How to Choose the Best Prenatal Vitamin for You

There are many different variations and brands of prenatal vitamins. It seems that every store has their brand, and says it is comparable to the national brand. Which ones are safe and which ones are best for you? It depends on your body. I found that when I was pregnant with my first child, that I could not take prenatal vitamins. I spoke with my OB and we discussed other options for me. Instead of one pill, I took about eight pills every morning for the same results as a single prenatal. What we did was focus on what was best for me and my growing baby and separated those out, in the correct dosages: Vitamin E, Folic Acid, Iron, etc. Everyone's body is different, and mine did not agree with the lactose that was in the prenatal vitamins.

Before taking any over the counter prenatal vitamins, talk to your doctor. There are side effects for the first few days, until your body gets used to the new medication. (Yes, vitamins are considered medications.) Things to watch for are constipation, diarrhea or an upset stomach. For me, it was nausea worse than the morning sickness. You also want to look for anything you may be allergic to, like lactose or soy.

GNC is a popular vitamin and supplements chain store, and they pride themselves on having the best products for your individual needs. I looked at their online store and found the following items:

GNC Women's Prenatal Formula with Iron: This contains extra iron for the growing placenta and infant. It has 1000 mcg of Folic acid. This is especially important early on as the baby is developing and growing. Folic acid is said to help prevent birth defects and is required for DNA formation and cell growth. (They also have a version without the extra iron.) http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3334258

Nordic Naturals, Inc. Prenatal DHA™ : This contains 500 mg High Concentrate Purified Fish Oil. Proper infant development is crucial before birth and after, and this product contains DHA which will support brain, nervous system and eye development. (Many infant foods also contain this, too.) http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3698861

For those of us that cannot tolerate one solid pill or multiple pills, these have been developed:

NutraBella Belly Bar®: They come in different flavors and help support your changing system during your pregnancy. I have tried these and do recommend them. They are fabulous in flavor and don't make me nauseous like the pills do. You can purchase them at Target and other stores, or at: http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3560072

Coromega Prenatal OmegaBaby: This is a liquid type vitamin that you take twice daily. It comes in a squeeze packet that can be put straight into your mouth or put in yogurt. I have not tried these, but again, it is better than a pill. It comes in Perfect Peach flavor. http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3687544