The Most Effective Pregnancy Supplements for a Healthy Pregnancy in 2023 – A Buyer’s Guide
Discover which pregnancy supplements are worth buying, and which ones to watch out for.
It’s well known that a healthy diet is key to getting the vitamins and minerals you need in order to have a happy, healthy pregnancy and to help your growing little one. However, during pregnancy, it can be difficult to get those key nutrients just through diet.
That’s where supplements come in. They can aid in filling in those gaps you may be experiencing. Pregnancy supplements are basically a multivitamin for pregnant women, however, pregnancy supplements typically contain more of certain nutrients you need during pregnancy. As your baby is growing, they’re getting all of their nutrients from you, therefore, you need to be sure you’re getting enough nutrients to keep you both healthy.
You want the best for you and your baby, but finding the right supplement can seem a little overwhelming. In order to truly benefit from the many health benefits that pregnancy supplements have to offer, it’s important to choose the right one. We’re here to help! Keep reading to find out what you should look for and what to watch out for when choosing your pregnancy supplements.
Key Ingredients to Look for in a Pregnancy Supplement
Folate & Folic Acid
Folic Acid is considered one of the most important nutrients pregnant women need. Low maternal folate status is a risk factor in the development of neural tube defects in the developing foetus. Supplemental folic acid intake increases maternal folate status
Folate contributes to many aspects of a healthy pregnancy including the normal function of the immune system, reduction of tiredness and fatigue, normal blood formation, maternal tissue growth during pregnancy, and more.
Iron
Iron is a mineral your body needs to make haemoglobin, a protein that helps carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Since both you and your baby need iron, you need twice as much as you did before.1
Besides normal oxygen transport and the formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, iron contributes to normal cognitive function, energy-yielding metabolism, the function of the immune system, and more. It helps reduce tiredness and fatigue, as well.
Calcium
Just like you need calcium for strong bones and teeth, so does your baby. Calcium also contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes, neurotransmitters, muscle function, and blood clotting.
Vitamin C & D
Vitamin C increases iron absorption and plays a role in many other functions. These include protecting cells from oxidative stress, as well as normal collagen formation, nervous system function, and immune function.
Vitamin D increases calcium absorption, therefore, helps develop a baby’s healthy bones and teeth. It also contributes to the normal function of the immune system and muscle function, and so much more.
Pregnancy-Targeted Probiotics
Some premium supplements on the market are now starting to include pregnancy-targeted probiotics. Probiotics have been shown to have potential health benefits for both mum and baby. These benefits may include fewer pregnancy complications, reduced risk of eczema in babies, and improved metabolic health in expectant mums.3,4
What Should I Avoid?
Sceptical Potency (Especially Vitamin A)
Be sure to read the label on pregnancy supplements so you know exactly what you’re getting. Try to avoid pregnancy supplements with dosing in excess, as high doses of certain vitamins can be harmful to your baby. This is especially true for vitamin A (retinol). While vitamin A is important, too much vitamin A can harm the development of your baby and has been shown to cause congenital birth abnormalities.2
Beware of Online Reviews (Especially on Amazon)
Before purchasing any product, one of the first things we do when researching is to check its online reviews. Unfortunately, these are not always a trustworthy way to measure the quality and effectiveness of a product. Companies often pay for reviews on popular online retailers, like Amazon, to try to trick their way to a five-star rating. While you should definitely consult these reviews before purchasing, do your own research as well.
Generic ingredients
Many companies opt for generic ingredients that aren’t backed by data, meaning the supplement is “watered down” and less effective. Look for ingredients that are clinically proven to provide helpful results.
Your Final Checklist
Now that you know what ingredients to look for and what to avoid, it’s also important to keep the following criteria in mind when purchasing your pregnancy supplement.
Quality Ingredients Recommended by Healthcare Professionals
One of the most important things to look out for when choosing a supplement is that it’s recommended by healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals are more likely to align themselves with products that are made with high-quality ingredients that truly work.
Money-Back Guarantee
Make sure that the product you buy has a clear money-back guarantee on all product purchases. This is a tell-tale sign that a company knows they’re selling you a great product, so they aren’t afraid to offer you a sort of “insurance” on it.
How we evaluated the top 5
More and more pregnancy supplements have popped up on the market. There are so many brands producing different variations of supplements, and while this means you have an abundance of choices, it also makes it challenging to differentiate between good supplements and poor-quality ones that won’t provide you with the benefits you’re looking for. So, we’ve made it easy for you.
We searched the internet for the most popular pregnancy supplements available on the market today and ranked them for you in our top 5 list.
Here are Our Top 5 Pregnancy Supplement Picks for 2023
1. Pregnancy Complex
Total Ranking
830 votes
9.7/10
A+
Overall GradePROS
- 30 essential nutrients to support and nourish mum and baby
- Contains SynBalance® EnjoyMum for enhanced nutrient absorption
- Does not have any synthetic or unnecessary additives
- Money-back guarantee.
- Recommended by healthcare professionals.
- Product is reasonably priced.
- Made in the UK.
CONS
- Only Available Online
- Express delivery is only available in the UK and European countries.
The Bottom Line
Of every pregnancy supplement that we tested, HeyNutrition’s Pregnancy Complex is by far the highest quality product that delivered the best results.
