Prenatal Vitamins - What's the skinny?

Do I need to take vitamins?

A prenatal vitamin can help ensure that you and your baby are getting the nutrients that you need. Buy a prenatal vitamin that contains the following:

• 200 mg calcium -choose a calcium citrate instead of calcium carbonate
• 400-800 mcg folic acid
• 400 IU vitamin D
• 15 mg zinc
• 27 mg iron
• 300 mg DHA
• At least 150 mcg iodine (220-250 mcg is recommended in pregnancy)
• Vit B12: Look for methylcobalamin instead of cyanocobalin
• Magnesium, zinc and copper – these minerals look for citrate forms instead of oxide forms- they are more easily absorbed
• Folate: Look for methylated folate (often listed as 5-MTHF)

I recommend taking Douglas Laboratories Prenatal (retail is $24.40 per month and serving size is 2 caps per day) or Thorne Basic Prenatal (retail $24.61 per month and serving size is 3 caps).

Many prenatals do not include enough DHA so it will be necessary to also supplement with a high quality fish oil. I recommend Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA (retail $19.3 per month and serving size is 2 caps).

I have photos below of my top picks, if you need assistance sourcing these supplements, or any supplements I have a direct distributor where you can receive 10% off any supplements and have them delivered straight to your door. 

When to start supplementation?
Ideally, start taking prenatal vitamins before conception. It is generally recommended women of reproductive age to regularly take prenatal vitamins. However, you should begin taking, if you have not already, as soon as you discover you are pregnant.

How long do I take them?
You should take prenatal vitamins throughout your entire pregnancy and continue after the baby is born, especially while breast-feeding.
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Do prenatal vitamins have any side effects?
Some women feel quesy after taking prenatal vitamins. If this happens to you, you’re your prenatal vitamin with a meal or right before bed. The iron in prenatal vitamins contributes to constipation. To prevent this make sure you are drinking plenty of water, you have adequate fiber intake and are remaining physically active (at least a brisk walk for 20-30 minutes daily). 

If you have any questions, feel free to comment below.