Supplements and vitamins aren't FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Regulated meaning companies can really fill the capsule with whatever they want and then sell it all at an outrageous cost.
For that reason, I am a skeptic when it comes to just buying anything! When recommending supplements to clients, I usually recommend looking for a USP certification. That basically just means that they have passed some level of certification and that makes me a little more trusting.
When it comes to prenatal supplements, I am even more particular. I mean, if all goes well, these supplements are going to help make a human, so they need to be legit. I don't want to recommend red dye or yellow dye, or any dye to clients. But I also understand money and when it comes to clean ingredients, you do have to spend a little more to get good supplements.
With that, if you cannot afford a fancy supplement at this time, it is still important to buy a supplement! The benefits of a cheap prenatal far out way the cons of the red dye.
If you are of child bearing age, I would recommend a general prenatal multivitamin. Or, if you are considering becoming pregnant I would begin a general prenatal 6 months in advance to help build up stores in case you are sick during the first trimester. I would wait for the additional recommendations below until you are actually pregnant (for no other reason than to just save money, so if you want to go ahead with them all, you can definitely do that!).
General Multivitamin
2. Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal (does not contain iron, consider additional iron supplememnt)
Additional Vitamins to consider
Iron Supplement
- Floradix - Pricey, but made from all plant sources. Must be refrigerated. Honestly, this one is a bit hard to swallow and a pill form may be the better option.
- Best Nest Hello Vitality Best Nest is one of my favorite options for all things prenatal.
Vitamin D Supplement
You may not need a vitamin D supplement, but you will be growing another human's skeleton so additional vitamin D will help support that.
- Mary Ruth's Vitamin D Any Vitamin D is fine, but I like the liquid and spray option in this bottle. One less pill to swallow. It does have an olive oil taste as it's blended with that.
DHA/Fatty Acid Supplement
DHA and fatty acids are so important for brain and eye development. If you live near seafood, you may get enough fat in your diet to help out, but many people don't. For that reason, I recommend a fatty acid supplement.
Magnesium Powder
My favorite night time ritual is to sip on a warm cup of magnesium powder. Check out my favorite one below.
Those are a few of my favorite recommendations. Of course, whole foods are the best way to get needed nutrients, but with many vitamins and minerals, we can become depleted and not know. A supplement during times like pre pregnancy, pregnancy, and after, can help you meet any nutritional gaps you may have from your diet. In general, we don't have to worry about "too much" of most vitamins (there are some exceptions) because our body will just excrete the excess for us!
As always, check with your own healthcare team and provider before starting any supplement or health regimen, especially during pregnancy.
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