{"id":20837,"date":"2026-01-30T22:39:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T22:39:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/progyny.com\/?p=20837"},"modified":"2026-02-25T16:25:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T16:25:08","slug":"the-best-vitamins-and-supplements-to-boost-your-fertility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/progyny.com\/education\/the-best-vitamins-and-supplements-to-boost-your-fertility\/","title":{"rendered":"What should I look for in a prenatal vitamin?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Updated by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by the Progyny Clinical Team – January 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re pregnant or trying to conceive, it\u2019s essential to follow a healthy eating plan rich in nutrients. During pregnancy, you have higher nutrient needs for your developing baby, the development of your placenta, and your own health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While a balanced eating plan<\/a> provides many of the vitamins and minerals you need, a prenatal vitamin is important to ensure you get enough. For example, you need more folic acid during preconception and pregnancy to help prevent serious birth defects, yet it\u2019s hard to get the recommended amount from food alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a lot of options available, so let\u2019s talk about choosing the prenatal vitamin that\u2019s right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Talk with your doctor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your healthcare provider may have recommendations for you based on your personal health situation, so be sure to ask about any specific needs you may have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There may also be brands that your provider recommends. A trusted brand is important because the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) doesn\u2019t regulate supplements in the same way they regulate medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What should my prenatal vitamin contain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here is a high-level overview of the nutrients you need during preconception and pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n
Nutrient, daily amount* <\/strong><\/th>What it does<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n
\n Folic acid<\/strong>
\n 600 micrograms (mcg)\n <\/td>\n 		\n
    \n
  • Helps prevent neural tube defects (birth defects affecting the brain or spinal cord)<\/li>\n
  • Lowers the risk of heart defects and preterm birth<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n\n
\n Iron<\/strong>
\n 27 milligrams (mg)\n <\/td>\n 		\n
    \n
  • Allows you and the baby to produce enough red blood cells to carry oxygen<\/li>\n
  • Supports development of the placenta<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n\n
\n Calcium<\/strong>
\n 1,000 mg\n <\/td>\n 		\n
    \n
  • Builds strong bones and teeth for your baby<\/li>\n
  • Protects your bone density<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n\n
\n Vitamin D<\/strong>
\n 600 international units (IU)\n <\/td>\n 		\n
    \n
  • Helps your baby build strong bones and teeth<\/li>\n
  • Supports skin health and eyesight for your baby<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n\n
\n Vitamin C<\/strong>
\n 85 mg\n <\/td>\n 		\n
    \n
  • Helps with healthy gums, teeth, and bones<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n\n
\n Iodine<\/strong>
\n 220 mcg\n <\/td>\n 		\n
    \n
  • Supports healthy brain development for your baby<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n\n
\n Vitamin B6<\/strong>
\n 1.9 mg\n <\/td>\n 		\n
    \n
  • Helps form red blood cells and supports development of the placenta<\/li>\n
  • Helps you use energy from food to grow your baby<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n\n
\n Vitamin B12<\/strong>
\n 2.6 mcg\n <\/td>\n 		\n
    \n
  • Helps form red blood cells and maintain the nervous system<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n\n
\n Vitamin A<\/strong>
\n 770 mcg\n <\/td>\n 		\n
    \n
  • Supports vision, healthy skin, and bone development<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n\n
\n Choline<\/strong>
\n 450 mg\n <\/td>\n 		\n
    \n
  • Promotes brain and spinal cord development<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n\n
\n Omega-3 fatty acids<\/strong>
\n 200 mg\n <\/td>\n 		\n