Quality Prenatal Vitamins You Can Trust
MegaFood® Baby & Me 2™ Prenatal Multi
$36.99
Thorne® Basic Prenatal
$30.00
New Chapter® Advanced Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin
$34.78
Ancient Nutrition Ancient Multivitamin Prenatal
$49.95
$16.99
Wiley's Finest® Wild Alaskan Fish Oil Prenatal DHA
$29.99 - $60.09
Whole Earth & Sea® Women’s Prenatal Multivitamin & Mineral
$46.20
What are Prenatal Vitamins?
What Are Prenatal Vitamins?
In short: Prenatal vitamins are a proactive way of ensuring a woman has all the nutrients necessary for a healthy pregnancy. For both partners, good nutrition, health, and planning are essential to creating the best possible environment for conception and a healthy pregnancy.
Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated supplements designed to support a woman’s health before and during pregnancy, and they can play an important role in the development of the baby. While women take prenatal vitamins, it's helpful for both partners to understand why they are important, since they help provide essential nutrients that can help support a healthy pregnancy.
For the woman:
Prenatal vitamins contain a combination of important nutrients that ensure your body is prepared for pregnancy and can support your growing baby. They help fill in any nutritional gaps in your diet and provide extra support for specific areas of health. Here’s what you’ll typically find in prenatal vitamins:
Folic Acid (or Folate): One of the most important nutrients, folic acid helps prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine. It’s recommended to start taking it at least one month before trying to conceive.
Iron: Iron is essential for making extra blood to support the pregnancy. It also helps prevent anemia and fatigue.
Calcium: Calcium is needed to help build your baby’s bones and teeth, while also keeping your own bones strong.
Iodine: Iodine helps support your baby’s brain development and is important for proper thyroid function.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and plays a role in both your immune system and your baby’s bone health.
DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid): This omega-3 fatty acid supports your baby’s brain and eye development.
For the man: While prenatal vitamins are primarily for women, it's also important for men to focus on their health and nutrition when planning a pregnancy. Healthy sperm and overall well-being contribute to fertility. A balanced diet with the right vitamins and minerals, like zinc and folic acid, can also support sperm health and improve the chances of conception.
By ensuring that both partners are in optimal health, you can increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Although you won’t need prenatal vitamins, your role in a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition is crucial as well.
What do Prenatal Vitamins Do?
Prenatal vitamins are specially designed supplements that provide essential nutrients to support your health and your baby's development during pregnancy. These vitamins are important for ensuring that your body is well-prepared and that your growing baby gets the nutrients it needs from the very beginning.
Here’s what prenatal vitamins do:
Support Early Development: Prenatal vitamins contain folic acid, which helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spine, making it an essential nutrient before and during early pregnancy.
Promote Healthy Blood Production: They also provide iron, which supports the increase in blood volume during pregnancy, helping to prevent anemia and fatigue.
Strengthen Your Baby’s Bones: With calcium and vitamin D, prenatal vitamins help in the development of your baby’s bones and teeth while also supporting your own bone health.
Boost Your Immune System: Vitamins like C and B12 support your immune system and help maintain your energy levels as your body adapts to the changes of pregnancy.
Support Brain and Eye Development: Some prenatal vitamins include DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that’s essential for your baby’s brain and eye development.
When choosing prenatal vitamins, it's important to find a trusted source for the best quality products. At The Natural Alternative Nutrition Center, we’re proud to offer the best prenatal vitamins we can find that help provide you with the right balance of nutrients. Our selection is designed to give you peace of mind knowing you're supporting your body with the best possible care. Explore our Pregnancy and Prenatal Vitamins here and find the prenatal vitamins that are right for you! Your health, and your baby’s, deserve the best.
When to Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins!
If you’re planning to get pregnant, doctors usually recommend starting to take prenatal vitamins at least one month before you try to conceive. This is because key nutrients, especially folic acid (a form of folate), play a crucial role in the early development of your baby, particularly in the brain and spinal cord. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects, which form very early, often before you even know you're pregnant. Starting early ensures you have those essential nutrients in your system when they’re most needed.
