How often do you actually take your daily vitamins? It’s one thing to skip a vitamin D capsule here or there when you’re only responsible for your own body, but as soon as you become pregnant, you’re suddenly responsible for the tiny developing human inside of you. Seeing as food can only provide so many vitamins and nutrients throughout the day, doctors recommend taking prenatal vitamins to fill in the gaps.
Prenatal vitamins can be hard to navigate, especially if you’re a first-time mom. Which vitamins and minerals are absolutely necessary? Which brands are doctor-recommended? Does it make a difference whether you pop a pill or prefer fruit gummies? These are all valid questions, and we highly suggest making an appointment with your OBGYN or physician to talk specifics, as everybody requires a slightly different dosage.
That being said, once you approach the shelves, there are so many prenatal vitamins to choose from that it can still be hard to navigate which bottle is best for you. The choice is ultimately up to you, your doctor’s judgement, and your developing baby’s needs, but here are some of the best prenatal vitamins to take from pre-conception through pregnancy and even postpartum.
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1. SmartyPants Prenatal Formula
Formulated with nutrients derived from vegetarian sources, each serving of four gummies features the works: omega-3 fatty acids from organic flaxseed oil, probiotics to support digestion, folate for fetal brain and spinal cord development, B12 to keep you energized, and vitamins D and D3 to balance immunity.
These prenatal vitamins also come in fun fruity flavors. With a combination of lemon, orange, and strawberry-banana hitting your tastebuds, taking your vitamins will feel more like a treat and less of a chore. One bottle contains 120 gummies, which translates to a solid 30-day supply.
2. Actif Organic Prenatal Vitamins
Considered to be a “complete” prenatal vitamin, each soft gel contains 100 percent organically-sourced, non-synthetic, and certified non-GMO ingredients. It’s also the only prenatal vitamin with DHA, EPA, and choline — an ideal combination for optimal fetal brain development.
And, unlike some prenatal vitamins that can cause constipation, these contain a variety of micro and macronutrients in addition to more than 10 probiotics to stimulate healthy digestion. One bottle contains 90 soft gels for a generous three-month supply.
3. Zahler Prenatal +DHA
Another option that delivers a balance of essential vitamins for mom and baby, Zahler’s are also considered “complete” prenatals but with the added bonus of 300 mg of DHA. The structural fatty acid of DHA is key for everybody’s eyesight, central nervous system, and brain functionality, but it’s especially vital for fetal development in the womb.
In addition to DHA, these prenatal vitamins contain folate, which can help prevent birth defects, non-constipating iron so that you’re able to stay regular throughout the pregnancy, and chromium to keep blood sugar levels balanced and reduce mom’s risk of developing gestational diabetes.
4. VitaFusion Prenatal Gummy Vitamins
For moms-to-be experiencing pregnancy-induced constipation, these prenatal gummies might be a good fit as iron is purposely left off the ingredients list. Each gummy is bursting with naturally-derived flavors such as lemon and raspberry lemonade, and one serving of two gummies provides 100 percent of your daily DV folic acid, omega-3 DHA and B vitamins, as well as vitamins A, C, D, and E that support your overall health.
What’s more, vitamins C and E contain a slew of antioxidants that help fight against free radicals. There are also no dyes, dairy, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, or gluten listened on the ingredients list, so you can rest assured that you and your child are only absorbing the good stuff.
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