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prenatal vitamins
Used for Prenatal Vitamin
Used for Prenatal Vitamin

Prenatal vitamins are combination vitamins and minerals that are taken before, during, and sometimes after, pregnancy. They're important for a healthy pregnancy and for helping the baby grow and develop. Prenatal vitamins come in different forms, such as tablets, liquid, and chewable gummies. Some are available over the counter, while others are prescription only. Not all prenatal vitamins contain the same ingredients, so it's important that you read the labels carefully. Side effects of prenatal vitamins can include nausea or constipation and you're more likely to experience them if your product contains iron.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 11, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Prenatal vitamins?

What is Prenatal vitamins used for?

How Prenatal vitamins works

Prenatal vitamins are a dietary supplement. They contain multiple vitamins and supplements that help support nutritional needs in females before, during, and after pregnancy.

Are you looking for information on CitraNatal B-Calm (prenatal vitamin / vitamin B6) or Prenate (prenatal vitamin) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsPrePLUS, Citranatal Bloom, Concept OB, One A Day Women's Prenatal Multivitamin, Vitafusion Prenatal Gummy Vitamins
Drug ClassDietary supplement
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription or over-the-counter

More on Prenatal vitamins essentials

Supplement herbs: holding pills water pregnant 1097562644

What Are Prenatal Vitamins and What Do They Do?

Written by Christina Palmer, MD
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What are the side effects of Prenatal vitamins?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Bloating
  • Gas
Please note: These side effects are typically caused by the iron in prenatal vitamins.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Prenatal vitamins

thumbs-up

Pros

Typically only taken once a day

Available in a chewable gummy and liquid, which might be helpful for people who have trouble swallowing pills

Available as lower-cost generics

thumbs-down

Cons

Many products with different ingredients available, which can be confusing

Some brands are only available with a prescription

Might worsen morning sickness for some people

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Prenatal vitamins

pharmacist

  • In addition to eating healthy, a prenatal vitamin can help supply all of the nutrition you need to support you and your baby during pregnancy. But everyone has different nutritional needs, so talk with your provider about the best supplement choice for you.

    • Tell your provider or pharmacist about all the medications and dietary supplements you're taking before starting prenatal vitamins to make sure there are no interactions.

      • Don't take other vitamins or supplements while you're taking a prenatal vitamin without checking with your provider first. Many of the ingredients found in prenatal vitamins are also in other prescription and over-the-counter products. Taking too much of certain ingredients (e.g., vitamin A) can lead to side effects and harm to your baby.

        • Most prenatal vitamins can be taken with or without food. Make sure to read the directions on the package.

          • Ask your provider if you need to continue taking prenatal vitamins after you give birth. You might not need to continue this supplement, especially if you're already getting enough nutrients through foods.

            • Store prenatal vitamins at room temperature and away from children. If your child accidentally took prenatal vitamins, get medical help or call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

              • Some prenatal vitamins are available over-the-counter, while others are only available with a prescription from your provider. Your provider might recommend a specific product for you, depending on your unique nutritional needs.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Prenatal vitamins

