Best Prenatal Vitamins for TTC 2026
Start your prenatal vitamin before conception—here's how to choose the right one.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Ritual Essential Prenatal — Clean ingredients, delayed-release design
- Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Needed Prenatal Multi — Gentle formulation
- Best Value: Nature Made Prenatal + DHA — Affordable quality
- Best Complete Formula: FullWell Prenatal — Created by fertility RD, most comprehensive
- Best Gummy: Vitafusion Prenatal Gummy — Pleasant taste, essential nutrients
Why Start Prenatal Before Pregnancy?
Taking a prenatal vitamin before you conceive isn't just recommended—it's crucial. Here's why:
Neural tube development happens early. The neural tube (which becomes the brain and spinal cord) forms in the first 28 days after conception—often before you even know you're pregnant. Adequate folate during this window reduces neural tube defects by up to 70%.
Building nutrient stores takes time. It takes 3+ months to build up adequate levels of nutrients like folate, iron, and B12. Starting early means you'll have optimal levels when conception occurs.
Egg quality matters. The eggs you ovulate today started developing 3-4 months ago. Nutrients you take now may support the quality of eggs you'll release in coming months.
⏰ When to Start
Ideally, start your prenatal at least 1-3 months before TTC. If you're already trying, start today—it's never too late to begin.
What to Look For in a Prenatal
Essential Nutrients
| Nutrient | Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Folate | 400-800mcg methylfolate or folinic acid (NOT just folic acid) | Prevents neural tube defects; methylated forms bypass MTHFR issues |
| Iron | 18-27mg (or separate if you're not anemic) | Supports blood volume increase; prevents anemia |
| Vitamin D | 1000-4000 IU (many prenatals underdose this) | Supports fertility, bone health, immune function |
| DHA (Omega-3) | 200-300mg minimum | Critical for baby's brain and eye development |
| Choline | 150-550mg (often missing from prenatals) | Brain development, as important as folate; most prenatals have too little |
| Iodine | 150mcg | Thyroid function; critical for baby's brain development |
| B12 | 2.6mcg+ (methylcobalamin preferred) | Nerve function, red blood cell formation |
Methylfolate vs. Folic Acid
This is important: Methylfolate (5-MTHF) is superior to regular folic acid for most people.
About 40% of the population has MTHFR gene variants that reduce their ability to convert folic acid to the active form. Methylfolate is already in the active form, so it works regardless of your genetics.
Look for: L-methylfolate, 5-MTHF, methyltetrahydrofolate, or folinic acid. Avoid prenatals that only list "folic acid" if possible.
Third-Party Testing
Supplements aren't FDA-regulated like drugs. Look for brands that do third-party testing for purity and potency—certifications like NSF, USP, or independent lab testing.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Product | Methylfolate | Choline | DHA | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ritual Essential | ✓ 1000mcg | ✓ 55mg | ✓ 350mg | $35/mo |
| FullWell Prenatal | ✓ 800mcg | ✓ 500mg | Separate | $59/mo |
| Needed Prenatal | ✓ 800mcg | ✓ 550mg | Separate | $50/mo |
| Thorne Basic Prenatal | ✓ 1000mcg | ✗ | Separate | ~$42/mo |
| Nature Made Prenatal + DHA | ✗ Folic acid | ✗ | ✓ 200mg | ~$20-25 |
| Garden of Life mykind | ✓ 800mcg | ✗ | Separate | ~$40-50 |
| New Chapter Perfect Prenatal | ✓ 600mcg | ✗ | Separate | ~$45-55 |
| One A Day Prenatal Advanced | ✗ Folic acid | ✓ 110mg | ✓ 200mg | ~$25-30 |
Our Top Picks: Detailed Reviews
Ritual Essential Prenatal
✓ Pros
- Methylated folate (1000mcg)
- DHA from algae (vegan-friendly)
- Delayed-release capsule—gentle on stomach
- Clean ingredients, no synthetic fillers
- Third-party tested; traceable sourcing
- Lemony taste (not fishy)
- Subscription model with easy pause/cancel
✗ Cons
- Low choline (55mg vs. 450mg+ recommended)
- Subscription only
- Pricier than drugstore options
- Iron-free (pro or con depending on needs)
Ritual has earned its cult following. The delayed-release design dissolves the capsule later in your digestive tract, significantly reducing nausea—a common prenatal complaint. The DHA is from algae (not fish), making it vegan and less likely to cause fish burps.
The formula includes 12 key nutrients in bioavailable forms. The downside is low choline, so consider supplementing separately if you don't eat many eggs.
Ritual is subscription-only but offers 30% off your first month and easy cancellation.
Best for: Anyone who wants a high-quality, easy-to-take prenatal with transparent sourcing.
