Prenatal Vitamins

Food is the best source of nutrients. A well-rounded diet should supply all of the nutrients you need during pregnancy, except for iron, folic acid and possibly calcium. To get these extra nutrients, a prenatal vitamin supplement is recommended for most women.

Take prenatal vitamin supplements only as directed. Large doses of anything — even a good thing — can be harmful. Don’t take more than the dietary reference intake for any vitamin or mineral, especially vitamins A and D, without getting your health care provider’s approval. Very high levels of vitamin A have been linked to severe birth defects.

Your prenatal multivitamin supplement should contain no more than 5,000 international units of vitamin A. If you are already taking a multivitamin supplement, let your health care provider know.