How To Choose A Prenatal

7 Questions To Find Your Ideal Prenatal Supplement

Choosing the right prenatal vitamin is one of the most significant decisions during your pregnancy journey. It can also be pretty confusing!

It’s more than just picking a supplement—it's about ensuring both you and your baby have the nutrients needed for a healthy start. This guide breaks down the key questions to help you cut through the noise and make an informed, confident choice that supports both your health and your baby’s development.

#1 Do I Need to Take a Prenatal?

Even if you’re following a balanced diet, it’s challenging to meet the increased nutrient demands of pregnancy. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prenatal vitamins help fill these gaps. 

Starting at least one month before conception, and ideally 3 months prior, is crucial to ensure your body has enough folic acid (400 mcg daily) and iodine (150 mcg daily)—key nutrients for preventing neural tube defects and supporting early fetal development. 

#2 Does It Cover the Essential Nutrients?

Some nutrients are beneficial, but a select few are considered essential during pregnancy and postpartum. Ensuring your prenatal contains these core nutrients is a good place to start:

• Folic Acid: Helps prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Recommendation: Women planning pregnancy should take at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily, starting at least one month before conception and continuing through the first trimester. 
• Iodine: Essential for the baby's brain and nervous system development. Recommendation: A daily supplement of 150 mcg of iodine is advised during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 
• Iron: Supports increased blood volume and helps prevent maternal anemia. Recommendation: The WHO recommends daily oral iron supplementation with 30 to 60 milligrams (mg) of elemental iron during pregnancy. 
• Choline: Supports fetal brain and spinal cord development. Recommended Intake: The Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand recommend an Adequate Intake (AI) of 440 mg per day for pregnant women.

For optimal benefits, check that the supplement is comprehensive, covering additional needs like vitamins D, B12, Calcium and zinc.

#3 Is It Right for My Stage?

Pregnancy is a journey with distinct phases—preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum—all requiring specific nutritional support. During preconception, nutrients like folic acid and iodine prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy. Once pregnant, your needs evolve as your baby grows, and you may require higher doses of key vitamins and minerals to support fetal development and your overall health. Postpartum is yet another stage, with breastfeeding placing demands on your body for nutrients like choline.

If you prefer not to switch supplements as you move through these stages, look for an all-in-one prenatal that’s carefully formulated to meet the changing needs of each phase. Such supplements are designed to eliminate the hassle of juggling multiple products while ensuring both you and your baby are supported every step of the way.

#4 Is It Easy to Restock?

Life during pregnancy can be unpredictable, and the last thing you want is to run out of your prenatal vitamins. Consider how easy it is to replenish your supply. Many top brands offer subscription services, ensuring your supplements are delivered to your doorstep without fail. Others are widely available online or through major retailers, making it convenient to pick up a bottle during errands or order one with just a few clicks.

When evaluating this factor, think about your lifestyle. Do you prefer the ease of auto-renewals? Or do you feel more comfortable purchasing in-store? Whatever your preference, prioritise convenience to keep your routine seamless and stress-free. 

#5 Is It Easy to Digest and Absorb?

Digestibility is often overlooked but is critical for maintaining comfort during pregnancy. Many women experience nausea, bloating, or constipation, especially when taking supplements with poorly absorbed forms of nutrients or hard-to-digest ingredients. For example, some forms of iron, like ferrous sulfate, are notorious for causing gastrointestinal discomfort.

Instead, opt for a prenatal that includes more bioavailable and gentle forms of nutrients. Methylated folate is an excellent choice for women with MTHFR gene mutations, as it is already in its active form and doesn’t require enzymatic conversion. Similarly, iron bisglycinate is a highly absorbable form of iron that minimizes side effects like constipation. A well-designed supplement should work with your body, not against it, ensuring you feel your best while reaping the nutritional benefits.

#6 Is It Reputable and Safe?

Safety should be your top priority when choosing a prenatal vitamin. The market is flooded with options, but not all are created equal. Look for supplements that are manufactured in countries with strict regulatory standards, like Australia, where the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) ensures the quality, safety, and efficacy of vitamins and supplements. A reputable product will also undergo third-party testing to confirm it is free from heavy metals, harmful additives, and common allergens.

Additionally, transparency is key. Trustworthy brands provide clear information about ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and certifications. If a product is Australian-made and meets TGA standards, you can feel confident it adheres to some of the highest safety protocols in the world.

#7 Will It Work With My Budget?

Prenatal vitamins are a long-term investment in your health and your baby’s development, so cost-effectiveness is an important consideration. Calculate the cost-per-day of the supplement to understand its true value. For example, a $40 bottle lasting 30 days costs just $1.33 per day—a small price to pay for comprehensive nutritional support.

However, don’t just focus on the price tag. Evaluate whether the supplement covers all your essential needs or if you’ll need to purchase additional vitamins or nutrients separately. A high-quality, all-in-one prenatal may seem more expensive upfront but can save you money (and effort) in the long run by eliminating the need for extra supplements. Look for a product that fits your budget while delivering maximum value for your health.

How Our Prenatal 'Complete Support' Measures Up

When it comes to choosing a prenatal, Complete Support offers a well-rounded option that addresses all the essential questions. We designed it for every stage of motherhood—from preconception to breastfeeding—so there’s no need to switch as your journey progresses. 

It checks the box for essential nutrients, including bioavailable forms like methylated folate and iron bisglycinate, which are easy to absorb and gentle on digestion. Convenient restocking options and Australian-made credibility backed by TGA compliance ensure safety and reliability. 

Plus, with thoughtful pricing that balances premium quality and value, Complete Support is crafted to make the decision a little bit simpler for expectant and new mothers alike.

All content and media on the Mother Natal website are created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When should I start taking a prenatal?
Start at least one month before conception and continue through pregnancy and breastfeeding.

2. Can I take prenatals if I’m not pregnant yet?
Yes! Prenatals can support your body during preconception by preparing for pregnancy.

3. Are there side effects to prenatals?
Some may cause nausea or constipation. Look for formulas with gentle ingredients like iron bisglycinate to minimise discomfort.

4. What if I have specific dietary needs?
Check for allergen-free or vegan formulations. A reputable brand should provide clear ingredient labelling.

5. How do I ensure my prenatal is safe?
Select products approved by a regulatory body like the TGA, which ensures quality and safety standards.

6. What happens if you don't take folic acid during pregnancy?
Low levels of folate during pregnancy may lead to complications such as neural tube defects, anemia, premature birth, and low birth weight. Two common neural tube defects are spina bifida and anencephaly.