However, if you're already pregnant and haven’t started taking prenatal vitamins yet, many doctors strongly encourage you to take prenatal vitamins as soon as you know you're pregnant to support both your health and the development of your baby.
What Are The Best Prenatal Vitamins?
Some of the best prenatal vitamin brands that doctors often recommend include:
New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Vitamins – Made from organic whole foods, this brand provides a blend of essential vitamins and minerals that support your body’s needs during pregnancy.
MegaFood Baby & Me 2 – A natural, whole-food-based vitamin with high-quality nutrients and no synthetic additives, ideal for overall health.
Women’s Prenatal Multivitamin & Mineral -by Whole Earth & Sea Pure Food, is a comprehensive, whole food-based multinutrient supplement optimized for support from conception to birth and throughout breastfeeding. This formula is a major step up from basic prenatal vitamins as it not only helps prevent nutrient deficiencies, but is carefully formulated to optimize maternal health and fetal development.
Thorne Basic Prenatal is often recommended by doctors, especially for women looking for a high-quality, well-absorbed prenatal vitamin. Thorne is known for producing clean, hypoallergenic supplements that are free from unnecessary additives, artificial colors, and preservatives. Their Basic Prenatal formula contains essential nutrients like folate (in the form of L-methylfolate), iodine, and iron, which are all vital for a healthy pregnancy.
Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA – A trusted option with DHA, which is beneficial for brain and eye development, and it's easy on the stomach.
Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Prenatal – A great organic, non-GMO option that includes probiotics and digestive enzymes for added gut health support.
TheraNatal OvaVite – Frequently recommended by doctors, this vitamin contains the right nutrients for women planning to conceive and early pregnancy.
It can be overwhelming to choose the right prenatal vitamin. You and your pregnancy are unique! We carry several of the best prenatal vitamins available to help simplify your search! View all of our Pregnancy and Prenatal vitamins here. We hope to help you find the best prenatal vitamin for you!
Before choosing a prenatal vitamin, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor. They can guide you in selecting the best vitamin for your individual health needs and help you find the right option for a healthy pregnancy.
Should I Be Taking Prenatal Vitamins?
Taking prenatal vitamins is an important step for women who are planning to get pregnant or are already pregnant, as these vitamins provide essential nutrients that support both your health and your baby’s development. Here’s why you should consider taking them, and a few reasons why some women may not need them:
Why you should take prenatal vitamins:
Essential Nutrients to Support a Healthy Pregnancy: Prenatal vitamins are specifically designed to provide the extra nutrients your body needs during pregnancy. They contain higher amounts of folic acid, iron, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals that help prevent birth defects, support healthy fetal development, and maintain your energy levels.
Prevent Nutrient Deficiencies: During pregnancy, your body requires more nutrients than usual to support the growing baby. Prenatal vitamins help fill in any nutritional gaps, ensuring that you and your baby are getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals for optimal health.
When you might not need prenatal vitamins:
Already Taking a Healthy, Balanced Diet: If you already follow a well-balanced diet rich in the key nutrients needed for pregnancy (such as folate, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids), you may not need a prenatal vitamin. However, it can still be hard to get all the necessary nutrients through food alone, which is why prenatal vitamins are often recommended as a supplement.
If Your Doctor Advises Otherwise: If your doctor has advised you against taking prenatal vitamins for any reason, such as certain medical conditions or contraindications, you should follow their guidance. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a specific prenatal vitamin or an alternative supplement.
Bottom Line: If you’re planning to get pregnant or are already expecting, prenatal vitamins are generally a good idea to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need to support a healthy pregnancy. If you have any concerns or are unsure about whether you need them, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor for personalized advice.
If you do decide to take them, choosing a high-quality prenatal vitamin is key, and we offer carefully selected options that support both your health and your baby’s well-being.
Can I Take Prenatal Vitamins Without Being Pregnant?
