General information only. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Why Nutritional Needs Change During Pregnancy
Nutritional requirements change during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Australian guidance routinely recommends folic acid and iodine, while the need for supplements such as iron and vitamin D depends on individual circumstances and professional advice.
Prenatal vitamin formulations differ between products and brands. Some are designed for use across the entire pregnancy, while others are formulated specifically for individual trimesters as a manufacturer choice. Always discuss supplementation with your healthcare professional before starting any supplement during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Key Nutrients Commonly Found in Prenatal Supplements
The following nutrients are commonly included in prenatal multivitamin formulations. The amounts, forms, and combinations vary between products — always check the individual product label.
Folate (folic acid) — Australian guidance recommends that women take a folic acid supplement before conception and during early pregnancy to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Many prenatal products contain folic acid; some also contain other forms of folate such as folinic acid or 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), which may be listed on the label as an ingredient. Discuss the appropriate form and dose with your healthcare professional. [1, 2, 4]
Iron — Iron is an important nutrient during pregnancy. Whether iron supplementation is appropriate, and at what dose, depends on your individual dietary intake, the results of blood tests, and the advice of your healthcare professional. Do not begin iron supplementation during pregnancy without professional guidance.
Iodine — Australian guidance recommends that women planning a pregnancy, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women take a daily supplement containing 150 micrograms of iodine. [1, 2] People with thyroid conditions should seek medical advice before taking an iodine-containing supplement, as iodine supplementation may not be appropriate in all cases.
Vitamin D — Vitamin D supports calcium absorption and bone development. Whether vitamin D supplementation is needed during pregnancy depends on individual circumstances, including sun exposure and dietary intake. Discuss this with your healthcare professional.
B vitamins — B vitamins including B6, B12, and folate are commonly included in prenatal supplements. Products contain different forms and amounts of B vitamins. The suitability of a particular product for your needs should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
This is not a complete list of nutrients that may be relevant during pregnancy. A healthcare professional or accredited practising dietitian can assess your individual needs and advise on appropriate supplementation.
Trimester-Specific Formulations
Some supplement brands offer products designed for specific stages of pregnancy rather than a single supplement for the entire pregnancy. This is a manufacturer formulation choice, not a universal Australian clinical recommendation. The composition of these products varies between brands, and whether a trimester-specific formulation is appropriate for you is a decision best made in consultation with your healthcare professional, based on your individual health status and dietary intake.
Prenatal Supplement Options at AS Beauty & Health
Here are several prenatal supplement products available at AS Beauty & Health. Descriptions below are based on information appearing on each product's label or manufacturer product page. Always read the individual product label and consult your healthcare professional before starting any supplement during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
NaturoBest Prenatal Trimester One with Ginger 60 Capsules
A prenatal multivitamin formulated for the first trimester. According to the manufacturer, it contains 75 mg of vitamin B6 and 1,300 mg of ginger per daily dose, with B vitamins provided in their metabolically active forms. Vitamin B6 caution: Check your total vitamin B6 intake if taking other supplements. Stop taking this product if you experience tingling, burning or numbness, and seek advice from your healthcare practitioner. [3] Serving: 1 capsule twice daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
NaturoBest Prenatal Trimester 2 & 3 Plus Breastfeeding 60 Capsules
A prenatal multivitamin formulated for the second and third trimesters and breastfeeding. According to the manufacturer, it contains folate supplied as Quatrefolic® 5-MTHF and folinic acid, 24 mg of elemental iron as Ferrochel® iron bisglycinate, 270 mcg of iodine per daily dose, CoQ10, and B vitamins in activated forms. Serving: 1 capsule twice daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
Elevit Pregnancy & Pre-Conception Multivitamin 100 Tablets
A prenatal multivitamin containing 19 micronutrients including folic acid, iron, and iodine. According to the manufacturer, it is formulated for use from pre-conception through to the end of pregnancy. Serving: 1 tablet daily, preferably with a meal, starting at least four weeks before conception or as directed by your healthcare professional.
You can browse all available prenatal and pregnancy supplement products in our store on the prenatal search results page.
Important Cautions
Do not combine multiple prenatal or vitamin supplements unless advised by a healthcare professional. Taking more than one prenatal product, or combining a prenatal product with additional single-nutrient supplements, may result in duplicate intake of nutrients such as vitamin B6, iron, iodine, or vitamin A. Excessive intake of some nutrients during pregnancy can be harmful.
High-dose preformed vitamin A in the form of retinol is associated with an increased risk of birth defects and should be avoided during pregnancy. Check the label of any supplement for the form and amount of vitamin A it contains, and discuss with your healthcare professional. [1]
Vitamin supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet.
References
- Pregnancy Birth and Baby. Vitamins and supplements during pregnancy. https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/pregnancy/nutrition-and-lifestyle/vitamins-and-supplements-during-pregnancy
- NSW Health. Folate and iodine in pregnancy. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/kidsfamilies/MCFhealth/pregnancy/Pages/vitamins-minerals.aspx
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Peripheral neuropathy with supplementary vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). https://www.tga.gov.au/news/safety-updates/peripheral-neuropathy-supplementary-vitamin-b6-pyridoxine
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Folic acid: intake and sources. https://www.cdc.gov/folic-acid/about/intake-and-sources.html
Important information: This article provides general information only and is not medical advice. Results vary between individuals. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Consult a healthcare professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition.