Best Prenatal Vitamins for TTC 2026
Start your pregnancy journey right with a quality prenatal. We've tested and reviewed the top options to help you choose.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Ritual Essential Prenatal
- Best Budget: Nature Made Prenatal + DHA
- Best for Sensitive Stomachs: MegaFood Baby & Me 2
- Best Premium: Thorne Basic Prenatal
- Best Gummy: SmartyPants Prenatal Formula
Why Start Prenatals Before Pregnancy?
If you're trying to conceive, starting a prenatal vitamin now—before you're actually pregnant—is one of the most important steps you can take.
Folate and Neural Tube Development
The most critical reason: folic acid (or folate) helps prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida. The neural tube forms in the first 28 days of pregnancy—often before you even know you're pregnant. By the time you get a positive test, this crucial development is already underway.
Taking a prenatal with adequate folate for at least one month before conception ensures your levels are optimal when it matters most.
Building Nutrient Stores
Pregnancy depletes your nutrient stores rapidly. Starting a prenatal early helps you build up reserves of iron, B vitamins, and other nutrients your body will need.
Supporting Fertility
Some nutrients in prenatals may also support fertility itself. Adequate iron prevents anemia (which can affect ovulation), B vitamins support hormone production, and vitamin D is linked to reproductive health.
📅 When to Start
Ideal: 3 months before TTC
Minimum: 1 month before TTC
Still worth it: Anytime—start today if you haven't!
What to Look For in a Prenatal
Essential Nutrients
| Nutrient | Recommended Amount | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Folate/Folic Acid | 400-800 mcg | Prevents neural tube defects |
| Iron | 18-27 mg | Prevents anemia, supports blood production |
| Vitamin D | 600-4000 IU | Bone health, immune function, linked to fertility |
| DHA/Omega-3 | 200-300 mg | Baby's brain and eye development |
| Choline | 450 mg (often under-dosed) | Brain development, neural tube support |
| Iodine | 150-220 mcg | Thyroid function, brain development |
| B12 | 2.6-2.8 mcg | Nervous system development |
Folate vs. Folic Acid
You'll see prenatals with either folic acid or methylfolate (5-MTHF). What's the difference?
Folic acid is the synthetic form. Your body must convert it to the active form (methylfolate) to use it. Most people do this fine, but about 30-40% of people have a gene variant (MTHFR) that makes this conversion less efficient.
Methylfolate is the active form—your body can use it directly without conversion. It's often recommended for people with MTHFR variants or those who want optimal absorption.
Bottom line: Both work for most people. Methylfolate may be slightly better absorbed, especially if you have (or don't know) your MTHFR status.
Third-Party Testing
Look for prenatals that are third-party tested for purity and potency. Certifications to look for:
- USP Verified (United States Pharmacopeia)
- NSF Certified
- ConsumerLab approved
Best Overall: Ritual Essential Prenatal
Ritual Essential Prenatal
A thoughtfully formulated prenatal with traceable ingredients, methylated folate, and a delayed-release capsule that's gentle on sensitive stomachs. The subscription model ensures you never run out.
Why We Love It
- Methylated folate (L-5-MTHF) for optimal absorption
- Includes DHA from microalgae (vegan source)
- Delayed-release capsule reduces nausea
- Traceable ingredients—you can see exactly where everything comes from
- No sketchy fillers or additives
- Lemon-scented to make pills easier to take
What Could Be Better
- No iron (may need to supplement separately if you're deficient)
- Only available via subscription (though you can pause/cancel anytime)
- Higher price point than drugstore brands
Key Nutrients
Folate: 1000 mcg methylfolate | Vitamin D: 2000 IU | DHA: 350 mg | Choline: 55 mg | B12: 8 mcg | Iron: 0 mg
$35/month (subscription)
Get 30% Off First Month →Best for: Those who want a premium prenatal with transparent sourcing and are willing to supplement iron separately if needed.
Best Budget: Nature Made Prenatal + DHA
Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA
A solid, no-frills prenatal from a trusted brand at an accessible price. USP verified for quality and contains all the essentials including DHA.
Why We Love It
- USP verified—independent quality testing
- Includes 200mg DHA in one softgel
- Contains iron (27mg)
- Widely available at pharmacies and grocery stores
- Affordable—under $25/month
What Could Be Better
- Contains folic acid, not methylfolate
- Large softgel can be hard to swallow
- May cause stomach upset in some people due to iron
- Lower vitamin D than some competitors (400 IU)
Key Nutrients
Folate: 600 mcg folic acid | Vitamin D: 400 IU | DHA: 200 mg | Iron: 27 mg | B12: 2.6 mcg
~$20-25/month
Check Price on Amazon →Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers who want a reliable, tested prenatal with all the basics.
