April 24, 2026
What are prenatal vitamins?
What are prenatal vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins are dietary supplements formulated to provide the specific vitamins and minerals that support a healthy pregnancy. They are designed to fill nutritional gaps in a pregnant woman's diet and to deliver targeted nutrients that are critical for fetal development, particularly during the first trimester when organ systems are forming.
A standard prenatal vitamin typically includes folate, iron, calcium, vitamin D, iodine, choline, and a range of B vitamins. The exact composition varies between brands and formulations, which is why choosing the right one matters.
RELATED: How to choose a prenatal vitamin
How are they different from regular multivitamins?
The key differences come down to dose and focus. Prenatals contain higher amounts of folate and iron compared to standard multivitamins because pregnancy dramatically increases the demand for both. Folate supports neural tube development in the first weeks of pregnancy, while iron helps produce the additional blood volume needed to supply oxygen to the placenta and growing baby.
Many prenatals also include DHA, or as a complimentary supplement, which standard multivitamins often don't. DHA plays a role in fetal brain and eye development. Choline, another nutrient increasingly recognized as important for pregnancy, is now included in some (though not all) prenatal formulas.
A 2022 review in Maternal Health, Neonatology and Perinatology examined 188 prenatal supplements on the U.S. market and found significant variability in nutrient content, with many products falling short of evidence-based recommendations for nutrients like choline, vitamin D, and vitamin K.
Who should take them?
Prenatal vitamins are recommended for anyone who is pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The USPSTF gives a priority recommendation for folate supplementation for all people planning or capable of pregnancy.
RELATED: The ultimate preconception guide: What to do when you’re ready to get pregnant
A note from WeNatal on what are prenatal vitamins?
Not all prenatals are created equal, and the research backs that up. WeNatal for Her was formulated with the gaps in mind, including choline, methylfolate, and vitamin D3 at doses that reflect the latest evidence. If you've been comparing labels and feeling overwhelmed, start with a prenatal built on science rather than marketing.
RELATED: Can men take prenatal vitamins? What to know about male prenatal nutrition
References
Adams JB, et al. (2022). Evidence based recommendations for an optimal prenatal supplement. Maternal Health, Neonatology and Perinatology, 8:4. DOI: 10.1186/s40748-022-00139-9
Barry MJ, et al. (2023). USPSTF reaffirmation recommendation statement on folic acid. JAMA, 330(5):454-459. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.12876
