Big news…I’m pregnant! 👶 You guys know how conscious I am about the products I use on my skin, hair, body, and around my home…so you bet I was just as diligent when researching prenatals. I thought it would be fun to share everything I’ve been trying and compare the best brands. Let’s go!
This post contains affiliate links. It is for informational purposes only and not intended to be medical advice. Check with your doctor before taking any new supplements.
This post covers:
- What to Look For & Avoid in Prenatal Supplements
- 8 Prenatal Brands I Tried & My Faves
- Prenatals for Men
What to Look For & Avoid in Prenatal Supplements 💊
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor nor an expert in prenatal formulation. The purpose of this post is to point you to cleaner prenatal options and share my experience taking various brands.
We all know that a well-rounded diet and healthy lifestyle are extremely important while pregnant and TTC (trying to conceive), but supplements can help fill in the gaps and ensure you (and baby) are getting everything you need! Especially since our food and soil aren’t what they used to be.
What to Avoid ❌
Unfortunately, many prenatals contain unnecessary additives, fillers, or unhealthy ingredients. Watch out for these:
- Added sugar or artificial sweeteners
- Artificial flavorings
- Binders
- Dyes
- GMOs
- Synthetic folic acid (Opt for FOLATE, the natural form, instead! It’s estimated that 40% of the population has the MTHFR gene mutation, which makes it harder for them to process folic acid. It’s better to choose methylated folate, which is more easily absorbed.)
What to Look For ✅
- Clean ingredients
- Folate instead of folic acid
- Bioavailable forms of vitamins
- Non-GMO or organic ingredients
- Third-party testing for nutrient levels, heavy metals, and contaminants is a bonus
- Ideally contains all or most of these nutrients:
-
- Calcium
- Choline
- Copper
- DHA/Omega-3 fatty acids (sustainably sourced)
- Folate
- Iodine
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and D
- Zinc
-
(Sometimes, certain nutrients are intentionally left out or offered as a separate pill. This can be to maintain freshness [like with omega-3s] or because they can hinder the absorption of other ingredients and are best taken away from each other [like calcium and iron].)
⚠️ Prenatals are not one-size-fits-all!
One thing to remember is that we are all bio-individual, with different needs, so there is no one perfect prenatal! I recommend getting bloodwork done to know what you’re deficient in or don’t really need. You’ll also notice that every brand has varying amounts of nutrients, so you’ll have to figure out what suits you best or what may be lacking in your diet! For instance, some people prefer to avoid high doses of Vitamin A because too much can be toxic, and they might already be consuming plenty of Vitamin A-rich foods.
Synthetic vs. Whole Food Sources
Some people prefer to avoid synthetic vitamins because they may be less bioavailable to the body than whole food sources. Some can also cause nausea or constipation. On the other hand, it can be difficult to achieve high nutrient amounts from whole foods alone (you’d have to take like 10+ capsules to get the same dose in certain cases). Whichever you prefer, I will share options for both later in this post!
Related post: “Function Health Review (Yearly Membership with 100+ Lab Tests)”
8 Prenatal Brands I Tried & My Faves 🤰
There is an overwhelming amount of prenatal vitamins to choose from! In true blogger fashion, I wanted to dabble and try a couple of different brands. What can I say, I enjoy trying new things and like the idea of rotating to change up the nutrient profile. This is not an exhaustive list of high-quality prenatal brands by any means, but rather the ones I’ve researched and tried, along with my thoughts on each!
I started taking prenatal vitamins about 4 months before TTC to build up my mineral/nutrient stores; usually, at least 3-6 months beforehand is recommended.
(Many of these brands offer postnatal options, too! And PRO TIP: Most companies offer a discount if you start a subscription. Save that moola!)