Their product contains 30 essential nutrients—including folic acid, calcium, iron, vitamin C and D, and iodine—that replenish mum’s body with vitamins and minerals and encourages the healthy development of the baby. These essential nutrients can help protect cells from oxidative stress, promote energy-yielding metabolism, help reduce tiredness and fatigue, and more. Additionally, it contains SynBalance® EnjoyMum, a probiotic complex designed for enhanced nutrient absorption during pregnancy and fetal development.
The capsules are made of Hypromellose, which makes them suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Also, there are absolutely no unnecessary ingredients in their supplements. You know you’re getting simple, all-natural ingredients, which is what you want in your supplement.
HeyNutrition also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on all purchases, which makes us believe that customer satisfaction ranks high on their list of priorities as a brand.
All in all, HeyNutrition seems to have the highest quality ingredients list of all the supplements we came across in our research. The fewer unnecessary ingredients, the better.
*Results are based on the HeyLiving Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn About Our Top Pick2. Pregna Sense
Total Ranking
385 votes
8.6/10
B
Overall GradePROS
- No Unnecessary Ingredients
- Vegan-Friendly
- Made in the UK
- Money-Back Guarantee
CONS
- Strong Herbal Scent & Taste
- Large Capsule
The Bottom Line
Protea Wellness comes in second with their Pregna Sense supplement, which contains many quality and beneficial ingredients. They pride themselves on ensuring no unnecessary ingredients are in their formulas and that their supplements are suitable for everyone.
Other than HeyNutrition, this is the only other brand on this list offering a money-back guarantee.
However, a big complaint among consumers is in regard to the capsule. These capsules have a strong scent and taste due to the included ingredients. While this may seem like a small caveat, if you’re suffering from morning sickness, nausea, or heartburn, this smell and taste can be extremely unappealing. If you are sensitive to smells, this may not be the supplement for you.
*Results are based on the HeyLiving Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More3. Vital Essence 1
Total Ranking
245 votes
8.5/10
B
Overall GradePROS
- 30 Vitamins & Minerals
- Gluten- & Dairy-Free
- Made in the UK
CONS
- 3 Capsules Daily
- Different Supplements for Each Stage
- No Money-Back Guarantee
The Bottom Line
Zita West’s Vital Essence 1 supplement that contains an abundance of vitamins and minerals claimed to contribute to the needs of your body during pregnancy.
Although they have an impressive lineup of ingredients, their formula is crafted for weeks 0-12 of pregnancy. They do have supplements to take during the other trimester, but you’ll have to buy those separately. Additionally, 3 capsules daily might seem inconvenient to some people.
*Results are based on the HeyLiving Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More4. Inositol Myo + D-Chiro with Folic Acid
Total Ranking
301 votes
8.4/10
B-
Overall GradePROS
- Optimal 40 to 1 Ratio
- Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO
CONS
- Only 3 Ingredients
- 3 Capsules Daily
- Lower Dosage of Folic Acid
The Bottom Line
BeLive’s prenatal supplement contains an optimal ratio of ingredients claimed to support fertility, balance hormones, and act as a prenatal vitamin with folic acid.
Although these ingredients are beneficial for pregnancy, we think that their formula would be more effective if it contained a few more complementary ingredients. Formulas with just 1 to 3 ingredients often do not perform as well as multi-ingredient products.
*Results are based on the HeyLiving Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More5. Prenatal Vitamin
Total Ranking
207 votes
7.9/10
C
Overall GradePROS
- Premium Food-Based Formula
- Extra Support Ingredients
- Gluten-Free, Vegan-Friendly, Non-GMO, & No Additives
CONS
- 3 Capsules Daily
- Slight Odour
- No Money-Back Guarantee
The Bottom Line
Naturelo has created a high-quality prenatal vitamin that contains a premium food-based formula and includes ingredients like choline for extra fetal support.
If you find taking 3 capsules daily inconvenient, we suggest choosing another supplement on this list. Additionally, Protea Wellness’ pregnancy supplement, these capsules also have an odour, which bothered mums who were experiencing morning sickness and nausea. This odour also made it less enticing to take 3 capsules daily for some.
*Results are based on the HeyLiving Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn MoreFinal Thoughts
The Bottom Line
When choosing the right pregnancy supplements, it is essential to choose a product that is made with high-quality ingredients delivered in optimal doses from a brand you can trust.
After searching the internet to find the best prenatal products and evaluating them based on their customer service, ingredients and pricing, we believe HeyNutrition Pregnancy Complex is the best on the market.
HeyNutrition provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back.
Take advantage of this Offer while supplies last.
CITATIONS
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28383533/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/supplements-during-pregnancy#supplements-to-avoid
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8308823/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/probiotics-during-pregnancy
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* The information contained within this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have, expect to have, or suspect you may have any medical condition, you are urged to consult with a healthcare provider. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or the European Food Safety Authority. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or medical conditions. Results are based on the opinion of the author and their own rankings and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Trademarks used on our website belong to their respective owners and no implied or expressed endorsement of our website or services is intended. Rankings can be affected by the relationship or ownership interest we have in various products featured.
MARKETING DISCLOSURE: This website is a blog. As such you should know that we have a monetary connection and the same ultimate beneficial owners (UBO) as some of the products we recommend on this site, including the #1 pick/partner on this blog post (Hey Nutrition). We may receive payments from direct sales of these products or commissions whenever a qualified sale occurs on any of featured sites, including sales from properties owned by the same UBO's, along with other partners through the Amazon Associates program.
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