Prenatal vitamins: Why they matter, how to choose

Wonder if you need to take prenatal vitamins? Which brand is best? Or what to do if they make you queasy? Get answers to these questions and more.

By Mayo Clinic staff

A healthy diet is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals you need — but even if you eat a healthy diet, you might fall short on key nutrients. If you're pregnant or hoping to conceive, prenatal vitamins can help fill any gaps.

How are prenatal vitamins different from other vitamins?

Prenatal vitamins typically contain more folic acid and iron than do standard adult multivitamins. Here's why:

  • Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects. These defects are serious abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord.
  • Iron supports the baby's growth and development. Iron also helps prevent anemia, a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells.

In addition, some research suggests that prenatal vitamins decrease the risk of low birth weight.

Do I need to be concerned about other nutrients?

Standard prenatal vitamins don't include omega-3 fatty acids, which might help promote a baby's brain development. If you're unable or choose not to eat fish or other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, your health care provider might recommend omega-3 fatty acid supplements in addition to prenatal vitamins.

Calcium and vitamin D are important as well — especially during the third trimester, when your baby's bones are rapidly growing and strengthening. In addition to your prenatal vitamin, drink vitamin D-fortified low-fat milk or other calcium-rich foods containing vitamin D. If you don't drink milk or eat calcium-rich foods, talk to your health care provider about calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Which brand of prenatal vitamins is best?

Prenatal vitamins are available over-the-counter in nearly any pharmacy. Your health care provider might recommend a specific brand of prenatal vitamins or leave the choice up to you.

Generally, look for a prenatal vitamin that contains:

  • Folic acid — 400 to 800 micrograms
  • Calcium — 250 milligrams
  • Iron — 30 milligrams
  • Vitamin C — 50 milligrams
  • Zinc — 15 milligrams
  • Copper — 2 milligrams
  • Vitamin B-6 — 2 milligrams
  • Vitamin D — 400 international units

Remember, prenatal vitamins are a complement to a healthy diet — not a substitute for good nutrition. Prenatal vitamins won't necessarily meet 100 percent of your vitamin and mineral needs. In addition, your health care provider might suggest higher doses of certain nutrients depending on the circumstances. For example, if you've given birth to a baby who has a neural tube defect, your health care provider might recommend a separate supplement containing a higher dose of folic acid — such as 4 milligrams (4,000 micrograms) — before and during any subsequent pregnancies.

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References
  1. Gillen-Goldstein J, et al. Nutrition in pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Jan. 9, 2012.
  2. Hochberg L, et al. Folic acid for prevention of neural tube defects. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Jan. 9, 2012.
  3. Nutrition during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq001.ashx?dmc=1&ts=20111213T1231389718. Accessed Jan. 9, 2012.
  4. Haider BA, et al. Effect of multiple micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy on maternal and birth outcomes. BMC Public Health. 2011;11:s19.
  5. Oken E. Risks and benefits of fish consumption and fish oil supplements during pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Jan. 9, 2012.
  6. Mulligan ML, et al. Implications of vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy and lactation. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2010;202:429.e.
  7. Constipation. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation. Accessed Jan. 9, 2012.
  8. Smith JA, et al. Treatment and outcome of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/index.html. Accessed Jan. 9, 2012.
  9. Murry MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 10, 2012.
PR00160 April 20, 2012

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