Related post: “How to Use the Fertility Awareness Method & Best BBT Thermometer”
Birthright Bloom Animal-Based Prenatal
Price: $68 for 30-day supply ($2.27/day)
Serving Size: 6 capsules
Notes: Non-GMO, no synthetics
Birthright was super intriguing to me because it’s all whole-food ingredients and no synthetics! It contains magnesium, grass-fed beef liver, fish egg, bone marrow, oyster, colostrum, dandelion, and blackhaw. These naturally contain easily-digestible, bioavailable nutrients such as iron, folate, B12, DHA, choline, zinc, selenium, and Vitamin A. Bloom is made in small batches and sustainably sourced from regenerative farms. The capsules smell kind of liver-y, FYI!
The trade-off with whole-food ingredients is that doses are much lower than those in most prenatals with synthetic vitamins! For example, it contains roughly 27 mcg of folate, while the recommended daily intake for pregnant women is 400-600 mcg.
I like this one, but it’s not something I’d be comfortable taking as my sole prenatal, since I personally want a higher nutrient dose—but it’s a good foundation to use in tandem with something else or as part of a well-balanced diet! It would also be helpful during postpartum recovery.
PROS: No synthetics, gentle on the stomach, bioavailable nutrients, well-sourced
CONS: Lots of capsules per serving, smells like beef liver, low nutrient doses
Use code ORGANICALLYBECCA for a discount 🏷️
Also available here on Amazon (discount not applicable).
Just Ingredients Prenatal + DHA + Iron
Price: $60-70 for 30-day supply ($2-2.33/day)
Serving Size: 4-5 capsules, 2 softgels
Notes: Vegan, third-party tested
Just Ingredients’ prenatal is doctor-formulated and has a blend of 25 vitamins, minerals, and botanicals. Some are from real food sources, too! There are three bottles total: core prenatal, DHA, and iron (a chelated form that’s gentle on digestion). It is a bit cumbersome to have multiple bottles, but they’re packaged separately to maintain freshness. You can purchase the iron individually, but the core prenatal and DHA must be bought together.
There’s a very faint smell and taste, but the bottle includes a scent-absorbing activated charcoal desiccant. I really like that it has pre- and probiotics, organic fruits and veggies, ginger to support nausea, and 5-MTHF methylated folate. It’s great!
PROS: Comprehensive formula, added probiotics, methylated folate, third-party tested
CONS: Multiple bottles, lots of capsules per serving
Use code ORGANICALLYBECCA for a discount 🏷️
Needed Prenatal Capsules, Powder, & Gummies (💪 Most Comprehensive!)
Price: $63 for Pro 30-day supply ($2.10/day), Powder is $53, Regular is $43, Gummies are $43
Serving Size: 8 capsules (Pro prenatal), 1 scoop (powder prenatal), 3 capsules (regular prenatal), 3 gummies
Notes: Non-GMO, vegetarian, third-party tested, clinically studied, Clean Label Project Purity
Kudos to Needed because theirs is extremely comprehensive (26 nutrients at optimal dosages and forms) and packed with so many goodies. It’s created in collaboration with perinatal practitioners, too. The downside is that the serving size is eight capsules, but I try to space that throughout the day, and it’s totally doable. I also suggest getting the Citrus scent to make the smell more palatable (it’s not too bad, but noticeable, and could be off-putting if you’re nauseous).
You can also buy a streamlined regular version that still includes 22 nutrients (at lower doses) and is just 3 capsules per serving. With an option for a citrus scent! This also comes in a vanilla-flavored powder form that you can conveniently mix into smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, etc. and tasty gummies!
Needed intentionally leaves the iron out of this because not all women need it, and it’s best taken separately, but you can buy it here (ferrous bisglycinate chelate). Same with omega-3 to preserve potency (choose from fish oil-based or vegan). Overall, I feel confident that my bases are covered with this one!
PROS: Comprehensive formula with optimal doses, third-party tested, methylated folate (5-MTHF), powder option
CONS: Lots of capsules per serving, iron and omega-3 have to be bought separately, not the best taste/smell
Use code ORGANICALLYBECCA for a discount on your first purchase 🏷️
Also available here on Amazon (discount not applicable).
