As a fertility nutraceutical company, what are prenatal vitamins? is a question we get asked all the time – and predictably so. Prenatal vitamins are a necessary part of quality prenatal care and a must-have for women before, during, and after a routine pregnancy.
So what’s the deal with prenatals? We’ve put together a quick FAQ on prenatal vitamins, including what they are, when to take them, and how they do (and don’t) help with fertility. Let’s get into it.
What are Prenatal Vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins are dietary supplements specially formulated with the essential nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy and normal fetal development. They are recommended for women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant and can also provide much-needed postpartum nutritional support.
What Do Prenatal Vitamins Do?
Prenatal vitamins are designed to fill in the nutritional gaps of a standard diet, providing both mom and baby with the right nutrients at the right levels to actively support healthy development and overall health. Some of the many benefits of taking a daily prenatal include a reduced risk of nutritional deficiencies and dedicated support for the development of a baby’s brain, bones, teeth, and organs.
Are Prenatal Vitamins Necessary?
Yes, prenatal vitamins are considered necessary during pregnancy. Even with a healthy diet, many pregnant individuals end up with nutrient deficiencies due to food quality, dietary restrictions, morning sickness, and the increased nutritional and energy needs of pregnancy.
When to Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins?
Experts recommend that you start taking prenatal vitamins at least three months prior to conception and continue throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding to ensure ongoing nutritional support. There’s no harm in starting them early, though, so if you think you want to get pregnant in the near future, now’s as good a time to start as any.
What Nutrients Should Prenatal Vitamins Contain?
A high-quality prenatal vitamin should contain all of the nutrients deemed important for health in pregnancy. Equally key is that these nutrients should be provided in the correct dosages and in their most bioavailable format. Examples of the essential ingredients in a prenatal include choline (450 mg), folic acid (400-800 mcg), iron (27 mg), DHA (200-300 mg), calcium (1000 mg), and vitamin D (600 IU).
Do Prenatal Vitamins Help You Get Pregnant?
Prenatal vitamins are not specifically formulated to get individuals pregnant, but they do support fertility. More specifically, they support reproductive health by providing essential nutrients your body needs for a healthy pregnancy, which may create more favorable conditions for conception.
Do Prenatal Vitamins Help with Fertility?
Not exactly. Taking prenatal vitamins won’t resolve fertility issues or increase your monthly chances of getting pregnant. What they will do, however, is support the overall health and function of your reproductive system, which in turn supports your fertility journey.
How to Choose the Best Prenatal Vitamin?
The best prenatal vitamin for you depends on your needs and sensitivities, as well as any known dietary restrictions or nutrient deficiencies. Pay close attention to ingredient quality, and stick to reputable, third-party-tested brands that are transparent about their ingredients. If desired, you may also want to consider sticking to organic and/or allergen-free formulations.
Can You Continue Taking Prenatal Vitamins After Pregnancy?
Yes, and there are plenty of good reasons to do so, especially if you are breastfeeding or in the immediate postpartum recovery period. Prenatal vitamins help replenish nutrient stores depleted during pregnancy, support milk production, and provide essential vitamins for both mother and baby. And they’re usually just as efficient and effective as postnatal vitamins at this stage.
Are Prenatal Vitamins and Preconception Vitamins the Same Thing?
No, but they’re not all that different, either. You may see it recommended to take a preconception vitamin in the months before pregnancy and then switch to a prenatal vitamin once you’re pregnant, but comprehensive formulations like the one found in our prenatal vitamins check off all the boxes for both of these stages. That being said, you may want to consider Ovaterra preconception vitamins if you are late 30s or older since they contain the addition of highly bioavailable DHEA for ovarian health.
Find Your Perfect Prenatal
The perfect prenatal vitamin doesn’t exist… or does it? Our prenatal is the only capsule on the market with the full recommended daily dose of choline, a brain-building nutrient that an estimated 90-95% of pregnant and lactating women are deficient in.
Reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations, and be sure to check out our third-party tested Advanced Prenatal and Advanced Preconception vitamins, which feature 24+ of the vitamins and minerals you need for a healthy pregnancy.
