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How do I Choose the Best Organic Prenatal Vitamins?

Cassandra Murphy
Cassandra Murphy

Pregnancy is a time in a women's life that particular attention should be paid to the health and wellness of her body. To choose the best organic prenatal vitamins, it may be best to ensure the quality of the nutrients is high and that the vitamins contain all the recommended ingredients, such as folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids. Affordability may also be a factor in making a choice, and it's important to make sure all the ingredients listed are organic.

Prenatal vitamins are recommended by doctors to help make sure that the mother is obtaining all the key nutrients that are vital in supporting fetal development. Some of the major recommended nutrients to look for include folic acid, calcium and iron. These three are in the makeup of almost all prenatal multivitamins.

Prenatal vitamins promote health for both the mother and growing baby.
Prenatal vitamins promote health for both the mother and growing baby.

One of the higher quality ingredients often found in organic prenatal vitamins is probiotics, which is said to help reduce eczema and allergy rates, prevent spontaneous miscarriage and improve digestive health. Another nutrient to look for is CoQ10, which can help reduce the risk of preeclampsia. The omega-3 fatty acids in DHA, which aid in brain development, are often included in high-quality vitamins as well. Fetuses easily absorb omega-3 fatty acids, which can leave the mother's supply depleted, making it important that the organic prenatal vitamins contain this key nutrient.

Folic acid, calcium and iron are usually recommended as prenatal vitamin ingredients.
Folic acid, calcium and iron are usually recommended as prenatal vitamin ingredients.

Pregnancy can be an expensive time for expecting mothers — it's important to find organic prenatal vitamins that you can afford throughout the entire pregnancy. Due to a rising demand for organic prenatal vitamins, they are becoming increasingly easier to find as well as much more affordable. Generally they only require that one tablet per day be taken, meaning that a single bottle can last as long as three months. There are options for every price point, and finding something in your price range is generally not difficult.

Folic acid, iron and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA are commonly included in prenatal vitamins.
Folic acid, iron and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA are commonly included in prenatal vitamins.

The last thing to ensure before purchasing any multivitamin is that all included nutrients are totally organic and are free of any chemical or artificial additives. An important factor of organic prenatal vitamins is that they contain no flavoring, preservatives or food coloring as well. Choosing an organic multivitamin is one of the first decisions that you will make as a mother. Deciding on the right one can help ensure that mother and baby stay happy and healthy throughout the pregnancy.

Discussion Comments

ddljohn

@ysmina-- Organic doesn't just mean that the vitamins and minerals come from organic foods. It also means that the vitamins and minerals are all food based and not synthetic. A lot of vitamins and minerals these days are actually made in the lab. They're synthetic vitamins but some manufacturers don't even bother to label them. I always buy vitamins labeled organic and I make sure to read customer reviews first.

ysmina

@candyquilt-- Well, it is believed that organic vitamins are healthier because the nutrients are taken from organic foods that haven't been treated with pesticides. Organic vitamins also do not use foods that have been genetically modified. These are important factors for a lot of people. I personally do believe that organic prenatal vitamins are better and healthier than regular prenatal vitamins. But at the same time, I understand that everyone may not be able to afford the extra cost.

So unless you can find a good deal on organic prenatal vitamins, I agree that you can use regular prenatal vitamins. When you are pregnant though, if you can afford to, do switch to the organic variety. Check health food stores for sales on organic vitamins.

candyquilt

Is it necessary for prenatal vitamins to be organic?

I'm on a tight budget and organic vitamins cost more. I'm not pregnant but I'm trying to get pregnant and my doctor recommended taking prenatal vitamins just in case. She didn't recommend a specific type though.

I was surprised to find out that there are many different types of prenatal vitamins. Organic vitamins sound great but it costs more than I can afford at the moment. If I was pregnant, I'd probably spend extra for them. But since I might not be pregnant for quite a while, I down't want to spend all my extra money on vitamins right now.

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    • Prenatal vitamins promote health for both the mother and growing baby.
      By: pixelrobot
      Prenatal vitamins promote health for both the mother and growing baby.
    • Folic acid, calcium and iron are usually recommended as prenatal vitamin ingredients.
      By: hartphotography
      Folic acid, calcium and iron are usually recommended as prenatal vitamin ingredients.
    • Folic acid, iron and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA are commonly included in prenatal vitamins.
      By: Rohit Seth
      Folic acid, iron and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA are commonly included in prenatal vitamins.
    • Prenatal vitamins may cause constipation and indigestion in some women.
      By: Langstrup
      Prenatal vitamins may cause constipation and indigestion in some women.