. One A Day Advanced Complete is the most advanced prenatal multivitamin among leading brands. It consist of 1 softgel and 1 tablet, and its taken in one serving. One a day has a unique combination of three brain-building essentials: Choline (110 mg), DHA (200 mg) and Folic Acid (800 mcg). Choline aids in brain health and is specifically associated with learning and memory. This brand also contains Vitamins A, C, E, Thiamin, Niacin, B6, B12, and Iron, Calcium, Zinc, Magnesium and more. 

2. Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA is a softegel, taken in one serving. Key nutrients in this vitamin are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, omega-3 DHA, omega-3 EPA, and vitamins A, B6, B12, D3, E, and K to assist you in meeting the increased nutritional needs within pregnancy. Additionally, this vitamin contain 200mg of the recommended 300mg of DHA for pregnant women. Consuming an additional one serving of fatty fish per week will help you meet that recommended goal and aid in healthy brain and eye development for baby.

3. Vitafusion Prenatal Gummy Vitamins are good for those who find it difficult to stomach supplements in pill form. This specific brand serving is two gummies a day. This supplement is a raspberry- lemonade flavored chew containing many of the essential nutrients required in pregnancy. The only con with this supplement is that it does not contain iron or calcium which your provider may suggest you take separately.

4. Garden of Life Prenatal Gummies is an organic vitamin and mineral supplement made with real fruits and vegetables. It also contains no filler ingredients, no artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners or preservatives. This supplement requires 4 gummies daily with food and contains essential vitamins and minerals to support healthy fetal development.

5. Lastly, Ritual Prenatal Vitamin, coming in as the priciest, is a capsule, taken in one serving. Its formulated with key ingredients for before and during pregnancy including Omega-3 DHA from algae, choline and folate, aiding in fetal brain health and development. However, this specific brand only contains 10% of the recommended amount of choline; meaning you should ensure your diet is rich in nutritious foods such as eggs, red meat, fish, green vegetables, fruits, and wheat germ. This vitamin is also vegan friendly, citrus flavored, and easy on stomach.

Side Effects of Taking Prenatals

Some women may experience nausea or constipation when taking prenatal vitamins. If this occurs you can discuss other options for prenatal vitamins such as a gummy or taking the vitamin at night.  Your doctor may also discuss prescribing a nausea medication such as zofran or stool softener such as colace. You can also discuss taking vitamin B6 for nausea with your provider, or try lemon, ginger, or peppermint tea, or ginger chews to ease your nausea. 

Takeaway

Moreover, prenatal vitamins offer nutrients both pregnant women and their babies need to be healthy. Be sure to discuss your options with your doctor and to consume your vitamin daily along a nutritious diet for optimal wellness and wellbeing. Ideally, a woman of child-bearing age should begin  regularly taking a prenatal vitamin at the moment she decides to start trying to conceive and especially within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy when fetal development is crucial to help reduce risk of some birth defects.

As always, Happy birthing! 

–Jas