Best prenatal vitamins
In this pregnancy vitamin comparison, you can find out what the Tell Me Baby community thinks are the top prenatal vitamins on the market.
Prenatal vitamin comparison chart
Click on the product name to read more reviews and product details.
"My doctor recommended Elevit to me when we were starting to try to conceive. While they are a bit on the pricier side, they did everythin..
"My doctor recommended Elevit to me when we were starting to try to conceive. While they are a bit on the pricier side, they did everythin..
"I took these when trying to conceive, when pregnant and then during the first 6 months of breastfeeding. They were recommended by my endo..
"I took these when trying to conceive, when pregnant and then during the first 6 months of breastfeeding. They were recommended by my endo..
"This is a great probiotic. I was having trouble with my internal workings and this helped sort out my issue. I was taking this along with..
"This is a great probiotic. I was having trouble with my internal workings and this helped sort out my issue. I was taking this along with..
"I've always been a long time iron supplement taker even before being pregnant. After trialing a few different brands, im happy with black..
"I've always been a long time iron supplement taker even before being pregnant. After trialing a few different brands, im happy with black..
"I consumed Blackmore folic acid in first month of pregnancy. The quantity is enough to prevent any spinal or neural defect. I was so naus..
"I consumed Blackmore folic acid in first month of pregnancy. The quantity is enough to prevent any spinal or neural defect. I was so naus..
"My little one has been on antibiotics on and off since very little and I had a few courses due to mastitis. These were a life saver. I tu..
"My little one has been on antibiotics on and off since very little and I had a few courses due to mastitis. These were a life saver. I tu..
"I started on these tablets at first because they were on sale at my local chemist. I think they seemed to work fine and did what they are..
"I started on these tablets at first because they were on sale at my local chemist. I think they seemed to work fine and did what they are..
"I got these supplements because I was in elevit but I suffered so badly with morning sickness tgat was 24 hour sickness so I decided to g..
"I got these supplements because I was in elevit but I suffered so badly with morning sickness tgat was 24 hour sickness so I decided to g..
"I used these tablets and stayed on them all the way through my pregnancies. I used these Folic Acid tablets and also took additional Iron..
"I used these tablets and stayed on them all the way through my pregnancies. I used these Folic Acid tablets and also took additional Iron..
"When I am travelling and feel nauseated , drink it with blueberries and banana and mamacare powder mixed in it. It taste delicious and is..
"When I am travelling and feel nauseated , drink it with blueberries and banana and mamacare powder mixed in it. It taste delicious and is..
How to choose prenatal vitamins
If you are looking for the best prenatal vitamins, use the above prenatal vitamin comparison chart to search by:
Key prenatal vitamin information
- Brand
- Product
- Image
- RRP
- Star rating (from the Tell Me Baby community)
- Number of reviews
- An example of a recent review
We recommend you take the advice of your GP or other health professionals.
About prenatal vitamins
When it comes to parental vitamins, there’s a lot to choose from, making it hard to know which one is best for you.
The most significant difference between prenatal vitamins and a generic multivitamin is that prenatal vitamins contain a higher amount of folic acid and iron.
While getting nutrients through your food is ideal when preparing to conceive a baby, taking a supplement is a great way to cover all of your bases.
Read prenatal vitamin reviews.
Folate during pregnancy
The first three months of pregnancy are crucial for your baby’s development, and taking folic acid (the man-made version of folate) helps to prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida.
The Royal Women’s Hospital Victoria recommends women take folate for two months before falling pregnant and for the first three months of pregnancy.
Iron supplements during pregnancy
Iron is an essential mineral needed for your baby’s growth and development. Red blood cells need iron to carry oxygen around your body. When you’re pregnant, your blood volume increases, so more iron is needed to help the red blood cells do their job. Not to mention, your baby’s blood is also developing.
Other supplements and vitamins for pregnancy
Available in tablets, chewables, powders and liquids — which can be helpful if you have trouble swallowing tablets — prenatal vitamins can be purchased over the counter in most chemists and supermarkets. You don’t have to take iron and folate on their own if you don’t want to; they will be in most prenatal multi-vitamins along with other important vitamins and minerals but check the packet and with your GP to make sure the product is right for you.
Read supplements and vitamins for mums reviews.
How to choose a prenatal vitamin
There’s a lot of brands to choose from when deciding on a prenatal vitamin; the Mayo Clinic says to pick one with the following vitamins and minerals.
- Folic acid
- Calcium
- Iron
- Vitamin D
Side effects from prenatal vitamins
Unfortunately, prenatal vitamins can come with some side effects. The increased iron and other minerals in the supplements can cause some gastrointestinal issues, including nausea and constipation. When taking prenatal vitamins, be sure to keep your fluids up, continue to eat a healthy diet with plenty of fibre and exercise regularly.
If you are concerned about any possible side effects, seek medical advice from your GP of a health professional.
For more information, read our best prenatal vitamin article.
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