FullWell Prenatal
✓ Pros
- Created by fertility dietitian (expert formulation)
- Exceptional choline (500mg)
- Methylated B vitamins throughout
- Includes CoQ10 (supports egg quality)
- Third-party tested
- No artificial colors, flavors, or fillers
✗ Cons
- Most expensive option
- 8 capsules per day
- DHA sold separately
FullWell was created by Ayla Barmmer, a prenatal dietitian, and it shows. This is the most comprehensive prenatal we've seen, with standout choline levels (500mg vs. the typical 0-100mg in most prenatals).
It includes fertility-supporting nutrients like CoQ10, inositol precursors, and optimal B vitamins. The trade-off is taking 8 capsules daily (split into 2 doses) and a higher price point.
FullWell is especially recommended for those preparing for IVF or with known fertility challenges.
Best for: Those who want the most complete formula, fertility patients, anyone prioritizing choline.
Nature Made Prenatal + DHA
✓ Pros
- Affordable ($20-25 for 90+ day supply)
- USP verified (third-party tested)
- Includes DHA (200mg)
- Widely available (drugstores, Amazon)
- Trusted brand
✗ Cons
- Uses folic acid, not methylfolate
- No choline
- Large pills (some difficulty swallowing)
- Can cause nausea for some
Nature Made is the best budget option that still delivers quality. It's USP verified, meaning an independent lab has confirmed purity and potency. The inclusion of DHA in the same softgel is convenient.
The main drawback is using folic acid rather than methylfolate. If you don't have MTHFR variants, folic acid works fine. If you're unsure, consider a methylfolate-based prenatal.
Best for: Budget-conscious users who want a reliable, tested prenatal.
Thorne Basic Prenatal
✓ Pros
- Medical-grade quality (used by practitioners)
- Active methylfolate (1000mcg)
- Methylated B12
- Third-party tested; NSF certified
- Available iron-free
✗ Cons
- No DHA (take separately)
- No choline
- 3 capsules per day
Thorne is the brand many fertility specialists recommend. Known for pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing and rigorous testing, their prenatal uses optimal forms of nutrients. The methylfolate and methylB12 are especially important for those with MTHFR.
You'll need to take DHA separately (fish oil or algae supplement). Some prefer this flexibility.
Best for: Those who want the cleanest medical-grade option, MTHFR carriers.
Needed Prenatal Multi
Needed (formerly WeNatal) was designed specifically to be gentle on the stomach. It uses food-based forms of nutrients and includes digestive support. The choline levels are excellent (550mg) and all B vitamins are methylated.
DHA is sold separately as part of their complete protocol. More expensive but very well-tolerated.
Best for: Those who've struggled with prenatal nausea, anyone wanting maximum choline.
Vitafusion Prenatal Gummy
If you can't swallow pills, gummy prenatals are a valid option. Vitafusion tastes good and provides essential nutrients including folate (as folic acid) and DHA.
The trade-off: gummies can't pack in as much, so levels of some nutrients are lower. They also contain sugar. But taking a gummy prenatal is infinitely better than taking none at all.
Best for: Anyone who can't tolerate pills, people with severe nausea.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start taking a prenatal?
At least 1-3 months before TTC. The neural tube forms in the first 28 days—often before you know you're pregnant—so having optimal folate levels before conception is critical.
My prenatal makes me nauseous. What should I do?
Try taking it with food or before bed. Switch to a delayed-release option like Ritual. If iron is the culprit, try an iron-free prenatal (many people don't need extra iron, especially early on). Gummies are also an option.
Do I need extra DHA if my prenatal doesn't include it?
Yes. DHA is crucial for baby's brain and eye development. If your prenatal doesn't include at least 200mg DHA, take a separate fish oil or algae-based omega-3 supplement.
Should I take additional choline?
Probably. Most prenatals contain little to no choline, yet the recommended amount is 450mg during pregnancy. If you don't eat 2-3 eggs daily, consider a choline supplement (or choose a prenatal like FullWell or Needed with high choline).
What about MTHFR—do I need to get tested?
You don't need to test before choosing a prenatal. Simply choose one with methylfolate, which works regardless of your MTHFR status. It bypasses the conversion issue entirely.
Can I take my prenatal with other supplements?
Generally yes. CoQ10, vitamin D, and omega-3s are commonly taken alongside prenatals. Check for duplications in ingredients. Consult your doctor if taking prescription medications or fertility treatments.
The Bottom Line
For most TTC'ers, Ritual Essential Prenatal offers the best combination of quality, bioavailability, and ease of use. If budget is tight, Nature Made Prenatal + DHA is a solid, tested choice.
For the most comprehensive formula (especially if you're preparing for fertility treatment), FullWell or Needed are worth the investment. And if pills are a struggle, Vitafusion gummies beat taking nothing.
The most important thing is consistency—pick a prenatal you'll actually take every day, and start before you conceive. Your future baby will thank you. 💚