Your Prenatal Vitamin Checklist

When I was looking for my daily prenatal vitamins + supplements, I started with a master list of “ingredients” that I wanted to ensure I was meeting for me + baby.

Here’s a master list of the most common vitamins and minerals in prenatal vitamins and an overview of what they do in the body.

Use this list as a benchmark for choosing your prenatal:

Vitamin A: Supports eye and brain development, respiratory development
Thiamin (Vitamin B1): Supports the nervous system, supports baby’s brain development
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Supports healthy eyes and skin
Niacin (Vitamin B3): Supports the digestive, integumentary, and nervous systems
Pantothenic (Vitamin B5): Helps to create hormones and may ease leg cramps
Vitamin B6: Helps form red blood cells and may help with morning sickness
Biotin (Vitamin B7): Works with other B vitamins to help release energy from food
Folate/ Folic Acid (Vitamin B9): Prevents neural tube defects and Spina Bifida in baby. Be aware that if you have the MTHFR genetic mutation, you’re going to want to discuss what specific version of this you need with your practitioner.
Vitamin B12: Promotes blood formation and helps prevent birth defects that affect the spine and central nervous system
Vitamin C: Helps your body absorb iron and protects against the effects of stress
Vitamin D: Helps strengthen bones and teeth, plus helps your body utilize calcium and phosphorus
Vitamin E: Promotes overall wellness and metabolism, plus may help reduce miscarriages
Vitamin K: Supports healthy bone formation, blood clotting, and healing
Calcium: Supports bone development
Copper: Plays a role in iron metabolism and supports blood health
Iron: Helps the blood carry oxygen
Iodine: Supports healthy thyroid function, metabolism, fetal growth, and hearing
Magnesium: Supports healthy blood pressure and healthy birth weight
Zinc: Supports immune, nerve, and muscle function