Prenatal Vitamins: What Expecting Parents Need to Know — and Which Brands Are Best

When you’re expecting, there’s a lot you can’t control — but nutrition doesn’t have to be one of them. That’s where prenatal vitamins come in. Recommended by nearly every obstetrician, prenatal vitamins help fill crucial nutritional gaps during pregnancy, supporting both baby’s development and the parent’s health.

But with shelves (and websites) packed with options — gummies, capsules, subscriptions, vegan formulas, and more — how do you know which prenatal vitamin is truly worth taking?

Here’s what to know about why prenatal vitamins matter, what to look for on the label, and which brands are trusted by OB-GYNs and parents alike in 2025.

What Are Prenatal Vitamins?

Prenatal vitamins are supplements designed specifically for people who are pregnant or trying to conceive. They contain higher levels of key nutrients that support fetal growth, including:

  • Folic acid – Prevents neural tube defects

  • Iron – Supports red blood cell production

  • Calcium – Builds baby’s bones and teeth

  • Vitamin D – Helps calcium absorption and immune health

  • DHA/Omega-3s – Supports brain and eye development

  • Iodine – Aids thyroid and brain development

  • Choline – Enhances cognitive development

While it’s possible to get many of these nutrients from food, pregnancy increases nutritional demands — and deficiencies are common. That’s why the CDC recommends starting a prenatal vitamin at least one month before conception.

What to Look for in a Prenatal Vitamin

Not all prenatal vitamins are created equal. Here’s what experts recommend checking for:

Nutrient Recommended Daily Amount
Folic Acid 400–800 mcg (folate form preferred)
Iron 27 mg
Calcium 1,000 mg
Vitamin D 600 IU
DHA/Omega-3 200–300 mg
Choline 450 mg (not always included)
Iodine 150 mcg

✅ Choose a third-party-tested product (e.g., USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab certified)
✅ Check for tolerability (some formulas reduce nausea or are easier on the stomach)
✅ Avoid megadoses of vitamins that can be harmful in high amounts (like vitamin A)

Best Prenatal Vitamins of 2025

1. Ritual Essential Prenatal

  • Form: Delayed-release capsule

  • Highlights: Vegan, non-GMO, no artificial colors, contains methylated folate and DHA

  • Pros: Gentle on the stomach, great traceability, transparent sourcing

  • Cons: Higher price point

  • Best For: Parents who want a premium, minimalist formula with clean ingredients

  • Cost: $39/month (subscription)

2. Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA

  • Form: Softgel

  • Highlights: USP-verified, widely available in stores

  • Pros: Affordable, contains DHA and iron, one-a-day dose

  • Cons: Large pill, contains synthetic folic acid instead of methylfolate

  • Best For: Budget-conscious parents looking for an all-in-one formula

  • Cost: $15–$25/month

3. One A Day Prenatal Advanced Complete

  • Form: Capsule + softgel

  • Highlights: Includes choline (rare in prenatal vitamins), folic acid, DHA

  • Pros: Strong formula, includes essential choline

  • Cons: Two pills daily; may be hard to swallow

  • Best For: Comprehensive nutritional coverage

  • Cost: $25–$30/month

4. Needed Prenatal Multi Essentials

  • Form: Powder or capsule

  • Highlights: Designed with input from perinatal nutritionists; offers custom add-ons

  • Pros: Offers flexible formats and clinical dosages

  • Cons: More expensive and complex than typical brands

  • Best For: High-risk pregnancies or parents with known deficiencies

  • Cost: $69/month (for full stack)

5. SmartyPants Prenatal Formula

  • Form: Gummy

  • Highlights: Tasty, contains folate, DHA, and vitamin D

  • Pros: Easy to take; no iron (helps reduce nausea)

  • Cons: No iron or calcium; may require additional supplements

  • Best For: People with morning sickness or pill aversion

  • Cost: $25–$30/month

Should You Take Prenatal Vitamins Before Pregnancy?

Yes. Most experts recommend starting a prenatal at least one month before trying to conceive — and ideally three months prior. Neural tube defects can occur within the first 28 days of pregnancy, often before people know they’re pregnant.

Also helpful for:

  • People undergoing fertility treatments

  • Those with irregular cycles

  • Anyone who could become pregnant (CDC recommends folic acid broadly)

Prenatal Vitamin Tips

  • Take it with food to reduce nausea

  • Try bedtime dosing if it upsets your stomach

  • Stay hydrated — iron can cause constipation

  • Consider a separate iron or calcium supplement if not included

  • Consult your OB-GYN before starting or changing your prenatal

Final Thoughts

Prenatal vitamins are one of the simplest, most powerful ways to support a healthy pregnancy. But with so many products on the market in 2025, the key is knowing what you actually need — and which brands deliver it.

Ritual stands out for clean ingredients and smart design. Nature Made and One A Day offer great value and broad coverage. Needed caters to the most nutrition-focused parents, while SmartyPants wins on ease and taste.

Ultimately, the “best” prenatal is the one you can take consistently and tolerate well. And remember: no vitamin replaces a balanced diet — it just fills in the gaps.