Yes, you can take prenatal vitamins even if you’re not pregnant. In fact, many women choose to start taking them when they’re trying to conceive or even before pregnancy as a proactive measure. Some doctors may recommend taking prenatal vitamins even if you are not pregnant, especially if you're planning to get pregnant or are trying to conceive. Here's why it can be beneficial:
Folic Acid for Preconception Health: One of the key nutrients in prenatal vitamins is folic acid (or folate), which helps prevent neural tube defects early in pregnancy. Since neural tube defects develop early, often before you even know you’re pregnant, it's a good idea to take folic acid while you’re trying to conceive or even before that. It ensures your body has the nutrient in place when pregnancy occurs.
Supporting Reproductive Health: Prenatal vitamins contain nutrients like iron, calcium, and iodine, which are essential for overall reproductive health. Maintaining healthy levels of these nutrients can help ensure that your body is in the best possible condition to support a pregnancy when the time comes.
Nutrient Support for Fertility: Prenatal vitamins provide other key nutrients, such as iron and calcium, that are important for your overall reproductive health. Maintaining proper nutrient levels can help support your fertility and ensure your body is ready for a healthy pregnancy when the time comes.
No Harm if Not Pregnant*: Prenatal vitamins are designed to be safe for women who are not pregnant, and they generally provide higher amounts of certain nutrients compared to regular multivitamins. *However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you’re not yet pregnant, to ensure it's the right fit for your body.
We offer high-quality prenatal vitamins that are designed to support your health at every stage of planning for pregnancy. Whether you're just preparing or actively trying to conceive, our carefully selected formulas provide the nutrients you need for a strong, healthy foundation.
Will Prenatal Vitamins Help You Get Pregnant?
No. Prenatal vitamins, do not directly help you get pregnant, but they do play an important role in preparing your body for pregnancy and supporting your overall health as you try to conceive. The key nutrients in prenatal vitamins, such as folic acid, iron, and iodine, help create an optimal environment for both your body and your future baby.
Support a Healthier Pregnancy: If you become pregnant, prenatal vitamins will continue to support your pregnancy by providing important nutrients that promote fetal development and your overall well-being.
Although prenatal vitamins themselves aren’t fertility boosters, they prepare your body for a healthier conception and pregnancy. When you start taking them early, you’re providing your body with the right nutrients from the start.
What are some side effects of taking prenatal vitamins when you are not pregnant?
While prenatal vitamins are not typically harmful for women who are not pregnant, it’s important to only take them if needed. Taking prenatal vitamins when you are not pregnant is generally safe for most women, but there are a few potential side effects to be aware of, especially if they are taken in excess or if they are not needed, or you have no intent or desire to become pregnant. Here are some possible side effects:
1. Iron Overload (Constipation or Upset Stomach): Prenatal vitamins typically contain higher levels of iron compared to regular multivitamins. If you're not pregnant and don’t need the extra iron, taking these vitamins can sometimes lead to constipation, stomach discomfort, or nausea. Iron can be hard on the digestive system if taken in excess, especially for those who do not have a deficiency.
2. Vitamin Toxicity (Excess Vitamins): Prenatal vitamins contain higher doses of certain vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin D, and iron, which are important during pregnancy but may be too much for a non-pregnant woman. Taking too much of certain vitamins can lead to toxicity. For example:
Vitamin A: Too much can be harmful and cause liver damage, dizziness, or headaches.
Vitamin D: Excess can lead to calcium buildup, kidney stones, or calcification of soft tissues.
3. Digestive Issues: Because prenatal vitamins are designed to meet the higher nutritional needs of pregnancy, they often contain more nutrients than you may need if you're not pregnant. This can sometimes cause gas, bloating, or an upset stomach, especially if the vitamins are taken on an empty stomach.
4. Unnecessary Nutrient Intake
If you're eating a balanced diet and getting the necessary vitamins and minerals, taking prenatal vitamins might not be necessary and could cause you to consume more of some nutrients than your body actually needs. In some cases, this could interfere with your body's ability to absorb other nutrients properly.
5. Potential Interactions with Other Medications: If you’re on medications or have specific health conditions, the higher doses of vitamins and minerals in prenatal vitamins may interact with your medication or affect certain conditions. Always check with your doctor before starting any new supplement.
