Parenthood does not start when your baby is born. It begins even before pregnancy when you prepare your body for the new life it is about to bring to the world. Prenatal vitamins are a huge help even before conception - and should be considered by all mothers-to-be. It might be a tricky balancing act to balance work and home life, even harder to make sure that you are getting proper nutrition from your diet.
This is where prenatal vitamins come in—they help make sure that you are not missing out on essential nutrients. Let us help you find the best prenatal vitamins that could best suit your lifestyle with our buying guide, reviewed by OB-GYN Dr. Chona Madarang, and our top 9 list.
Quick List - Top Prenatal Vitamins
Nature Made
Easy to Swallow Softgel to Support Baby's Brain Development
Dr. Chona Fabian-Madarang is a private practitioner specializing in women's health. She is always on the lookout for new innovations and inventions.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
As explained by OB-GYN, Dr. Chona Madarang, the best time to take prenatal vitamins is at least three months before planning to conceive. Doing so not only prepares your body for your pregnancy journey, but can also correct any micronutrient deficiency. Additionally, prenatal vitamins can help the brain development of the baby.
You may start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as you plan to conceive. I also recommend my patients to continue taking prenatal vitamins throughout the pregnancy and postpartum as these help sustain a healthy and well-balanced body.
If you have some specific health concerns or are unsure about your condition, it is best to consult with your medical provider for proper advice. Although prenatal vitamins are generally safe, they may interfere or can be interfered with by food, other vitamins, supplements, and medicines that you take, and your existing condition, which may pose side effects in the long run.
Prenatal vitamins help you start your pregnancy journey on the right foot by making sure you have a good dose of vitamins that you and your baby need. To learn how to choose the best prenatal vitamins, read our guide below.
As you prepare your body for pregnancy, supplying your body with the right vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition is important because your baby will get all his or her nutrition from you.
According to OB-GYN Dr. Chona Madarang, folic acid, ferrous sulfate, vitamins A, B6, B12, zinc, and calcium are among the essential key nutrients to look for.
For proper guidance on which nutrients your body needs, we highly advise consulting your OB-GYN.
Additionally, ferrous sulfate also interacts with certain antibiotics, namely penicillin, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline. Food items such as dairy products, eggs, coffee and tea, spinach, fiber, and antacids will decrease iron absorption.
As previously mentioned, taking prenatal vitamins at least three months before conception is recommended by doctors to help prepare your body for fetal development. OB-GYNs recommend taking 600 mg of folic acid per day, ideally in one tablet.
Additionally, 27 mg per day of ferrous sulfate, as well as multivitamins that include the recommended nutrients like vitamins B6, 12, zinc, and calcium are beneficial. These vitamins should be taken continuously throughout pregnancy to ensure that you and your baby will get a steady supply of essential nutrients.
Please keep in mind that an overdose of vitamins may occur if you take individual tablets in high doses, and this could affect pregnancy.
Before taking prenatal vitamins, it is ideal to consult your doctor so that they can provide you with professional guidance and personalized recommendations based on your individual health conditions and requirements.
With many vitamins and supplements readily available online, it is tempting to go for the most affordable one you can purchase. However, this isn't always the wisest decision to make; this is your and your baby's health on the line. Doing your research online about the brand, reading reviews, and double-checking whether the product is doctor-recommended and FDA-approved are some ways to authenticate the vitamins' legitimacy and safety.
Additionally, take time to read labels; make sure that you familiarize yourself with what the vitamins contain. It is best to be sure that the vitamins you will take have the proper dosage and align with your health requirements.
Aside from those mentioned above, please also do not rely solely on influencers and advertisements. While they could raise awareness, it is best to make wise and informed decisions based on professional and credible sources.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Folic Acid | Calcium | Iron | Iodine | Organic | Suggested use | |||||
1 | Unilab Obimin Plus | ![]() | Loaded With Essential Vitamins and Minerals to Keep Mom and Baby Healthy | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Once Daily | |
2 | Nature Made PRENATAL Multi + DHA 200 mg DHA 150 softgels | ![]() | Easy to Swallow Softgel to Support Baby's Brain Development | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Once Daily | |
3 | Obnate IQ Plus Prenatal and Postnatal Supplement | ![]() | Provides Complete Nutrition for Your Baby | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Once Daily | |
4 | Bayer Elevit | ![]() | Prepares Your Body for Safe Conception and Pregnancy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Once Daily | |
5 | Folic 500 IBERET | ![]() | Formulated for Better Absorption yet Easy on the Stomach | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Once Daily | |
6 | Nature's Bounty Calcium Magnesium Zinc With Vitamin D3 | ![]() | 3-in-1 Formula for Strong Bones and Immune System | No | Yes | No | No | No | 1-3 Caplets Daily | |
7 | Unilab Fersulfate Plus | ![]() | A Potent Source of Folic Acid | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Once Daily | |
8 | Vitafusion Prenatal Gummy Vitamins | ![]() | Citrus-Flavored Gummies for Your Vitamins A, C, and D Fix | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | 1-2 Gummies Daily | |
9 | Thorne Research Basic Prenatal | ![]() | Provides Proper Nutrition from Conception to Nursing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 1-3 Capsules Daily |
Preparing your body for the miracle of birth can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be with the right nutrition and vitamin intake. Obimin Plus can assist you with this! This prenatal supplement includes DHA and EPA, plus it is recommended by OBs! These two not only support the brain development of your baby but also lower the risks of preterm labor and delivery.
