A Guide to Prenatal Vitamins:
Nutrients for a Healthy Pregnancy

Ideally, you should start taking prenatal supplements three to six months before you hope to get pregnant. This can help you address any deficiencies and build up your nutrient stores to prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy. This is also a prime time to get your partner started on a multivitamin designed to support men’s health and fertility.

It may sound a bit counterintuitive to take prenatal vitamins when you’re not pregnant, but there’s a major benefit to getting a head start on prenatal supplementation. The first trimester is a critical time in your baby’s development. During these first few weeks, your baby starts to develop their brain, spinal cord, heart and other organs. But the average woman doesn’t find out she’s pregnant until the 5th or 6th week—which means much of this development may take place before you even realize you’re expecting.⁴

Starting a prenatal supplement before you conceive can help to ensure your baby is getting those vital nutrients from day one. And in the meantime, prenatal vitamins can do wonders for your skin, hair, nails, energy and mood.

When you’re ready to start trying, our Conception Support Pack helps to prepare your body for pregnancy with a full-spectrum prenatal vitamin, along with immune support, added omegas, additional folate, and a CoQ10 capsule to support egg health.*

Of course, nearly half of all pregnancies are unplanned,⁵ so if you find out you’re expecting before you’ve had a chance to start taking prenatal vitamins, don’t panic. Your OB/GYN will get you started on a prenatal supplement at your first prenatal appointment. Perelel prenatal supplements may also qualify for coverage through your FSA or HSA account.*

Folate is one of the most important nutrients for pregnant women, because it plays a vital role in helping to reduce the risk of neural tube defects during the early weeks of pregnancy.⁶ The recommended daily intake for an adult woman is 400 mcg, but that increases to 600 mcg during pregnancy.⁷

Many prenatal vitamins list folic acid on the label. So what’s the difference between folic acid and folate? Folic acid is a synthetic version of folate, which needs to be converted by the body into an active form of folate. However, not all women are able to effectively convert folic acid—so Perelel supplements provide methylated folate, which is more easily converted by the body for absorption.*

2. Iron

During pregnancy, your daily recommended intake of iron increases from 18 mg to 27 mg. Iron supports the growth and development of the fetus and placenta, in addition to helping your body increase red blood cell production.⁸

To ensure you’re getting an adequate amount of iron during pregnancy, Perelel prenatal supplements include a chelated format of iron to allow for optimal absorption, along with vitamin C to help optimize iron absorption.*

3. DHA + EPA

Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in your baby’s brain, eye and nervous system development as well as providing anti-inflammatory benefits and supporting a healthy birth weight.

Two omega-3 fatty acids in particular, DHA and EPA, work in tandem to benefit a healthy pregnancy. EPA plays a role in transporting essential fatty acids, including DHA, across the placenta and cell membranes—so be sure to look for a prenatal supplement that contains both.*

Prenatal vitamins are generally a safe way to support your overall health and reduce the risk of certain pregnancy complications and birth defects.¹⁴ However, there are a few potential side effects. 

For some women, the iron in prenatal vitamins may contribute to constipation. If you’re one of them, you may be able to alleviate constipation by eating high fiber foods, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting regular exercise. If that doesn’t help, your OB/GYN may recommend an over-the-counter medication for constipation or may suggest taking a smaller amount of iron.¹⁵ 

Because some women experience constipation or bloating, there’s a misconception that prenatal vitamins might make you gain weight. However, prenatal vitamins aren’t associated with weight gain. Prenatal supplements are often taken while your weight is increasing due to pregnancy, but they can also be taken when you’re focusing on improved nutrition and weight management. 

When it comes to prenatal vitamins, you can have too much of a good thing. If you exceed the tolerable upper intake level for certain vitamins—especially fat-soluble vitamins, which are stored in your liver and body fat—you may experience toxic side effects.¹⁶ Be sure to take your prenatal vitamins as directed and review the supplements you’re taking with your healthcare provider.

With so many options available on the market, it’s also important to read labels carefully and research the specific supplement you’re taking. The FDA recommends asking your doctor the following questions before starting a new supplement:¹⁷

To ensure quality, Perelel supplements are made in FDA Registered and Inspected Facilities; are subject to third-party testing to confirm purity and potency; and adhere to the FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations.* 

Choosing a prenatal supplement can feel daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. Developed by a panel of OB/GYNs and maternal-fetal medicine specialists, Perelel prenatal supplements are backed by research and clinical insights to provide optimal nutrition tailored to each unique stage of pregnancy.

Perelel’s 1st Trimester Prenatal Pack supports your baby’s early development while easing morning sickness. Each pack includes:

• 2 Core Prenatal capsules for optimal nutrition and immune support*

• Omega DHA + EPA to support your mood and your baby’s brain development*

• Methylfolate to support early pregnancy and fetal neural development*

• Anti-Nausea Blend with B6 + Ginger*

The 2nd Trimester Prenatal Pack is formulated to support your baby’s skeletal growth while relieving those uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms such as muscle cramps and sleep issues. (These prenatal stretches can help, too.) Each pack includes:

• 2 Core Prenatal capsules for optimal nutrition and immune support*

• Omega DHA + EPA to support your mood and your baby’s brain development*

• 2 Calcium + Magnesium capsules to support bone growth and healthy teeth development while helping to lessen muscle cramps and promote relaxation*

As you enter the home stretch of your pregnancy, Perelel’s 3rd Trimester Prenatal Pack helps to prepare your body for birth while supporting your baby’s rapid growth. Because hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect gut function and bacterial composition, probiotics are added to support a healthy gut microbiome for you and your baby. Each pack includes:

• 2 Core Prenatal capsules for optimal nutrition and immune support*

• Omega DHA + EPA to support your mood and your baby’s brain development*

• Calcium + Magnesium to support bone growth and healthy teeth development while helping to lessen muscle cramps and promote relaxation*

• Additional Probiotic to support gut and vaginal health*