                Can you take prenatal vitamins without being pregnant?
                You can. In fact, if you're planning to get pregnant, it's best to start taking a prenatal vitamin before you conceive. But if you don't have plans to get pregnant, a general multivitamin might be enough for you. Ask your provider if you're not sure whether you need to take a multivitamin.
                When to start taking prenatal vitamins?
                Providers typically recommend that you start taking a prenatal vitamin 1 to 3 months before you become pregnant. The nutrients in a prenatal vitamin, such as folic acid, are important for a growing baby, especially in the early stages of development. So if you're thinking about starting a family, you can start taking a prenatal vitamin right away, without waiting until you're pregnant.
                When is it too late to start taking prenatal vitamins?
                If you're pregnant, it's never "too late" to start taking prenatal vitamins, but earlier is better. This is because fetus development is critical in the first few weeks of pregnancy; the brain and spinal cord have already started to develop. For this reason, it's ideal to start taking a prenatal vitamin before you conceive. Baby development continues throughout your pregnancy, so if you haven't been taking a prenatal vitamin, start taking one and talk with your provider about your baby's health.
                Do prenatal vitamins help you get pregnant?
                More research is needed to understand how the different vitamins and minerals impact fertility. But existing research suggests that taking enough folic acid can help with fertility. In addition, prenatal vitamins might lower the risk of miscarriage. In general, providers recommend a balanced diet that includes foods such as whole grain, fruits, and vegetables for people who are trying to conceive.
                Can men take prenatal vitamins?
                Yes, men can take prenatal vitamins. But keep in mind that prenatal vitamins contain specific nutrients that support pregnancy and growing babies. Males have different nutritional needs than pregnant females, and there are other multivitamins that might be better suited for their daily requirements.
                Can prenatal vitamins make you sick?
                Some people can experience nausea, bloating, and constipation from taking prenatal vitamins. You're more likely to experience these side effects if your prenatal vitamin contains iron. If you feel sick from your prenatal vitamin, let your provider know. They can recommend ways to help, depending on what symptoms you're experiencing. For example, they might ask you to try taking your prenatal vitamin with food or changing the formulation (e.g., trying a liquid or chewable gummy).
                Do prenatal vitamins help hair grow?
                There's not much research looking at how prenatal vitamins might affect hair growth. Limited studies suggest that certain vitamins that are found in prenatal vitamins, like vitamin D, iron, and zinc, might promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. But you shouldn't take prenatal vitamins just for this purpose.
                Do prenatal vitamins have iron?
                Not all prenatal vitamins have iron so make sure to check the label of your specific product. While having enough iron is important for a healthy pregnancy, not everyone needs an iron supplement. Iron is found in many foods (e.g., beans, beef, shrimp) and many people get enough iron through their diet. If you're pregnant, your provider will order blood work to check if you've anemia from low iron levels. If so, they'll likely recommended that you take a prenatal vitamin that contains iron.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Prenatal vitamins?

                Prenatal vitamins can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Iron overdose

                Some prenatal vitamins contain iron, which is also in many over-the-counter products. Taking too much iron can lead to serious side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Tell your provider or pharmacist all the medications and supplements you're taking so they can make sure you aren't taking too much iron.

                Also, keep this medication out of reach of children. Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of death from poisoning in children. If you think a child accidentally took a prenatal vitamins product that contains iron, get medical help or call a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

                risk-warning

                Potential to hide anemia due to low vitamin B12

                Prenatal vitamins contain folic acid. Taking folic acid can sometimes hide signs of a condition called pernicious anemia, which is a type of anemia due to low vitamin B12 levels. If you have a history of low vitamin B12 levels, let your healthcare provider know.

                dosage

                Prenatal vitamins dosage forms

                The average cost for 1 bottle of 100 tablets of 1200mcg/120mg/10mcg of Prenatal vitamins is $26.66 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 66.81% off the average retail price of $80.32.
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                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                100 tablets of 1200mcg/120mg/10mcg1 bottle$26.66$26.66

                Typical dosing for Prenatal vitamins

                Different brands of prenatal vitamins can have different vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients. They might also have different directions. Prenatal vitamins most commonly come as tablets or softgels, but are also available as gummies and a liquid. Please read the manufacturer's label of your product for directions that are specific to the brand you're taking.

                Examples

                • Westab Plus: The typical dose is to take one tablet by mouth daily with a meal or as directed by your provider.

                • Concept OB (ages 12 years and older): The typical dose is to take one tablet by mouth daily between meals or as directed by your provider.

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                How much does Prenatal vitamins cost?

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                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Prenatal vitamins?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Prenatal vitamins. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Prenatal vitamins
                Used for:
                $26.66 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Prenate
                Used for:

                • Prenatal vitamin

                $302.80 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                EnBrace HR
                Used for:

                • Multivitamin supplement

                $150.78 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                References

                Best studies we found

                American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). Prepregnancy counseling.

                American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). Nutrition during pregnancy.

                Chavarro, J. E., et al. (2008). Use of multivitamins, intake of B vitamins, and risk of ovulatory infertility. Fertility and Sterility.

                View All References (5)

                Institute of Medicine (US) Subcommittee on Interpretation and Uses of Dietary Reference Intakes; Institute of Medicine (US) Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes. (2000). Summary tables: Dietary reference intakes. DRI Dietary Reference Intakes: Applications in Dietary Assessment.

                Johnson, M. A. (2007). If high folic acid aggravates vitamin B12 deficiency what should be done about it? Nutrition Reviews.

                National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). Vitamin B12–Deficiency anemia.

                U.S. Pharmaceutical Corporation. (2022). Concept OB- vitamin mineral supplement capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.

                Westminster Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2023). Westab Plus- vitamin a acetate, beta carotene, ascorbic acid, cholecalciferol, .alpha.-tocopherol acetate, dl-, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, niacinamide, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, cyanocobalamin, calcium carbonate, ferrous fumarate, zinc oxide, and cupric oxide tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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