There is a lot that you don’t have control over when it comes to conceiving a baby and having a healthy pregnancy. But one thing you do have control over is your diet, particularly making sure you’re getting enough of the vitamins and minerals your body needs during the preconception and prenatal stages.
So what vitamins do you need – and when? We’re breaking down the differences between preconception vs. prenatal vitamins below, including how your nutritional needs are different in each stage and what to look for in your reproductive health supplements.
When it Comes to Vitamins, are Prenatal and Preconception the Same?
No, prenatal and preconception vitamins are not the same.
- Preconception vitamins prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy and are intended to boost overall health, support reproductive health, and possibly reduce the risk of certain birth defects such as neural tube defects.
- Prenatal vitamins are optimized for the needs of both mom and baby during pregnancy, with a focus on healthy fetal development. They contain more targeted ingredients and dosages than a general multivitamin, and should be taken routinely as soon as a woman knows she is pregnant.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all pregnant women take prenatal vitamins. You can safely start taking a prenatal vitamin at any point – including the preconception stage. However, preconception vitamins should only be taken before you are pregnant, and you should switch to a prenatal as early as possible in your first trimester.
Preconception Planning and Supplements
Preconception supplements are designed to meet the unique needs of a woman’s body prior to getting pregnant, with some, like our Advanced Preconception vitamins, targeted to the needs of distinct age groups. They are intended to support reproductive health and the health of the individual, and many people begin taking them up to a year before trying to conceive.
The most important ingredients you’ll find in a preconception vitamin are:
- DHEA: Supports ovarian health and may increase chances of conception and decrease chances of miscarriage.*
- Choline: Supports egg health and overall reproductive health while helping build the nutritional stores that are crucial during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Folic Acid: Reduces the risk of neural tube defects, which develop in the very early stages of pregnancy, sometimes before a woman even knows she is pregnant.
You should switch from a general multivitamin to a preconception vitamin or other reproductive health supplement at least one month before you want to get pregnant. Other things to do during this stage include cutting back on (or eliminating) smoking and alcohol, getting sufficient sleep and exercise, and meeting with your OB/GYN or primary care physician to discuss your health and any possible fertility-related concerns.
The Importance of Prenatal Vitamins
Along with a balanced diet, an Advanced Prenatal is the best way for pregnant women to get the vitamins and minerals they need for a healthy pregnancy and proper fetal development. Studies show that prenatals can significantly reduce many types of pregnancy complications, including anemia, gestational diabetes, miscarriage, and pre-eclampsia, as well as lower the risk of infant health problems such as low birth weight, neural tube defects, and autism.
Key ingredients in a high-quality prenatal vitamin include:
- Choline: A necessary nutrient that plays a major role in maternal health and fetal brain development. It’s estimated that as many as 95% of pregnant women don’t get their choline needs met, so make sure to find a prenatal with the full daily requirement of 450-550 mg.
- Folate: A synthetic form of folic acid that supports healthy cell growth and reduces the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Decrease the likelihood of pregnancy complications and support the baby’s brain and eye development.
- Vitamin A: Reduces the risk of maternal and fetal health complications, particularly those related to eye health and immune function. Look for vitamins with highly bioavailable forms of vitamin A such as retinyl palmitate.
You may also want to look for prenatals containing iron, protein, calcium, and vitamin D, which prepare the body for breastfeeding.
Keep in mind that a pregnant woman’s extra nutritional needs spike during the second and third trimesters due to rapid fetal growth and increased energy demands. For best results, start a prenatal vitamin long before then, especially if you’re not taking a preconception supplement.
Explore Ovaterra Prenatal and Preconception Vitamins
To recap, preconception vitamins are taken in the lead up to pregnancy, while prenatal vitamins are taken during pregnancy. Both serve important functions in terms of maternal and fetal health, and both may decrease the chances of pregnancy issues and infant health problems.
Ovaterra Advanced Prenatal is formulated to provide optimal support before, during, and after pregnancy, and is the first prenatal on the market with the full daily recommended value of brain-supporting choline. Browse these and other reproductive health supplements designed to support your fertility as part of a healthy diet.
