Congratulations!
If you’ve landed here today, you’re expecting a child or trying to conceive.
Next on the agenda is choosing a prenatal multivitamin, which is incredibly beneficial to both you and the fetus. Prenatal vitamins are loaded with two things every pregnant person needs during pregnancy—folic acid and iron. Folic acid helps to prevent neural tube defects while iron supports the healthy development of the fetus and placenta.
There are several prenatal supplements and prenatal vitamin options out there, begging the question: which is right for you and your baby?
Ask Your Doctor
Prenatal vitamins are available over-the-counter and online (for instance, you can get prenatal vitamins here), allowing you ample access to them!
Still, a plethora of choices is cause for confusion. Which one is the best?
One of the first things you should do is ask your OBGYN or doctor.
They have a well-rounded knowledge of your health and can guide you to the best prenatal care available, whether that’s one that includes other needed nutrients (like Vitamin D or calcium) or one that has a higher dosage of a certain nutrient. Their recommendation is informed by what they know about you, any of your previous pregnancies, their education, and more.
Keep Dosages in Mind
Too much of a good thing can actually cause harm to your baby—like Vitamin A, for instance.
What does your body need on a daily basis? Again, this is a question you can bring up with your doctor if you aren’t sure. But you can also familiarize yourself with the RDA, or recommended daily intake, which is a set of guidelines set by the Institute of Medicine.
Still, while pregnant, it’s important to be thorough. You won’t want to rely on the UL (tolerable upper intake level) of a nutrient listed on the box—if there even is one. Between learning about the adequate intake (AI) of every nutrient and speaking with your doctor, you should be able to find a multivitamin that works perfectly for you.
Look for a High-Quality Product
Finally, quality is of utmost importance to ensure prenatal health.
Before you settle on one vitamin, do some vetting.
Does it have positive reviews online? Has it been tested by credible establishments? Are the ingredients high-quality and free of additives?
This information is readily available online, and if it’s not, consider it a red flag. Look for a transparent provider.
Choose Your Buying Method
As we mentioned earlier, prenatal vitamins are very accessible.
You can buy them as needed at your local pharmacy over-the-counter, order them online, or even get a subscription, allowing you the convenience of ordering once and having them delivered over the course of your pregnancy.
Most prenatal vitamins contain 30 servings, lasting you for a month, while others contain 60 to 90. Consider your lifestyle to see which method is right for you. For example, if you’re frequently busy (and admittedly forgetful), you’re a great candidate for a subscription that ensures no gap in taking your vitamins.
Prenatal Multivitamin: Good for You, Good for Baby
Pregnancy is an incredibly beautiful and important time in your life.
It’s only right that you honor this stage with the best prenatal multivitamin available—one that’s nutrient-dense, approved by your doctor, uses high-quality ingredients, and fits within your budget.
Want to learn even more about health and wellness? Keep scrolling our page to see how you can be your best self, for you and for your baby to be.