Nunona Prenatal Mama Bites
Price: $140 for 28-day supply ($5/day)
Serving Size: 4 balls
Notes: Vegan, gluten free, organic, non-GMO, soy free, no synthetics
Nunona is a food-based prenatal with 27 micronutrients, such an interesting concept! These are costly, so I wouldn’t rely on them as my only prenatal, but they’re nice if you have morning sickness, have an aversion to taking pills, or the occasional snack. The nutrient levels are surprisingly decent for all non-synthetic food sources, too! (like 575 mcg folate from spinach) However, a few are on the low side, including calcium, choline, and magnesium.
Pick from 7 flavors, or get a variety pack to try them all. My favorite flavors are Peanut Cacao and Cashew Blueberry! These do taste pretty good and sweet, but there is a bit of chalkiness. (I prefer the taste of Tend bars, which are similar, see later in this list!)
PROS: No synthetics, organic, 6-9g protein, decent nutrient levels, no pills to swallow
CONS: Expensive, 13-17g sugar, taste somewhat chalky, lower doses of some nutrients
Perelel Prenatal Packs
Price: $59 for 30-day supply ($1.97/day)
Serving Size: 3-4 capsules, 1 softgel
Notes: Non-GMO, third-party tested, Clean Label Project Purity
Perelel makes doctor-formulated prenatal packs for preconception and each trimester with stage-specific ingredients! For instance, the preconception pack contains CoQ10 to support egg health, the first-trimester pack includes ginger to ease nausea, and the third-trimester pack includes probiotics for a healthy microbiome. They come in pre-portioned daily packets, which are quick and convenient, but also more wasteful. You can also get a first-trimester vanilla powder—so smart!
Each has a core prenatal, omega-3 DHA + EPA, and additional targeted supplements (~24 total nutrients). Keep in mind that levels fluctuate: for example, the first-trimester pack hardly has any magnesium, while other packs have more. In general, the levels are adequate but slightly lower than those of other prenatals.
Lastly, there is a noticeable taste and smell that I don’t care for. I like the idea of stage-specific ingredients, but I still prefer other prenatals, mostly due to the packaging and nutrient levels.
PROS: Targeted for each trimester, third-party tested, methylated folate (L-5-MTHF), pre-portioned packets, powder option
CONS: Excess packaging, slightly lower nutrient doses, not the best taste/smell, conception and first trimester packs do not have calcium
Use code ORGANICALLYBECCA for a discount 🏷️
Also available here on Amazon.
Ritual Essential Prenatal (💰 Most Affordable)
Price: $39 for 30-day supply ($1.30/day)
Serving Size: 2 capsules
Notes: Non-GMO, vegan, third-party tested, Clean Label Project Purity
Ritual’s pills are unique—it’s like a capsule within a capsule! They’re also filled with liquid, and I feel like they’re easier to swallow than the powdery pills. Major points because they have a pleasant taste and smell (you can choose Mint or Citrus).
The serving size is only 2 capsules, which is great, but the formula isn’t that robust; it’s only 12 nutrients, and some doses aren’t outstanding. Ritual offers additional supplements for stacking, including omega-3, iron, and choline. If you’re searching for something basic and more budget-friendly, you might enjoy this!
PROS: Cheaper than most, pleasant taste and smell, methylated folate (5-MTHF), easy to swallow, only 2 capsules per serving
CONS: Less robust formulation (no calcium, copper, zinc, Vitamin A, etc.), lower nutrient doses
Also available here on Amazon.
Tend Prenatal Snack Bars
Price: $139 for 28-day supply ($4.96/day)
Serving Size: 1 bar
Notes: Vegan, gluten free, organic and non-GMO ingredients, no synthetics, third-party tested
Tend is another snackable option! It contains 25 whole-food nutrients from fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds. Again, I wouldn’t use this as my only prenatal because of the price, but handy to have when you’re nauseous or need extra nutrition! They even have ginger and mint to soothe the tummy.
The nutrient levels are also adequate, given it’s all real foods; it has 600 mcg of folate from leafy greens and 4000 IU of Vitamin D from microalgae! However, a couple are on the low side, including magnesium and choline.
Choose from four flavors or grab a variety pack. My favorite is Strawberry Patch! 🍓 Like Nunona bites, there is a bit of chalkiness, so don’t expect a super sweet dessert, but I think they taste good for how nutrient-dense they are. I prefer these over Nunona!
PROS: No synthetics, organic/non-GMO, third-party tested (including glyphosate), <6g sugar, decent nutrient levels, no pills to swallow
CONS: Expensive, taste somewhat chalky, lower doses of some nutrients
Also available here on Amazon.
WeNatal Prenatal (⭐️ Becca’s Overall Top Pick!)
Price: $70 for 30-day supply ($2.33/day)
Serving Size: 3 capsules
Notes: Non-GMO, third-party tested
WeNatal is loaded with 24 nutrients and is my overall favorite because it offers a full-spectrum formula yet is only 3 capsules per serving. If you subscribe, you’ll get a glass jar and then refill pouches going forward. I like that it comes with a heart insert scented with organic peppermint oils. You can also purchase a prenatal protein powder!
One thing that stands out about WeNatal is that it contains two forms of Vitamin A and a higher dose than most prenatals. So just be mindful of how much Vitamin A you’re getting elsewhere to avoid exceeding safe levels in your diet (if you consume a lot of beef liver, for example). It also contains inositol, which enhances the body’s use of insulin and has been shown to improve embryo quality and fertility. This one is awesome!
PROS: Comprehensive formula, third-party tested, methylated folate (5-MTHF), only 3 capsules per serving, contains inositol, protein powder option
CONS: Omega-3 bought separately, Vitamin A content might be too much for some, no calcium
Use my link for a free Magnesium with a subscription order! 🏷️
Also available here at Live Healthillie (discount code ORGANICALLYBECCA).
Prenatal Brands for Men 🧔🏻♂️
It takes two to tango, so you bet it’s important for guys to take prenatals, too! It takes approximately 65-76 days to produce mature sperm, so it’s recommended that men start taking a prenatal at least three months before TTC. Here are brands that my husband Jon tried:
Needed Men’s Multi
Needed has 25 nutrients to boost male fertility, sperm motility, brain function, prostate function, and testosterone levels. They also make a Sperm Support+ supplement. Jon isn’t a huge fan of the smell, so I suggest getting the scented insert! Use code ORGANICALLYBECCA for a discount on your first order.
WeNatal for Him
WeNatal contains 24 nutrients, offering benefits similar to Needed’s! One main difference is the inclusion of the antioxidants NAC and CoQ10. Jon prefers this one since it’s less stinky! WeNatal also sells a men’s prenatal protein powder.
Ancestral Supplements Male Optimization Formula
Aka MOFO 🤣 This is not a traditional prenatal, but it has grass-fed beef liver, testicle, prostate, heart, and bone marrow. These are nutrient-dense and help support testosterone, fertility, mitochondrial health, and detox pathways.
Related post: “30+ Natural, Organic Personal Care Products for Men (Husband Approved!)”
You might also enjoy these posts:
How I Prepped for Pregnancy & What I’m Doing to Plan for a Natural Birth
12 Best Natural & Non-Toxic Baby Product Brands (Crunchy Mom Approved!)
Selecting a prenatal is a deeply personal decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all option—only what works best for YOUR body and needs! I hope this comparison helps you feel more confident navigating clean prenatal options and empowered to choose a supplement that supports both you and your growing baby. Thanks so much for reading 💚 And wish me luck with the rest of this pregnancy hehe ◡̈
Hi FullWell comes up quite a bit as a top prenatal – have you looked into that?
Hi, no I haven’t checked that out!