11 of the best pregnancy vitamins 2024
WHY YOU MIGHT TAKE A PREGNANCY VITAMIN
Many pregnant women choose to take a pregnancy vitamin to ensure they are getting enough vitamins and minerals for the healthy development of their baby.
Do I really need a pregnancy vitamin supplement?
If you eat a healthy, balanced diet you should get most of what you need but it is very important to take folic acid. This prevents birth defects like spina bifida. The NHS recommends 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, from before you're pregnant until you're 12 weeks pregnant.
You may also need supplements of:
Vitamin D: Adults require 10 micrograms of Vitamin D a day. As this mostly comes from sunlight, during the winter months or if you are indoors a lot, a supplement will be needed.
Iron: You are more likely to be iron deficient during pregnancy. You could take a supplement or try to boost your levels with lean meat, green leafy vegetables, dried fruit and nuts. If your levels are very low your doctor or midwife will prescribe an iron supplement.
What pregnancy vitamins should I avoid?
The vitamin that you need to avoid is Vitamin A. This could harm your baby so much sure that any other supplements you take don’t include this, particularly if you take omega-3 fish oil.
When should I start taking pregnancy vitamins?
It’s fine to start taking them whenever you know you’re pregnant. As previously mentioned, ideally take folic acid before becoming pregnant.
THE BEST VITAMINS FOR PREGNANCY IN THE UK
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. Last updated January 5, 2024.
If you buy through a link, we may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. Vitabiotics Pregnacare Original
Suitable for vegetarians.
Cruelty-free
The pregnancy multivitamin brand most recommended by midwives.
19 vitamins and minerals including the recommended levels of folic acid and Vitamin D.
It’s also available in a liquid for those who hate swallowing tablets.
Take one a day with your main meal.
2. Boots pregnancy vitamins
Tablets containing folic acid (400 micrograms), vitamin D, iron for energy, ginger for digestion, B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin K, iodine, zinc and selenium.
Take one a day.
No artificial flavours or preservatives.
Suitable for vegetarians.
3. Known Bump & Me vegan gummies
Raspberry flavoured gummies suitable for vegans.
Designed to be used when trying for a baby, when pregnant and postnatally.
No artificial colours or flavours.
Contains folic acid, biotin, zinc and vitamins B12, C, D3, E and K.
Take two a day.
4. Seven Seas Pregnancy Multivitamin with Folic Acid
21 vitamins & minerals with iron, vitamin D and the recommended amount of folic acid.
Also contains ginger.
Take one a day.
5. viridian Pregnancy Complex
Award-winning
Vegan and kosher
27 essential nutrients
Has the recommended daily amount of folic acid
Contains only active ingredients - no artificial additives, binders or fillers
Also suitable while breastfeeding.
Take two a day with food.
6. Bare Biology Mums & Bumps Pure Omega 3 Fish Oil Capsules
Capsules of pure omega-3 fish oils, which they claim support the development of your baby’s eyes and brain.
Each capsule contains the equivalent omega-3 of more than a whole tin of sardines.
The oil is from wild and sustainably sourced fish.
Easily digested with no aftertaste.
Take one a day.
7. Vitabiotics Pregnacare Plus
Pregnacare Original tablets plus Omega-3 capsules to contribute to the normal development of the baby’s eyes and brain.
The fish oil is produced in Norway to ‘Good Manufacturing Practice quality standards’.
Take two tablets a day with your main meal.
Made in the UK.
8. Vitabiotics Pregnacare Max
This advanced formula has all the benefits of the Pregnacare Original plus omega-3 capsules, calcium and L-Methylfolate, which is the biologically active form of folic acid so is well absorbed.
Take three tablets a day with your main meal.
Made in the UK.
9. Nature’s Aid pregnancy multi-vitamins and minerals
23 vitamins and minerals including the recommended amount of folic acid.
Certified by the Vegan Society.
Take one a day with food.
Tablets measure 21 x 9mm.
Made in the UK.
10. Better You pregnancy oral spray
This supplement is a spray, so ideal if you hate tablets.
It has a natural peppermint flavour, which could help with any nausea.
Contains folic acid (400 micrograms), iodine, iron, vitamin D3, vitamin K2 and vitamin B12.
The bottle is made from plant-based plastic.
It does not need to be taken with food.
Take 4 sprays a day.
11. Spatone daily iron shots
Sachets containing 100% natural iron-rich water from Snowdonia, North Wales.
Highly absorbable - 40% compared to 5-15% from food and other iron supplements.
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