Bottom Line: While prenatal vitamins are not typically harmful for women who are not pregnant, it’s important to only take them if needed. If you are considering taking them, especially if you’re not pregnant, it’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure they’re right for you.
Can Men Take Prenatal Vitamins?
While it’s not harmful for men to take prenatal vitamins in small amounts, they are specifically formulated for women. For men, there are other multivitamin options that are tailored to their specific nutritional needs, including those that support fertility, overall health, and well-being. If you’re trying to improve fertility or just support your health, a regular multivitamin or a men’s health-specific supplement may be a better option.
Instead of prenatal vitamins, men should opt for supplements that are specifically designed to meet their needs. A men’s multivitamin will cover most of your basic nutritional needs, but depending on your health goals (like fertility, heart health, or energy), you may want to incorporate specific supplements like omega-3s, vitamin D, or zinc.
What Is In Prenatal Vitamins?
If you're planning to get pregnant, prenatal vitamins are a key part of supporting your health and your baby's development. These vitamins are specially designed to provide essential nutrients that your body needs and uses more of during pregnancy, and they can help fill in any gaps in your diet.
Here’s what you’ll typically find in prenatal vitamins:
Folic Acid (or Folate) - This is one of the most important nutrients in prenatal vitamins. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects, which are serious birth defects of the brain and spine. It’s recommended to start taking folic acid at least one month before trying to conceive.
Iron - Iron helps your body produce extra blood to support your growing baby and helps prevent anemia (low iron levels), which can lead to fatigue. Iron is especially important in the second and third trimesters.
Calcium - Calcium is vital for building your baby’s bones and teeth. It also helps keep your own bones and teeth strong during pregnancy.
Iodine - Iodine supports your baby’s brain and nervous system development. It also helps ensure your thyroid is working properly, which is important for regulating hormones during pregnancy.
Vitamin D - Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption and is important for your baby's bone health and immune system development.
DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) - Some prenatal vitamins include DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that supports brain and eye development in your baby. It’s often found in fish oil or algae-based supplements.
Vitamin B12 - This vitamin is crucial for red blood cell production and helps maintain your own energy levels during pregnancy.
Vitamin C - Vitamin C is important for your immune system and helps with the absorption of iron from your prenatal vitamins.
These vitamins and minerals help ensure both you and your baby get the nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy and development. We always recommend to consult with your doctor to make sure you're taking the right prenatal vitamin for your specific needs. They can help you choose a supplement that best supports your health and your pregnancy goals.
When do I stop taking prenatal vitamins?
Some women continue to take prenatal vitamins after delivery, especially if they are breastfeeding, because these vitamins support their energy and overall health during recovery and lactation. While prenatal vitamins can still be useful after childbirth, it’s important to consider your specific health needs. Supplements such as iron, calcium, vitamin D, omega-3s, and B vitamins can help you recover, stay energized, and maintain your health while breastfeeding. If you're unsure about what you need, it's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider to determine which vitamins or supplements are best for your postpartum recovery.
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- The Natural Alternative has many supplements and vitamins that offer valuable support for women dealing with various challenges such as stress, depression, PMS, menstrual symptoms, pregnancy, and even during workouts. Many natural products can help balance hormones, boost mood, and enhance overall well-being.For instance, magnesium and B vitamins are widely recognized for their ability to reduce stress and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Magnesium, in particular, is known to promote relaxation and ease muscle tension, which is beneficial during stressful periods or menstruation. Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids also play crucial roles in supporting mental health, with studies showing that deficiencies in these nutrients may contribute to feelings of depression.During PMS or menstrual cycles, chasteberry and evening primrose oil are popular natural remedies for alleviating mood swings, bloating, and cramps. For pregnancy, folic acid is essential for fetal development and can also help prevent mood disorders.For women who are active, protein supplements, electrolytes, and vitamin C support recovery and maintain energy levels. Natural herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola are also beneficial for managing physical and mental stress, promoting resilience and improving overall well-being. These natural supplements can provide a holistic, supportive approach to health.For more information on women's health and support you might benefit from, call or click today!