Prenatal vitamins support your body in pregnancy and your baby’s development in utero.
Medically reviewed by Holly Almond, RN, BSN.
Why it matters: Pregnancy increases your body’s nutritional requirements. Your baby can develop fetal abnormalities without certain nutrients. You need prenatal vitamins in pregnancy to support your health and your baby’s.
Why take prenatal vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins include vital nutrients to support you and your baby, like:
- Folic acid: Prevents neural tube defects in your baby. This can severely affect the fetal brain and spinal cord.
- Iron: Supports the extra blood flow in your body that delivers oxygen to your baby.
How do I choose a prenatal vitamin?
- Nutrient requirements: Look for a prenatal that includes these nutrients.
- Gummy versus pill: Choose whichever form is easier for you to take consistently.
How often should I take a prenatal?
You should take prenatal vitamins daily throughout pregnancy. If you decide to breastfeed, plan to continue taking your prenatal or postnatal vitamins to support the demand on your body.
Where can I get a prenatal?
You can get an affordable prenatal vitamin over-the-counter at your local pharmacy.
- Be cautious: Not every prenatal vitamin can be trusted from online sources. Only order from trusted brands that are ideally third-party tested.
- When in doubt, ask your healthcare provider for a recommendation.
Local to the Triad? We provide a 30-day supply of prenatal vitamins to women who visit The Pregnancy Network if requested. Make an appointment to receive your prenatal vitamins, discuss your pregnancy with a licensed registered nurse, and get your free ultrasound.
Adrienne Bergmeier
Adrienne Bergmeier is a Communications Coordinator at The Pregnancy Network.