The Importance of Prenatal Vitamins and the Best Options to Consider
Prenatal vitamins have become increasingly popular for pregnant women in recent years. These special types of vitamins are multivitamins that target recommended daily allowance (or RDAs) that pregnant women need to thrive.
A healthy, balanced diet is the best way to ensure both mama and baby have healthy bodies, but prenatal vitamins help ensure that there are no nutrients that you are missing out on. Think of them as an extra care package to help support the development of your baby.
Many doctors and prenatal professionals recommend taking prenatal vitamins and other supplements to help give mama’s overworked body a boost in dietary nutrients.
However, there are several different types of prenatal vitamins produced from multiple sources. As you might expect some are better than others.
In this post, we’ll look at the importance of prenatal vitamins and the best options to consider for you.
The Importance of Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins should be taken in addition to a healthy diet to help ensure you keep your body healthy, and your baby gets all the required nutrients they need while still in the womb.
So, what can you find in the typical prenatal vitamin?
Not every prenatal vitamin has the same recipe, so be sure to check the nutritional label of multiple vitamins before you make a purchase (we’ll dive deeper into that later).
Here are some of the most common ingredients in prenatal vitamins.
- Iron
- Vitamin D
- Vitamins A
- Vitamin C
- Iodine
- Choline
- Omega-3 DHA
- B vitamins, including folic acid
Folic acid is especially important as it is shown to help prevent birth defects. The CDC recommends that women of reproductive age, including pregnant women, take 400 micrograms of supplemental folic acid every day in addition to a diet rich in folic acid.
Always choose a prenatal vitamin made by a trusted brand or one that has been third-party tested. Quality is the most important aspect to consider when shopping for prenatal vitamins.
In summary, when you are pregnant, your body has an increased nutritional need. Many pregnant mamas do not get enough nutrients a day. Prenatal vitamins can help ensure that your body and your baby’s body get the vitamins and minerals they need.
The Best Prenatal Vitamins to Consider
Not every brand is the same, and some are better than others.
Let’s take a look at some of the best prenatal vitamins to consider.
- FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin. This prenatal supplement was developed by a dietitian and third-party tested, containing key prenatal nutrients including vitamin D, choline, B12, and folate.
- Ritual Essential Prenatal. This supplement includes vitamin D, iron, folate, choline, and a vegan source of omega-DHA, all in an easy-to-digest, slow-release capsule. It is an excellent choice for those looking for DHA as a part of their supplements.
- Mommy’s Bliss Prenatal Multivitamin + Iron Support. This supplement includes 20 vitamins and minerals, most importantly folic acid (1,010 micrograms of DFE, or dietary folate equivalents) in its most bioavailable, form: methylfolate. It also includes vitamin B12, iron, choline, zinc, and more.
- Perelel Prenatal Packs. The big selling point here? These prenatal vitamins are trimester specific. That means your nutritional needs are tailored to your stage of pregnancy. This prenatal vitamin includes thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, choline, iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, chromium, boron, omega-3 DHA, and more.
- Needed Prenatal Multi. This prenatal vitamin comes in the form of a powder and includes carbs, fat, thiamine, riboflavin,
niacin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, choline, calcium, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, sodium, potassium, mixed tocopherols, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D3, E, and K. Not only that, but this supplement covers 88% of your choline needs during pregnancy, which is much more than most prenatal supplements.
Better Care with Stork Helpers
Remember, no two prenatal supplements are the same. Each comes with its own benefits, and there are good options no matter your price range.
If you are unsure about a prenatal vitamin or are on the fence between two choices, always run your options by your prenatal professional.
Looking for more pregnancy support? Stork Helpers is here for you!
We offer you the support you need to handle your pregnancy your way. Tamara guides you every step of the way to ensure that you have the pregnancy you need.
Always listening, never judging, Stork Helpers is here for you!