Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting and blessed experiences in a woman’s life. When a woman becomes pregnant, her body undergoes major changes. These affect your body shape, physiology and metabolism, as it supports the development of the fetus. Changes include increased blood volume, heart rate, blood pressure, lung function and urine production by the kidneys; the movement of the digestive tract decreases. Many women are unaware that certain vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements should also be avoided.
Getting the best nutrition for you and your baby is a priority when you are pregnant. But for many women, a healthy and varied diet is not an easy option. A solution to this temporary problem could be to support your diet with high-quality supplements. Balanced nutritional intake is the best way to get the necessary nutrients, but vitamin supplements can also be beneficial. Prenatal vitamin supplements are recommended, as well as additional vitamins or minerals if your doctor finds deficiencies.
Our Top 10 Pregnancy Supplements For You
When a product is so popular, it is difficult to decide on a particular brand. This is why we did the work for you and we found this list of the best pregnancy supplements on the market
[wptb id=926]During the 40 weeks of a full-term pregnancy, it is more important than ever to meet these nutritional needs through a healthy and balanced diet with the support of certain specific nutritional supplements. However, the need for micronutrients, which include vitamins, minerals and trace elements, increases even more than the need. Vitamins and minerals support maternal and fetal growth at all stages of pregnancy and are necessary to support critical functions such as Cellular and cellular growth. While some women can meet this growing demand through a well-planned and nutrient-rich diet, others are not. Some pregnant women may need to take vitamin and mineral supplements for a variety of reasons.
One of the most common supplements taken during pregnancy is vitamin B9, better known as folic acid. Vitamin D is another highly recommended supplement. Good nutrition and an important lifestyle are important to administer. It is important to keep in mind that pregnant women should only take vitamin supplements with the direct recommendation of a health professional.
Now let’s get into our list!
Actif Organic Prenatal Vitamin
Why We Picked It: Vegetarian, Includes DRV of folic acid, iron and vitamin D3 for pregnant women, It improves digestive support and probiotics.
Actif is the most complete multivitamin and mineral supplement specially formulated to help the mother and baby during pregnancy. This organic prenatal formula contains everything you need to feed the mother and baby during pregnancy. For pregnant women, it contains 100 per cent or more of the other 13 nutrients that you can find in a multivitamin. It also contains 35 milligrams of EPA and 200 milligrams of omega-3 DHA fatty acids that are good for brain health. The only drawback is that this supplement only contains 15 per cent DRV for calcium.
Highlights:
- Suitable for vegetarians
- It includes omega-3 DHA fatty acids for brain health
- One gentle gel per dose
- The most complete prenatal formula with more than 25 vitamins, minerals, a mixture of organic and probiotic plants
- Made in the USA in FDA-approved cGMP installation
Who Makes It?
The Actif brand is the most trusted name in natural health. Their products are available in more than 2,500 pharmacies and clinics in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Japan and Switzerland, and in recent decades they have delivered world-class products directly to their customers. And supporting more than 2 million individual health plans. A highly qualified R&D team and world-class GMP-certified manufacturing facilities are located in New York. Adherence to the GMP code guarantees a level of excellence and constant quality in all their products.
Pros:
- Vegetarian
- It contains essential nutrients that pregnant women need for their health
- 100% natural ingredients
- Non-GMO of organic origin
- Includes DRV of folic acid, iron and vitamin D3 for pregnant women
- It improves digestive support and probiotics
Cons:
- Not certified suitable for vegans
- BBB not accredited
Prenatal Plus by 1st Phorm
Why We Picked It: Contains large amounts of nutrients, Increases the immune response.
Prenatal Plus is the perfect complement for mother and child care. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as other nutritional resources that you and the baby need before, during and after birth. In three vegan capsules, it contains 100% of the recommended daily value (DRV) for adults of 17 vitamins and minerals. Of these vitamins and minerals, this supplement contains 350 per cent of DRV of vitamin D3, 25 percent of DRV of calcium, and 67% of DRV of iron for pregnant women (18 milligrams) and 200% of folic acid DRV (800 micrograms). This supplement contains 35 milligrams of ginger root to help relieve nausea.
Highlights:
- It contains four of the essential nutrients
- Vegan formula
- It includes additional ingredients such as ginger and antioxidants
- Contains more than 50% of the three essential nutrients
- Take three vegan capsules in the morning with food and a minimum of 16 ounces of water
- Not for under 18 years old
Who Makes It?
Prenatal Plus produced by 1st International Phorm; It is the first line of supplements in the industry. 1st Phorm products are manufactured here in the United States and continue to advance in the supplement industry and demand better products. They will always be loyal to who they are while they make the best products.
Pros:
- Increase the immune response
- It contains large amounts of nutrients that pregnant women need
- Suitable for vegans
- It contains anti-inflammatory antioxidants
- It includes ginger for nausea
Cons:
- Contains only 2/3 DRV iron for pregnant women
- Only 25% of DRV calcium
- Three capsules are required per dose
- Absence of omega-3 fatty acids
Zahler Prenatal DHA
Why We Picked It: Improve cognitive function, nervous system and cardiovascular profile, Reduces the risk of postpartum depression.
Zahler Prenatal DHA is a complete prenatal multivitamin that includes 25 vitamins and nutrients, as well as 300 mg of DHA of iron for pregnant women (27 milligrams of iron). In addition, it contains 100% or more of another 11 nutrients that you would find in a multivitamin. It also contains 566 milligrams of fish oil, including 300 milligrams of DHA, which is beneficial for brain health. It also contains choline, which can support fetal brain development, and antioxidant lutein, which benefits visual health.
Highlights:
- It contains essential nutrients that pregnant women need for their health
- Vegetarian, certified kosher
- It includes omega-3 DHA fatty acids for brain health
- It contains bioactive forms of B vitamins, including folate, lutein for eye health and more, providing complete nutrition
- Take 2 capsules a day with food, in the middle of a meal
- Size in 60 units
Who Makes It?
Zahler is a third-generation family business that proudly continues the work of the legendary founder Rachel Zahler, PhD. Thirty years of interaction with thousands of people around the world has helped them create a complete family of exclusive supplements. Each of the vitamins, minerals and herbs in their synergistic mixtures of superior formulas has proven effective in studies and indirect experience with the public. Today, Zahler’s catalogue of more than 150 unique supplements is the product’s reliable data and the impressive culmination of the real global evidence. Their innovative and pure spirit keeps them advanced and faithful to their vision and their values.
Pros:
- Improve cognitive function, nervous system and cardiovascular profile
- Reduces the risk of postpartum depression
- Vegetarian
- Includes 100% + DRV of folic acid, iron and vitamin D3 for pregnant women
- Only two soft gels per dose
Cons:
- Only 8% calcium DRV
- Soft gels on the larger side of consumer comments
- BBB not accredited
Mama’s Select Prenatal Multi+DHA
Why We Picked It: Increase energy and reduce stress during pregnancy, Paraben-free.
Prenatal Multi + DHA are a powerful once-daily supplement recommended for preconception, pregnancy and lactation; with methyl folate and methylated B vitamins for mothers with MTHFR. In a single capsule taken daily, this prenatal supplement contains 100% of the recommended daily value (DRV) for adults of vitamin D3, folate and DRV iron for pregnant women. It also contains 100% DRV of another 5 nutrients as well as more than 50% DRV for another 4 nutrients that are commonly found in multivitamin products.
Highlights:
- It contains 4 of the essential nutrients that pregnant women need for their health
- Vegan formula
- Complete multivitamins
- It contains fish and soy
- Easy to swallow a capsule
- One capsule per dose
- Made in the United States
Who Makes It?
Mama’s Select is a company based in the United States. It guarantees that all its products are made of clinically proven, effective and natural ingredients. The supplement is free of harmful fillers and chemicals.
Pros:
- Increase energy and reduce stress during pregnancy
- Paraben-free
- It contains large amounts of nutrients that pregnant women need
- Suitable for vegans
- Provide 100% DRV iron for pregnant women
- Easy to swallow
Cons:
- Only 8% calcium DRV
- No fish oil or antioxidants added
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Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA Liquid Softgels
Why We Picked It: Support the development of the brain, nervous system, bones and eyes of the baby, Contains fish oil components.
In a single soft gel, this prenatal supplement contains 100% of the recommended daily value (RVD) for adults. This supplement contains Vitamin D3, folic acid and iron DRV for pregnant women. It also includes 12 percent of the DRV for calcium, as well as 200 milligrams of DHA and 28 milligrams of EPA. Specially support the development of the brain, nervous system, bones and eyes of the baby.
Highlights:
- Provides a complete vitamin profile that includes all 8 B vitamins, vitamin C and fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, K)
- Vegetarian and gluten-free formula
- 12 per cent DRV for calcium
- 200 milligrams of DHA and 28 milligrams of EPA
- Includes additional ingredients such as fish oil compounds
- Adults take 1 capsule daily with water and a meal for optimal absorption
Who Makes It?
Nature Made, manufactured by Pharmavite, has developed quality vitamins, minerals and supplements for over 40 years. Everything they do only makes dietary supplements that science says are safe and offer real benefits.
Pros:
- Support the development of the brain, nervous system, bones and eyes of the baby.
- No color added
- No artificial flavors
- No preservative
- Contains fish oil components
- One gentle gel per dose
Cons:
- Only 12% of DRV calcium
- Strong taste and smell of fish (according to consumer opinions)
- Big Pill Size
Thorne Basic Prenatal
Why We Picked It: Contains antioxidants to fight inflammation, Formulated to be gentle and effective and to reduce nausea.
Prenatal Multi: designed for women trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding. It contains the essential nutrients for a healthy pregnancy, including vitamins A, B12 and folic acid, as well as the minerals magnesium, iron and iodine. This prenatal supplement does not contain gluten, eggs, dairy products, BPA, metallic dyes, artificial preservatives, high-fructose corn syrup or nut-based ingredients.
Highlights:
- 45 milligrams of iron (167% DRV)
- It also contains 167% vitamin D3 for pregnant women
- 283% folic acid and 100% or more of 15 other nutrients
- This supplement only contains 14% calcium
- Ingredients without gluten, without eggs and nuts
- No dyes or preservatives
- Formulated to be gentle and effective and to reduce nausea
- Take 3 capsules per day
- Contains 90 capsules
Who Makes It?
All Thorne products are made with the purest possible ingredients, without gluten and other important allergens (eggs, nuts, peanuts). This product also does not contain dairy products, soy, yeast, fish or shellfish. Thorne cares deeply where his ingredients come from. They manufacture their own products to ensure total transparency of the supply chain. For more than 30 years, they have been investing in clean manufacturing practices.
Pros:
- Ingredients without gluten, without eggs and nuts
- Includes 167% iron DRV for pregnant women
- It contains antioxidants to fight inflammation
- Formulated to be gentle and effective and to reduce nausea
Cons:
- Only 14 percent of DRV calcium
- Not certified suitable for vegans
- Without omega-3 fatty acids
Physician’s Choice Women’s Pre-Probiotic
Why We Picked It: To support digestive health, Urinary tract support and immune system.
A prebiotic-probiotic combination of natural supplement for pregnant women. That can help with the relief of urinary tract infection and vaginosis. It encloses clinically proven ProCran, a cranberry extract that naturally contains proanthocyanidins (PAC), a key cranberry antioxidant. Cranberries support the immune system and protect your body from free radicals.
Highlights:
- The probiotic for women contains organic prebiotics and
- Natural vegan probiotics for a complete symbiotic
- To support digestive health
- Urinary tract support and immune system
- A stable vegan probiotic in delayed-release capsules
- Dairy, soy, gluten, milk, egg, wheat, peanuts or shellfish-free
- 50 Billion UFC and 7 Probiotic CEPAS
- 100% natural probiotic with specific probiotic strains approved by a doctor for women
- Antioxidant cranberry
- As a dietary supplement, take one vegetable capsule once a day
Who Makes It?
With 50 billion CFU and delayed-release capsules, Physician’s Choice Women’s Probiotic provides ideal support for digestive, immunological and vaginal health. Their probiotic is optimized for women’s health and contains the best combination of probiotics and prebiotics to increase digestive flora. The prebiotic and probiotic for women are tested by third parties to determine their purity and are manufactured in the USA. They are using imported and domestic ingredients in a registered facility certified by the FDA and cGMP.
Pros:
- Cranberries support the immune system and protect the body from free radicals
- Promotes a healthy urinary tract
- Easy to swallow
- Optimal digestive health scales
- Gluten-free
Cons:
- May cause an allergic reaction
- Dizziness
- Stomach problems
365 Everyday Value Folic Acid
Why We Picked It: Contains essential vitamin B, Supports healthy prenatal development.
The best natural and organic 365 Everyday Value Folic Acid supports healthy prenatal development. You should take a 400 microgram folic acid tablet every day before pregnancy and until you are 12 weeks pregnant. Folic acid can help prevent birth defects called neural tube defects, including spina bifida.
Highlights:
- Supports healthy prenatal development
- It does not contain artificial colours, artificial flavours or artificial preservatives.
- 800mcg of folic acid per tablet
- Certified Vegan
- 100% daily value for pregnant and lactating women
- Essential vitamin B
Who Makes It?
365 Everyday Value products offer exceptional daily values, these products are formulated to meet all the strict quality standards of the Whole Foods market. The products are natural and organic.
Pros:
- Supports healthy prenatal development
- It does not contain artificial colours, artificial flavours or artificial preservatives.
- Easy to swallow
Cons:
- Not good taste
Vitamin Code Raw Prenatal Multivitamin
Why We Picked It: Support heart health and blood with iron, Healthy neural tube development.
Prenatal Multivitamins by Garden of Life is for women; specially formulated based on nutritious raw whole foods. This supplement is designed for mom and baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This vitamin supports the health of the blood and the heart with iron, vitamin C, E and the B complex plus folic acid for the healthy development of the neural tube.
Highlights:
- Designed to expectant mothers and babies from raw nutrients
- 800mcg folic acid
- 18 mg of iron
- 1400 IU of vitamin D3
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free and dairy-free food multivitamins
- No binders or fillers
- One vegetarian capsule 3 times a day, with or without food
- Contains 90 capsules
Who Makes It?
Garden of Life is a good brand of nutritional supplements that use raw foods to develop healthy products that promote overall health. Their products are made with responsible and transparent ingredients. Garden of Life specializes in the manufacture of supplements that contain vitamins and minerals.
Pros:
- Support heart health and blood with iron
- Healthy neural tube development
- Supports the immune system and the growth of the mother, then the newborn
Cons:
- Contains Vitex
- Allergic reaction
One A Day Women’s Prenatal 1 Multivitamin
Why We Picked It: Support bone health with calcium and vitamin D, support the healthy development of a child’s brain and spinal cord.
A complete prenatal multivitamin that provides nutritional support to women before, during and after pregnancy with key nutrients like folic acid, DHA, iron and calcium, all in a sweet gel. It provides 100% of the daily value of folic acid; without gluten.
Highlights:
- Supplement for before, during and after pregnancy
- No artificial sweeteners, artificial flavours, wheat, dairy products
- It contains vitamin (A, B6, B12, C, D, E), biotin, calcium, copper, folic acid, iodine, iron, magnesium.
- Adults take one capsule daily with food
- 90 capsules per pack
Who Makes It?
One A Day is a multivitamin brand with products specially formulated for your family. From prenatal to over 65, they offer complete multivitamins for different ages, genders and health goals. They have been innovating in vitamins for more than 75 years. Its multivitamins are subject to more than 100 rigorous quality controls to ensure things like consistency and accuracy.
Pros:
- Folic acid to support the healthy development of your child’s brain and spinal cord
- Helps support new mothers during breastfeeding with Omega-3 DHA
- Support bone health with calcium and vitamin D
Cons:
- Higher doses can cause fatal poisoning
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Guideline To Pick A Good Pregnancy Supplement
Not all pregnancy supplements are exactly the same and some contain more vitamins than others, some have more antioxidants and benefits than others. Even when choosing among the best options, be sure to choose a supplement that is right for you. There are many options to choose the right pregnancy supplement. Here are some important things to look for when making your selection:
Ingredient quality: first, take a look at the ingredient label. What it contains the necessary vitamins? Are there unnecessary filters? The best quality prenatal supplements usually contain natural and raw ingredients. Most importantly, it should not contain any harmful ingredients that could harm the health of consumers.
Brand quality: who makes the product? Is this a quality company? We have only chosen products from accredited companies, but if you choose to buy elsewhere, are sure to investigate. Read the reviews of pregnancy supplements for more information on the companies behind these products. Good brands generally run their products through numerous tests of purity and quality control. These tests ensure that the product that is served to consumers is of high quality and best serves the purpose of the supplement and does not harm the health of consumers.
Value: how much does it cost? Although you don’t necessarily want cheap green tea extracts, you’ll want to compare prices to get a good deal. Be sure to compare the portion size, rather than just looking at the prices of each package.
Warnings and precautions: Although you may be concerned if you see warnings and precautions, it is good for a manufacturer to add them, as this shows that they have actually researched their own product. The warnings and precautions to take into account are contraindications for different medications.
Reasons For Taking Supplements During Pregnancy
In the time of pregnancy, some pregnant women may need to take vitamin and mineral supplements for a variety of reasons, including:
Nutrient deficiencies: Some women may need a supplement after a blood test reveals a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Correcting deficiencies is essential since the shortage of nutrients such as folate has been linked to birth defects.
Hyperemesis of pregnancy: this complication of pregnancy is characterized by severe nausea and vomiting. This can lead to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
Dietary restrictions: Women, who follow a specific diet, including vegans and those with food intolerances and allergies, may need vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent micronutrient deficiencies.
Smoking: While it is absolutely essential that mothers avoid cigarettes during pregnancy, those who continue to smoke have a greater need for specific nutrients such as vitamin C and folic acid.
Multiple pregnancies: Women who have more than one baby have higher micronutrient requirements than women who have a baby. Supplementation is often necessary to ensure optimal nutrition for both the mother and her babies.
Genetic mutations such as MTHFR: MTHFR is a gene that converts folate into a form that the body can use. Pregnant women with this genetic mutation may need a supplement with a specific form of folic acid to avoid complications.
Poor nutrition: Women who eat or choose nutrient-poor foods may need vitamin and mineral supplements to avoid deficiencies.
In addition, experts such as the United States Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommend that all pregnant women take a prenatal vitamin and folic acid supplement. It is advisable to fill nutritional gaps and prevent birth defects such as spina bifida.
For these reasons, many pregnant women are turning to vitamin and mineral supplements.
Essential Supplements During Pregnancy
Always purchase supplements from an accredited brand that voluntarily offers for its products to be evaluated by third-party organizations, such as the United States Pharmacopeia Convention (USP). This ensures that the supplements meet quality standards and that, in general, they are safe to take.
Prenatal vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are multivitamins specially formulated to meet the increased demand for micronutrients during pregnancy. They are designed to be taken before conception and during pregnancy and lactation.
Folate
Folate is a vitamin B that plays an essential role in the synthesis of DNA, the production of red blood cells and the growth and development of the fetus.
Iron
The need for iron increases considerably during pregnancy since the volume of maternal blood increases by almost 50%.
Vitamin D
This fat-soluble vitamin is important for immune function, bone health and cell division. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of caesarean section, preeclampsia, premature delivery and gestational diabetes. The currently approved intake of vitamin D during pregnancy is 600 IU per day. However, some experts suggest that vitamin D requirements during pregnancy are much higher.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral absorbed in hundreds of chemical reactions in your body. It plays an essential role in immune, muscular and nervous function. A deficiency of this mineral during pregnancy can increase the risk of chronic hypertension and premature delivery.
Fish oil
Fish oil encloses DHA and EPA, two essential fatty acids that are important for fetal brain development. Supplementing with DHA and EPA during pregnancy could stimulate brain development in children and reduce maternal depression, although research on this topic is inconclusive.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are believed to be beneficial for digestive health. Many studies have shown that probiotics are safe during pregnancy, and no harmful side effects have been identified, apart from an extremely low risk of infection caused by probiotics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy Supplements
Q: Why take supplements during pregnancy?
A: Good nutrition during pregnancy is essential for the healthy growth and development of your baby. You need to get enough nutrients to meet your baby’s needs and yours. When you are pregnant, you need more nutrients, such as protein, folic acid, iodine and iron. So:
- Folate (called “folic acid” as a supplement) helps prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
- Iodine is mandatory for the development of the brain and nervous system.
- Iron helps prevent anaemia in the mother, as well as low birth weight in the baby.
- Vitamin B12 and vitamin D are also particularly important because they support the development of the nervous system (B12) and the skeleton (D) of the baby. Adequate vitamin C intake also helps improve iron absorption in your diet.
Q: Are herbal supplements safe during pregnancy?
A: Pregnant women turn to micronutrients and herbal supplements for a variety of reasons. While some are safe and useful, others can cause serious complications that can be harmful to both the mother and the baby.
Q: What supplements are considered safe during pregnancy?
A: During pregnancy, a woman’s macronutrient needs increase considerably. Macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Supplements such as folic acid, iron and prenatal vitamins are considered safe for pregnant women. It is important to always discuss any supplement, be it a vitamin, mineral or herb, with your doctor.
Q: What supplements should I avoid during pregnancy?
A: While supplementation with certain micronutrients and herbs is safe for pregnant women, many should be avoided. Excess doses of vitamin A, vitamin E, black cohosh, gold seal, dong Quai, Yohimbe and herbs such as tansy, red clover, angelica, yarrow and wormwood etc are harmful during pregnancy.
Q: Should I take supplements?
A: It is recommended that all pregnant women take folic acid and iodine supplements.
However, it is better to get the other nutrients you need from a healthy diet instead of supplements. In most cases, eating a variety of nutritious foods should meet both your needs and those of your baby.
If you have a known deficiency, your doctor may recommend that you take a supplement. For example:
- If you are vegetarian or vegan and do not get enough vitamin B12
- If you don’t eat enough dairy and you don’t get much calcium, which is vital for bone health
- If you have little iron
- If you have a vitamin D deficiency
- If you are not sure if you need a supplement, talk to your doctor.
Q: Where to get pregnancy supplements?
A: You can get supplements at pharmacies and supermarkets, or a general practitioner can prescribe them.
If you need to get your folic acid from a multivitamin tablet, make sure the tablet does not contain vitamin A (or retinol).
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is a period of growth and development, which makes health and nutrition a top priority.
While some supplements may be useful during pregnancy, many can cause dangerous side effects in pregnant women and their babies.
Above all, although supplementation with certain vitamins and minerals can help fill nutritional gaps, supplements are not intended to replace a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Feeding your body with nutrient-rich foods, as well as getting enough exercise and sleep and minimizing stress, is the best way to ensure a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.
Although supplements may be necessary and useful in certain circumstances, always check with your doctor about dosages, safety and possible risks and benefits.