Best for Sensitive Stomachs: MegaFood Baby & Me 2
MegaFood Baby & Me 2
Made with real food nutrients that are gentle on digestion. Can be taken on an empty stomach without nausea—a game-changer for those with morning sickness or sensitive stomachs.
Why We Love It
- Can take on empty stomach without nausea
- Made with "FoodState" nutrients from real food sources
- Methylated folate and B12
- Contains ginger and B6 to help with nausea
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, vegetarian
What Could Be Better
- 2 tablets per day (vs. 1 for some brands)
- No DHA included—need separate supplement
- Lower iron than some prenatals (18mg)
- Higher price point
Key Nutrients
Folate: 600 mcg methylfolate | Vitamin D: 600 IU | Choline: 300 mg | Iron: 18 mg | B12: 2.6 mcg
~$40-45/month
Check Price on Amazon →Best for: Anyone who has trouble keeping vitamins down or experiences nausea from supplements.
Best Gummy: SmartyPants Prenatal Formula
SmartyPants Prenatal Formula
If you can't swallow pills, gummies are a lifesaver. SmartyPants offers a tasty option with omega-3s included—a rarity in gummy prenatals.
Why We Love It
- Easy-to-take gummy format
- Includes omega-3 DHA and EPA
- Contains methylfolate
- Actually tastes good
- Third-party tested
What Could Be Better
- 4 gummies per day
- No iron (gummies can't contain iron well)
- Contains sugar (5g per serving)
- Lower doses of some nutrients vs. pills
Key Nutrients
Folate: 600 mcg methylfolate | Vitamin D: 600 IU | DHA: 180 mg | B12: 8 mcg | Iron: 0 mg
~$25-30/month
Check Price on Amazon →Best for: Anyone who struggles with pills or wants a more enjoyable vitamin experience.
Other Great Options
One A Day Prenatal Advanced
Complete prenatal + DHA in one softgel. Good drugstore option.
~$20-25
Amazon →Garden of Life mykind Organics Prenatal
Whole food, organic, vegan prenatal. 3 tablets daily.
~$50-55
Amazon →New Chapter Perfect Prenatal
Fermented nutrients for better digestion. Whole food based.
~$45-50
Amazon →Full Comparison Chart
| Prenatal | Folate Type | DHA | Iron | Price/Mo | Pills/Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ritual | Methylfolate | 350mg ✓ | ✗ | $35 | 2 |
| Nature Made | Folic Acid | 200mg ✓ | 27mg ✓ | ~$22 | 1 |
| MegaFood Baby&Me 2 | Methylfolate | ✗ | 18mg ✓ | ~$43 | 2 |
| Thorne Basic | Methylfolate | ✗ | ✗ | ~$42 | 3 |
| SmartyPants | Methylfolate | 180mg ✓ | ✗ | ~$28 | 4 gummies |
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start taking a prenatal vitamin?
Ideally, start 1-3 months before trying to conceive. This gives your body time to build up folate levels before conception occurs. But starting anytime—even today—is better than not taking one.
Do I need a prenatal with DHA?
DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) supports baby's brain and eye development. If your prenatal doesn't include it, consider a separate DHA/omega-3 supplement, or eat fatty fish 2x per week.
What if my prenatal makes me nauseous?
Try taking it with food, at night before bed, or switch to a gentle formula like MegaFood Baby & Me 2. Gummies are another option. Iron is often the culprit—iron-free prenatals may help.
Do I need additional supplements besides a prenatal?
Most people benefit from additional vitamin D (if their prenatal is low), DHA (if not included), and possibly choline (usually under-dosed in prenatals). CoQ10 may help egg quality, especially for those 35+.
Are expensive prenatals worth it?
You don't need to spend a fortune—Nature Made is a solid budget choice. But premium brands often offer better-absorbed nutrient forms, cleaner ingredients, and third-party testing. It depends on your priorities and budget.
Our Final Recommendation
If you want our single best recommendation: Ritual Essential Prenatal offers the best combination of quality ingredients, transparent sourcing, and easy-to-take format. The subscription model keeps you stocked without thinking about it.
On a budget? Nature Made Prenatal + DHA delivers all the essentials at a fraction of the price, with USP verification for quality assurance.
The most important thing? Taking something. The best prenatal is the one you'll actually take consistently. Choose what works for your body, budget, and preferences.