We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Was this helpful?

Registered dietitians selected the best prenatal vitamins based on needs and key ingredients. On the list: Ritual, MegaFood, FullWell, SmartyPants, and more.

Between morning sickness, fleeting cravings, and random aversions, getting good nutrition during pregnancy can be tough. Plus, even if you’re eating a balanced diet, the increased nutrient demands during pregnancy are difficult to meet with diet alone.

Enter prenatal vitamins. They’re an easy way to fill any gaps and support both your body and your baby’s growth and development.

Whether you’re looking for something that will stay put when morning sickness hits or you just want something that tastes good, we rounded up nine great options to consider, including a few that our editors have used to support their pregnancy and postpartum journeys.

Note: All the prenatal supplements on our list with tester feedback were purchased independently. Further, our opinions are ours alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the supplement manufacturers.

We considered the following factors:

  • Nutritional content: We included products specifically formulated to meet the nutritional demands of pregnancy. We also looked for products containing forms of nutrients that are easiest to absorb.
  • Ingredients: We looked for supplements made from high quality ingredients and free of artificial additives and preservatives.
  • Quality testing: We included products that undergo testing for purity and potency, ideally by a third-party organization.
  • Hands-on reviews: We included several products that our editors have personally used to support their pregnancies.

Why you should trust us

All the supplements on our list have been reviewed by registered dietitians and vetted to ensure they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Every product:

  • adheres to allowable health claims and labeling requirements per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations
  • is manufactured in facilities that adhere to current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs) established by the FDA
  • is produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standards
  • is made by a company that provides objective measures of trust, such as having its supplements validated by third-party labs

You can read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Having trouble deciding which prenatal is right for you? Here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare:

Price per bottleServings per bottleDaily doseThird-party tested**Missing key nutrients
Ritual Prenatal$39302 capsulesyes• vitamin A
• vitamin C
• thiamine
• niacin
• vitamin B6
• pantothenic acid
• calcium
• zinc
Care/of Prenatal$18.99303 tabletsyes• DHA
• EPA
• thiamine
• riboflavin
• niacin
FullWell Prenatal$49.95308 capsulesyes• DHA
• EPA
MegaFood Baby & Me 2$36.99302 tabletsno• magnesium
• DHA
• EPA
Perelel Prenatal Pack*$49.50301 packet (5 capsules)yes
Nature Made Prenatal Folic Acid + DHA$26.00601 softgelyescholine
Thorne Basic Prenatal$32303 capsulesno• DHA
• EPA
New Chapter Advanced Perfect Prenatal$33.85323 tabletsyes• choline
• DHA
• EPA
SmartyPants Prenatal Formula$38.49304 gummiesyes• pantothenic acid
• calcium
• magnesium

Keep in mind that many companies, including FullWell, Ritual, and Care/of, offer additional supplements that provide any key nutrients that are missing in their prenatal formulas, such as DHA and EPA.

*First Trimester pack includes an additional folate supplement, which offers 278% of the Daily Value for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

**Third-party testing refers to testing by a third-party laboratory to ensure purity and potency of a product.

Complete your prenatal supplement routine

Even the best prenatal vitamins often lack certain nutrients, such as choline, omega-3s, or iron.

Therefore, it may be best to consider purchasing additional supplements as needed to fill in any gaps in your diet that your prenatal vitamin does not cover.

Here are some supplements that may be helpful:

  • FullWell Women’s Fish Oil: Available on its own or in a bundle pack with FullWell’s prenatal multivitamin, this fish oil supplement provides 100 mg of EPA and 500 mg of DHA omega-3s.
  • FullWell Iron Bump: For people needing additional iron, FullWell Iron Bump provides 25 mg of easily absorbable iron that’s gentle on the digestive tract.
  • Ritual Natal Choline: With 550 mg of choline, this supplement can be use alongside the brand’s pre and postnatal supplements to provide more than 100% of recommended choline needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum: In addition to 20 grams of protein per serving, this protein powder also provides choline, calcium, and iron to support nutrient needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

You can check out our roundups of the best choline, vitamin D, iron, and fish oil supplements for more options.

Was this helpful?

If you have pregnancy complications or other health concerns, a doctor might recommend a prescription prenatal supplement. Otherwise, you can find over-the-counter supplements at your local pharmacy or online.

Since so many products are available, you may want to consider the following factors when shopping for the best prenatal vitamin for you:

  • Included nutrients and doses: While there are several key nutrients to look for in a prenatal vitamin to support a healthy pregnancy, the best prenatal is the one that best fits your nutritional needs. Be sure to talk with your OB-GYN or other healthcare professional about necessary nutrients and recommended doses.
  • Supplement type: If you dislike swallowing pills, look for a prenatal that comes in a chewable, gummy, liquid, or powdered form.
  • Recommended daily dose: Some prenatals feature a one-a-day formation, while others may require taking up to eight pills daily. Be sure to consider the option that’s best for you. While only remembering to take one pill is more convenient, some people report better tolerance if they divide the dose throughout the day.
  • Dietary needs: If you have any food allergies or dietary preferences, such as vegan, be sure to read ingredient lists carefully to select a product suitable for your needs.
  • Third-party testing: To ensure that the contents of your prenatal multivitamin match the label, look for products that are third-party tested by an organization such as Labdoor, NSF, USP, or UL Solutions.

