This post is in partnership with Perelel. I only endorse products I believe in and personally use.

When we decided to get pregnant, I knew I needed to add a prenatal vitamin to my daily routine. I of course turned to Amazon and Target, but with so many options out there, how do you know which prenatal is actually the best? 

After doing some initial market research, I quickly realized that not all prenatals are created equal, some of the better options you can’t find at typical retailers, and some are definitely better than others.  So I dug into the details and compared two popular options—Perelel and Needed—to help you figure out which prenatal vitamin is right for you. (Spoiler: Perelel takes the win! And I got you 20% off with NMM20)

What should you look for in a prenatal vitamin?

During pregnancy, your body needs extra vitamins and minerals to support both your health and your growing baby (1). Prenatal supplements help fill those gaps by providing the essential nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. When choosing a prenatal vitamin, these nutrients should be non-negotiables, so make sure they are included:

• Folate: Prevents neural tube defects (2)  in the early stages of pregnancy and supports growth.
• Iron: Supports brain development, improves red blood cell production to carry oxygen, and prevents anemia (3) in mothers.
• DHA and EPA: These omega-3 fatty acids support your baby's brain development and may increase a baby’s birth weight and lengthen the time they stay in the womb (4).
• Choline: Supports your baby's entire nervous system.
• Vitamin D: Plays a role in bone development and the immune system. 
• Calcium: Builds strong bones and teeth.

Criteria #1: Formula

Perelel

This is the only prenatal vitamin founded by an OB/GYN, so I trust that it's formulated with the best interests of both mama and baby. What sets Perelel apart is their tailored approach, offering different prenatal vitamin routines for each stage of pregnancy. Perelel recognizes that each trimester is unique and the body and baby goes through drastic changes trimester by trimester. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrient formulation in each pack:

Perelel Capsules Vitamin Formula

Needed Multi Capsules

This prenatal vitamin is designed for use before, during, and after pregnancy. It provides highly absorbable vitamins and minerals, along with antioxidants like zeaxanthin and lutein. However, Needed does not include iron or omega-3s, which must be purchased separately.

Needed Multi Capsules Vitamin Formula

Formula Winner: Perelel

Criteria #2: Ingredient Quality

Perelel

• Absorption: Contains activated and easy-to-absorb nutrient forms, plus they're formulated with delayed release capsule technology to minimize nausea.
• Ingredient claims: Non-GMO, free of dairy, nuts, soy, and sugar, and no colorants or synthetic fillers.
• Third-party testing: Yes. Made in FDA registered and inspected facilities. Each batch of vitamins receives a Certificate of Analysis to ensure product quality. They also conduct Raw Materials Testing and Production Testing.
• Research-baked: Every ingredient is formulated by doctors, research-backed, and formulated in clinically-tested doses

Needed Multi Capsules

• Absorption: Contains activated and easy-to-absorb nutrient forms.
• Ingredient claims: Vegetarian, non-GMO,  free of eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nut allergens, wheat, and gluten.
• Third-party testing: Yes. Clean Label Project Purity Award.
• Research-baked: Every nutrient and form vetted by perinatal experts.

Ingredient quality winner: Tied!

Criteria #3: Capsule Size and Ease of Consumption

Perelel

There are 2 core prenatal capsules, plus 3 smaller capsules, making 5 in total. Given these are packaged in individual daily sachets, and the core prenatal capsule isn’t large, I found taking these pretty seamless despite the quantity. 

Needed Multi Capsules

The daily dose is 8 capsules, which can be taken all at once or split between meals. Eight capsules is a lot, and I wouldn't want to remember to take them multiple times a day if the dose were divided. Plus, you still need to take an additional iron and omega-3 supplement.

Capsule Size and Ease Winner: Perelel

Criteria #4: Cost & Value

Perelel

• One time purchase: $58.24 or $1.94 per dose
• Subscribe and save 15%: $49.50/month or $1.65 per dose

Needed Multi Capsules

• One time purchase: $59.99, or $2 per dose
• 1 month delivery: $53.99, or $1.80 per dose 
• Keep in mind that this prenatal doesn't include iron or omega-3s, so those would need to be purchased separately.

Cost and value: Perelel

My pick for Prenatal vitamins is Perelel!

When it comes to choosing a prenatal supplement, I prioritize nutrient content, convenience, and tolerability. With Perelel's all-in-one prenatal support, with nausea minimization, I don't have to worry about adding anything else to my routine.

✅Superior trimester-based formulation 

✅Comprehensive nutrition

✅Doctor-formulated and research backed

✅Easy on digestion and anti-nausea formulated 

✅Third-party testing 

✅Superior cost and value

Get 20% off your subscription purchase of Perelel Prenatal Vitamins: NMM20

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