Prenatal vitamins are an important part of supporting a healthy pregnancy. With all of the choices on the market, it can be confusing as to which prenatal vitamin will best support your specific needs. Additionally, if you’ve experienced a miscarriage, you may be wondering if there is a link between taking (or not taking) prenatal vitamins and miscarriage risk.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the key considerations for choosing a prenatal vitamin, including the best options for those who have experienced a miscarriage.  Furthermore, we’ll examine the research surrounding the potential risks of not taking prenatal vitamins and the importance of talking with your healthcare provider about how to best support a healthy pregnancy.

How Prenatal Vitamins Can Help Support a Healthy Pregnancy

Pregnancy places extra demands on your body, therefore it’s important to support a baby’s growth and development with higher levels of nutrients. Prenatal vitamins are supplements specifically designed for pregnant women to help meet their unique nutritional needs.

 Prenatal vitamins typically contain higher levels of specific nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium all of which are important for fetal development and to support a mother’s health during pregnancy.

When selecting a prenatal vitamin, there are specific nutrients known to help support your health along with your baby’s growth and development. A well-balanced prenatal vitamin should include the following nutrients:

• Vitamin D to help support healthy bone development (1)
• Calcium supports the musculoskeletal system, circulatory system, and nervous system (1)
• The B vitamins including folate, B12, and B6 for healthy brain and nervous system development (2)
• Vitamin C for enhanced immunity, collagen production, and iron absorption (2)
• Vitamin A for fetal eye and skeletal development (2)
• Iron for the development of hemoglobin, the protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body (2)
• DHA and EPA are essential fatty acids needed for healthy fetal eye and brain development (2)*
• Choline is a micronutrient that helps support brain and spinal cord development (2)
• Magnesium supports normal nerve and muscle functioning and helps build strong bones and teeth (2)
• Zinc supports rapid cell growth, healthy brain development, and immune system functioning (1)

If you have experienced a miscarriage, it’s especially important to talk to your healthcare provider about your specific nutritional needs including which prenatal vitamin may be the best fit for you. 

Read ingredient labels closely as many prenatal supplements do not contain all of these nutrients.

DHA & EPA sspecifically are not shelf stable when combined with other ingredients so is often best accessed via food or as a separate supplement.  For example, we like the I Am Nutured brand of prenatal (found here), but it does not contain DHA &  EPA so that would need to be an additional supplement. 

Can Taking Prenatal Vitamins Prevent Miscarriage?

With all of the benefits prenatal vitamins provide, you may be wondering if not taking prenatals can cause miscarriage?

There are some studies suggesting that taking prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy may reduce the risk of miscarriage. However, it’s important to note that the research surrounding the link between prenatal vitamins and miscarriage is not entirely conclusive.

One 2016 review explored the effectiveness and safety of vitamin and mineral supplementation on the risk of miscarriage. Researchers found that supplementation with different combinations of vitamins and minerals did not affect the risk of miscarriage. (3)

However, they did find that supplementation with a multivitamin that contained folate and iron did decrease the risk of pregnancy loss at 20 weeks compared to supplementation with folate and iron alone. (3) 

Furthermore, other studies have shown that taking folate supplements before pregnancy may not only prevent neural tube defects but may also help reduce the risk of miscarriage. (4)

While the research sounds promising, you may also be asking yourself if taking a prenatal vitamin can cause miscarriage.

While the research appears to show that taking prenatal vitamins may help reduce the risk of miscarriage, one 2014 study did find conflicting results.

The study published in The International Journal of Epidemiology found an increased risk of miscarriage in women who took multivitamins. However, the authors noted that the study does not provide evidence against the use of folate supplements to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Additionally, the study provides insufficient data to change recommendations regarding multivitamins containing folate. (5) 

The best prenatal vitamins to prevent miscarriage are ones that you and your healthcare provider deem appropriate. It’s best to look for a prenatal vitamin that provides adequate folic acid. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, all pregnant women should take at least 600 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily. (6) It’s also important that you find a prenatal vitamin that you can tolerate with minimal GI distress. 

The Best Prenatal Vitamins After Miscarriage 

Now, let’s address the question of the best prenatal vitamins after a miscarriage. It’s important to take care of your mental and physical health after a miscarriage. Maintaining a well-rounded diet and providing your body with important nutrients can help in the healing process.

If you are physically and mentally prepared to experience pregnancy again, then taking a prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid before getting pregnant is important. Not only does this help reduce the risk of neural tube defects, but it may also help reduce the risk of miscarriage.

The Takeaway

Choosing the best prenatal vitamin for you will depend on your unique nutritional needs, any medical conditions you may have, and potential risks or side effects. Most prenatal vitamins provide a wide variety of nutrients designed to support your health and the health and growth of your baby. 

You’ll want to look for a prenatal vitamin that offers nutrients that are in high demand during pregnancy. These nutrients may include vitamins D, C, A, B6, B12, and folate, along with calcium, iron, DHA and EPA, choline, magnesium, and zinc.

If you have experienced a miscarriage, it’s important to note that some studies suggest that taking a prenatal vitamin before and during pregnancy may reduce the risk of miscarriage, particularly when the vitamin contains folic acid.

So, what are the best prenatal vitamins to prevent miscarriage? It’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as different women have different nutritional needs and may have different risk factors for miscarriage. It’s important to discuss the best prenatal vitamins with your healthcare provider to address your specific needs and any potential risks or concerns.

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