A well-rounded prenatal should include a variety of nutrients that are in high demand during pregnancy, such as:

  • B vitamins, including folate: Your body needs eight different B vitamins. During pregnancy, your needs for these nutrients increase. Most prenatal supplements include all eight B vitamins, but some include only a few. At a minimum, a prenatal should include B12, folate, and B6.
  • Choline: Choline needs increase significantly during pregnancy, as choline plays an important role in placental and fetal development. Research suggests up to 95% of pregnant people don’t consume enough choline. A well-designed prenatal should cover at least some of your choline needs.
  • DHA and EPA: You need more of these fatty acids during pregnancy because they’re important for fetal brain development. Some prenatals contain them, but most don’t. Most pregnant people take a separate DHA and EPA supplement, like a fish oil or algal oil supplement.
  • Vitamin D: Although the current recommended vitamin D intake during pregnancy is 600 IU — the same as for people who aren’t pregnant — needs during pregnancy are estimated to be much higher, at about 4,000 IU per day. Most prenatals contain much less, so you may need an extra vitamin D supplement.
  • Iron: Iron needs increase during pregnancy. However, as iron intake varies greatly from person to person, iron should ideally be supplemented separately based on iron levels.
  • Magnesium, calcium, iodine, and zinc: Needs for these minerals also increase during pregnancy, so a good prenatal will cover all or most of these.
  • Vitamin A: Vitamin A is necessary for fetal eye and organ development, immune system function, and more.

These are just some of the nutrients that are in higher demand during pregnancy. A well-rounded prenatal will provide the additional nutrients your body needs during pregnancy, but it should be used as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, a balanced diet.

During pregnancy, your needs for vitamins, minerals, and trace elements increase significantly to support your health and the health and growth of the developing fetus.

For example, your folate needs increase by 50%, and your iron needs increase by 150%.

These and many other nutrients are essential for fetal and placental growth and the general health of the pregnant person, which is why they’re needed in larger amounts during pregnancy.

For example, supplementing with folate before conception significantly reduces the chances of neural tube irregularities such as spina bifida.

Taking a prenatal vitamin that contains all the nutrients needed to support a healthy pregnancy can help reduce the risk of deficiencies and ensure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals you need to keep yourself and your baby healthy.

When should I start taking a prenatal?

Most experts recommend taking a prenatal supplement for at least 3 months before becoming pregnant to ensure adequate stores of key nutrients, such as folate.

If you aren’t already taking a daily prenatal vitamin, start taking one as soon as you find out you’re expecting. You’ll continue taking your prenatal vitamin every day during your pregnancy.

Do I need prenatal vitamins after I give birth?

Yes, experts also recommend continuing to take a prenatal supplement after you give birth, though there are also several products on the market specifically designed for the postnatal period.

This is because your body needs extra nutrients to support healing after delivery and requires more nutrients during breastfeeding. In fact, needs for many nutrients are even higher during breastfeeding than during pregnancy.

Keep in mind

While prenatal supplements can certainly help fill gaps in your diet, they’re not a one-way ticket to superhuman health throughout your pregnancy.

It’s important to read nutrition labels and balance your intake of vitamins and minerals with a well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet.

A dietitian specializing in nutrition during pregnancy can help you design a diet based on your preferences and specific health needs.

Was this helpful?

Some people may feel nauseated after taking prenatal vitamins. Constipation can also be common, especially if your prenatal provides a large dose of iron.

If you’re having difficulty tolerating your prenatal, it’s important to talk with your doctor. Here are some general tips for preventing or reducing side effects of prenatal vitamins:

  • Take your prenatal with food or in the evening, especially if you’re experiencing bouts of morning sickness.
  • Choose a prenatal with a form of iron that’s less likely to cause constipation, such as iron bisglycinate chelate.
  • To prevent constipation, drink lots of water, increase the fiber in your diet, and get regular exercise.
  • Consider trying a different form of prenatal nutrients, such as a powder or gummy supplement.

During pregnancy, the need for micronutrients increases significantly. Health experts recommend taking a prenatal supplement before, during, and after pregnancy to meet your nutrient needs.

The most effective prenatal vitamin is one that you tolerate best and can remember to take daily. However, it may also be beneficial to choose products that contain more readily absorbed forms of certain nutrients.

Most experts recommend taking a prenatal supplement for at least 3 months before becoming pregnant to ensure adequate stores of key nutrients, such as folate.

If you aren’t already taking a daily prenatal vitamin, start taking one as soon as you find out you’re expecting. You’ll continue taking your prenatal vitamin every day during your pregnancy.

Yes, experts also recommend continuing to take a prenatal supplement after you give birth, though there are also several products on the market specifically designed for the postnatal period.

This is because your body needs extra nutrients to support healing after delivery and requires more nutrients during breastfeeding. In fact, needs for many nutrients are even higher during breastfeeding than during pregnancy.

Yes, it’s OK to take prenatal supplements if you’re not pregnant. In fact, experts recommend taking prenatal supplements for at least 3 months before becoming pregnant.

Research shows that prenatal supplements have a beneficial effect on fertility, including increasing the chance of becoming pregnant and decreasing the time it takes to become pregnant.

What’s more, nutrient deficiencies can affect your ability to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy.

For example, deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate can affect your ability to become pregnant.

Additionally, supplementing with a well-rounded prenatal that includes methylated folate and B12 may improve the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technology treatment.

While prescription prenatals are available, they’re not necessarily better than prenatal vitamins you can purchase over the counter.

In fact, several high quality prenatal supplements don’t require a prescription. However, one of the benefits of having a prescription prenatal is that your insurance may cover some or all of the cost.

Regardless of whether you opt for an over-the-counter or prescribed prenatal, what’s most important is that you choose a supplement that’s formulated to meet the unique nutritional demands of pregnancy.

Taking a prenatal supplement is recommended for all pregnant people. A well-rounded prenatal supplement can help you meet your nutrient needs before, during, and after pregnancy.

The prenatal products listed above are trusted by experts and can help ensure you’re getting the recommended amount of nutrients to keep you and your little one healthy.