Folic Acid | Yes |
---|---|
Calcium | Yes |
Iron | Yes |
Iodine | No |
Organic | No |
Suggested use | Once Daily |
These soft gels definitely pack a punch will all the vitamins it contains to support your baby’s development. On top of a load of folate, calcium, iron, and iodine, it also has added DHA. This helps support your baby’s nervous system and brain and eye development. DHA also functions as a folate booster to increase its efficacy.
Best of all, you can get all these nutrients for your baby in soft gels that are easy to take each morning. The recent formulation also comes in a smaller pill to make it easier to incorporate into your diet. For your trusted prenatal multivitamin, you can never go wrong with this one!
Folic Acid | Yes |
---|---|
Calcium | Yes |
Iron | Yes |
Iodine | No |
Organic | No |
Suggested use | Once Daily |
Folic Acid | Yes |
---|---|
Calcium | Yes |
Iron | Yes |
Iodine | No |
Organic | No |
Suggested use | Once Daily |
Folic Acid | Yes |
---|---|
Calcium | Yes |
Iron | Yes |
Iodine | Yes |
Organic | No |
Suggested use | Once Daily |
Reviews mention:
Customers appreciate that the tablet is film-coated, making it easier to swallow. Many say it helps maintain steady energy throughout the day. Pregnant women also consider it an essential part of their pregnancy journey.
Folic Acid | Yes |
---|---|
Calcium | No |
Iron | Yes |
Iodine | No |
Organic | No |
Suggested use | Once Daily |
Managing multiple supplements can be challenging, especially for busy pregnant women. Nature’s Bounty offers a convenient solution with a single caplet that combines essential nutrients like calcium, zinc, and vitamin D3. This supplement simplifies your routine and efficiently supports your overall health and well-being.
This 3-in-1 formula promotes strong bones, healthy teeth, and flexible joints. Zinc boosts your immune system, while magnesium works with calcium to facilitate vital chemical reactions and promote a calm, relaxed mood. Many customers have reported significant benefits in mood management with consistent intake of this supplement.
Folic Acid | No |
---|---|
Calcium | Yes |
Iron | No |
Iodine | No |
Organic | No |
Suggested use | 1-3 Caplets Daily |
Folic Acid | Yes |
---|---|
Calcium | No |
Iron | Yes |
Iodine | No |
Organic | No |
Suggested use | Once Daily |
Who says vitamins should be boring? These gummies from Vitafusion not only taste good, but they are also a great source of essential vitamins and minerals for mommy and baby. It has purified fish oil for your daily dose of Omega-3 DHA.
This can be used from pregnancy to breastfeeding, assuring you that you and baby remain healthy. It is an excellent source of Vitamins A, C, and D -providing a great immune boost. This does not contain iron and calcium, however, so you should supplement this from another source.
Folic Acid | Yes |
---|---|
Calcium | No |
Iron | No |
Iodine | Yes |
Organic | No |
Suggested use | 1-2 Gummies Daily |
For a multi-purpose pregnancy supplement, Thorne’s Basic Prenatal contains what you need. It is packed with different nutrients you will need in your pregnancy journey from conception to nursing. Best of all, it’s formulated without additives and coatings to ensure you get the most out of your vitamin.
Basic Prenatal has vitamins C, B6, and K, which have been shown to lessen morning sickness. After delivery, you can also count on its vitamin D content to promote hair growth and healthy skin and nails, which may have been affected by pregnancy hormones. All of these come in a well-absorbed and non-constipating formula!
Folic Acid | Yes |
---|---|
Calcium | Yes |
Iron | Yes |
Iodine | Yes |
Organic | No |
Suggested use | 1-3 Capsules Daily |
There are some studies that showed that taking prenatal vitamins prior to conceiving helps women to be more fertile as the vitamins help in ovulation or producing fertile eggs more. Folic acid has been promising, and it aids in fertility. OBGYNs usually give folic acid to patients who seek medical attention for fertility issues.
Prenatal vitamins should be taken at least three months before planning to conceive. These vitamins can also be continued even postpartum. This helps in fighting fatigue, lack of sleep, and anemia that most mothers encounter after delivery.
Yes, you may take separate vitamins, especially if you are suffering from a deficiency. For example, your OB-GYN may give you a separate ferrous sulfate from your usual multivitamins if you are suffering from physiologic anemia usually seen and anticipated from pregnancy.
Take note that it is best to ask your OB-GYN's advice regarding this matter.
There are too many things new parents need for their babies, and friends and family are always more than happy to help you get started during your baby shower. Start building your baby registry with these products they can easily check out and purchase online.
Re-editor: J Ausa
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Unilab|Obimin Plus
No. 2: Nature Made|PRENATAL Multi + DHA 200 mg DHA 150 softgels
No. 3: |Obnate IQ Plus Prenatal and Postnatal Supplement
No. 4: Bayer|Elevit
No. 5: Folic 500|IBERET
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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