There are many prenatal vitamins out there, but it's imperative to choose a vitamin that is both safe and functional. You don't want to buy vitamins that upset the stomach and are unsuitable for your baby’s health. Furthermore, you should consider various aspects while choosing prenatal vitamins, for you and your child’s health. This buyer’s guide has specifically been created to help you select the best prenatal multivitamins. We've considered a set of factors to make this purchase as straightforward as possible for you.
What are some key considerations while buying the best prenatal vitamins?
Quality
Prenatal vitamins should be made of high-quality ingredients and should contain all the nutrients that are required for the proper growth of your child.
Quantity
The number of pills present in a bottle should be enough for at least a month's usage. This'll make it easier to use over a long period of time - bottles with less pills means you have to buy bottles more frequently.
Third-party testing
Prenatal vitamins are not regulated by the FDA. That’s why they have to be tested by third parties. Third-party testing means that the vitamin company has asked an outside lab to test their product. If this is written on the product, then it means that the multivitamins are safe to use. In short, always buy the ones that has been evaluated by a third party.
Which features should I look for in a prenatal vitamin?
Safe to use
The multivitamins should be safe to use. They should contain all the ingredients that are safe for the mother's health and the baby's growth. They should be easy on the stomach and shouldn’t cause stomach pain, vomiting or nausea.
Smell
The smell of the vitamins should be pleasant or have no smell at all. Some vitamins offer a odor that causes a nauseating feeling in some women. While it's not the most important thing, taking pleasant smelling pills is easier since you're doing it every day.
Serving size
The serving size of the prenatal vitamin matters a lot. Go for the ones that are recommended to be taken once a day. Some vitamins are recommended to be taken as much as six times a day, which is frankly, really inconvenient and quickly becomes a chore.
What nutrients should be present in prenatal vitamins?
Omega-3 fatty acid
Omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA must be present in prenatal vitamins. They are beneficial for a baby’s neurological development and reduce the risk of an early birth. Moreover, women are told to eat less fish when they are pregnant so you should take these vitamins as a fish alternative because omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for pregnant mothers.
Iron
Many women become anemic during pregnancy which can easily be avoided with iron intake. Iron deficiency can easily be fixed if iron is present in the prenatal vitamins that you take.
Iron is also needed to bring oxygen to the fetus since it helps blood flow towards the placenta.
Folic acid
Folic acid should be present in the vitamins you are taking. Folic acid must be taken when planning for pregnancy as it is the most critical nutrient needed in the prenatal phase. The risk of neural tube defects can be avoided with the continuous use of prenatal vitamins with folic acid.
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 should be present in your vitamins because this is also essential for the healthy brain development of the fetus.
What's the price range of prenatal vitamins?
The price of prenatal vitamins ranges from $9-$90. Prenatal vitamins have a huge price difference since some vitamin packs are organic while others aren't at all. Some have massive quantities, while others have fewer tablets. Just make sure to read the fine print so you get a good bang for your buck without skimping on essential nutrients.
Prenatal Vitamin FAQ
Q: Are prenatal vitamins necessary for all women?
A: Yes, prenatal vitamins are essential for all women. They should be taken to provide nutrients to mother and child during prenatal, pregnancy and post-delivery phases.
Q: Will prenatal vitamins energize me during the pregnancy?
A: Yes, these vitamins will surely boost up your energy. The vitamins and fatty acids will help to make the mother feel more energetic during pregnancy but that is not their main goal. The main goal is to supply appropriate nutrients to the baby and mother.