What are prenatal vitamins and supplements?

A healthy diet alone is not always enough to get you the vitamins and nutrients you need during pregnancy. Prenatal supplements including vitamins and multivitamins can help introduce more folic acid and iron into your everyday diet to promote healthy development. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids support the development of your baby’s brain, while calcium and vitamin D help strengthen your baby’s rapidly growing bones.

Why are prenatal vitamins important?

Prenatal multivitamins are different than standard adult multivitamins as they contain extra nutrients that your body needs to help your baby's growth and development. Folic acid supports the normal development of the brain and spinal cord, while iron helps your baby grow to a healthy size. Iron is important for you, too, as it helps maintain your energy levels. Vitamin D and calcium help grow strong bones for you and your baby, especially during the third trimester. If you don’t get enough omega-3 fatty acids from foods like fish, a prenatal supplement further promotes healthy brain development.

When should you start using prenatal vitamins?

If you are planning a pregnancy, it’s a good idea to start taking a prenatal vitamin before you even conceive. Your baby’s brain and spinal cord begin to develop in the first month of pregnancy—often before you're even aware that you are pregnant. Most health care providers recommend taking a prenatal multivitamin for the entire duration of your pregnancy and continuing after you give birth. If you plan on breastfeeding your baby, prenatal or postnatal vitamins can help you replenish vital nutrients.

How do you choose the right prenatal vitamins?

The Vitamin Shoppe offers a huge variety of prenatal multivitamins, so which products are right for you? Look for prenatal vitamins that contain all the essentials, such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin D. If you’re not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids through your diet, consider an omega-3 fatty acid supplement in addition to your normal prenatal vitamins. Other alphabet vitamins, such as vitamins C, A, and E, and mineral-rich supplements, such as zinc, iodine, and copper, also help promote a healthy pregnancy.

What types of prenatal supplements are available?

Because each pregnancy is unique, The Vitamin Shoppe offers a variety of prenatal vitamin brands and products that support both organic and vegetarian lifestyles. And if the thought of taking traditional capsules is hard to swallow, browse our selection of gummy prenatal vitamins, soft-gels, and even liquid prenatal multivitamin options. You can also find preconception vitamins, supplements to support lactation, and postnatal multivitamins at The Vitamin Shoppe.

Where can you buy prenatal vitamins?

Find the best prenatal multivitamins and supplements online at The Vitamin Shoppe and get free shipping on qualifying orders. To start your healthy pregnancy habits right away, choose in-store pickup at The Vitamin Shoppe in your neighborhood and learn more from our friendly Health Enthusiasts today!