Key Vitamins and Nutrients During Pregnancy

Prenatal vitamins have extra iron and folic acid to help you and your baby stay healthy.

Make sure your prenatal vitamin has at least 150 mcg of iodine. If it doesn't, talk with your health care provider.

Take your prenatal vitamin with water. If it's hard to swallow, tell your health care provider.

Don't take any other vitamins unless your health care provider prescribes them.

Important Nutrients During Pregnancy

Your body needs extra nutrients during pregnancy to support your baby's growth and keep you healthy. Most prenatal vitamins contain the following nutrients.

Helps prevent low birth weight and early delivery
Found in:
Eggs
Beans
Meat (beef, turkey, chicken, pork)
WIC-approved cereals
Leafy greens (kale, chard, collards)
Enriched grains (pasta, rice, bread, tortillas)
Supports healthy development and growth for you and your baby
Found in:
Red meat (beef, pork, fish)
Eggs
Lentils and beans
Nuts and seeds
Helps your baby's bones grow and keeps your bones and teeth strong.
Found in:
Dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese)
Green vegetables (kale, collards, broccoli, asparagus)
Canned fish with bones
Helps prevent certain birth defects and makes red blood cells for you and your baby
Found in:
Green vegetables (spinach, kale, asparagus, broccoli)
Beans and lentils
Supports a healthy nervous system and helps prevent certain birth defects.
Found in:
Meat (beef, pork, salmon)
Dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese)