Most experts agree that taking a prenatal vitamin is a must, but many of us might not understand why. If you only take one thing away from this guide, let it be this: nutritional experts recommend starting to take a prenatal multivitamin a few months before pregnancy. (Our rule of thumb: Take one when you're thinking, trying and when it's time.)*

Prenatal Multivitamins Aren’t Just For During Pregnancy

Reaching a new nutritional status requires consistent intake, which may include a healthy mix of a good diet and vitamin supplementation. It’s important to reach and maintain these optimal nutrient levels before you’re pregnant, since those initial first weeks are critical (and you might not even realize you're expecting yet). That's why starting your prenatal early can have a positive impact.

According to OBGYN and Ritual Scientific Advisory Board member Dr. Jason Rothbart, “most women don't find out they are pregnant until around 4-7 weeks pregnant, which is past the first 28 days. In the first 28 days, the organs are rapidly forming."*

Eating For Two Isn’t Enough

Usually when you hear about "eating for two," you think in terms of calories, not nutrients. However, it's worth noting that “some nutrients like Vitamin D3, Folate, Choline and Iron are more tricky to get enough solely from our diets," according to Dr. Blanche Ip, PhD in Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition.*

Supplementation can help support some of these nutrient needs—which is, again, why taking a prenatal multivitamin early is ideal. The right prenatal multivitamin helps fill the gaps in your diet with the nutrients necessary to support a healthy pregnancy.*

Nutrient forms matter

Exhibit A: Look for a prenatal with MTHF Folate instead of Folic Acid, which is a synthetic form of Folate commonly found in prenatal multivitamins. Why? Because up to one-third of women have a genetic variation that makes it difficult to efficiently utilize Folic Acid. MTHF Folate is a bioavailable option—even for those with that gene variation. That's why we use it in Essential Prenatal.

Another example? Omega-3 DHA, which supports brain, heart, and eye health. Omega-3 fatty acids are traditionally sourced from fish, which is a no-no if you prefer a plant-based lifestyle. That's why we source ours from microalgae—which means, yes, it's vegan. Bottom line? You deserve to know what's going into your body and why—especially when you're navigating (or preparing for) pregnancy.

Already gave birth? Check out our new Essential Postnatal, which was formulated for the new nutrient demands on a mother for 6 months postpartum, and throughout lactation. (And learn more about when to make the switch from prenatal to postnatal.)