Prenatal Guide

Nutritional needs change before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn about prenatal vitamins, key nutrients, and healthy eating through each stage.¹,²

✅ Reviewed by Jamieson's Science Team

Quick Answers

When should prenatal nutrition start?

Healthy nutrition and folic acid are important before pregnancy begins.¹,²

Which nutrients are important during pregnancy?

Folate and iron needs increase significantly during pregnancy.¹

Why is folic acid important?

Folic acid helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects.²

What about after pregnancy?

Nutrition remains important while recovering and supporting breastfeeding.¹

Why are prenatal vitamins important?

Nutritional needs increase during pregnancy to support changes in the body and fetal growth and development. A variety of nutritious foods helps provide essential nutrients, but some increased needs can be difficult to meet through food alone.¹ 

Health Canada recommends a daily multivitamin with folic acid for those who could become pregnant and additional iron during pregnancy.¹,³

Why are prenatal vitamins important?

Nutritional needs increase during pregnancy to support changes in the body and fetal growth and development. A variety of nutritious foods helps provide essential nutrients, but some increased needs can be difficult to meet through food alone.¹ 

Health Canada recommends a daily multivitamin with folic acid for those who could become pregnant and additional iron during pregnancy.¹,³

Key Ingredients for Prenatal Health

Folic acid

Helps produce red blood cells and helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects when taken before and during early pregnancy.²

Iron

Helps form red blood cells. Iron needs increase significantly during pregnancy to support maternal and fetal needs.¹

Vitamin D

Helps the body absorb calcium and supports the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth.

Build a healthy foundation

  • Eat a variety: Choose vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods, and protein foods regularly.¹ 
  • Know your changing needs: Energy and nutrient needs change throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.¹ 
  • Think beyond pregnancy: Good nutrition remains important after baby arrives, especially when breastfeeding.¹ 

What to look for in prenatal support

Start with your life stage and needs, then choose a prenatal product that fits your routine.

  • Consider where you are: Needs differ before, during, and after pregnancy.¹ 
  • Check key nutrients: Look at folic acid, iron, and the other medicinal ingredients provided. 
  • Check the label: Review amounts, recommended use, directions, and cautions. 
  • Watch for overlap: Consider what you're getting from other vitamins or supplements. 
  • Find the right fit: Choose a caplet, chewable, or softgel format that works for your routine. 
  • Look for quality: Look for an eight-digit NPN, which identifies a natural health product licensed by Health Canada.⁴ 

For more than 100 years, Jamieson has combined scientific expertise with rigorous quality testing. Every product is backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine.  

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FAQs
When should you start taking prenatal vitamins?

Health Canada recommends folic acid supplementation for anyone who could become pregnant, ideally beginning before pregnancy. Folic acid is especially important during the earliest weeks of fetal development.²,³

Why is folic acid important before pregnancy?

Folic acid helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects, which develop very early in pregnancy, often before someone knows they're pregnant.²

Which nutrients are important during pregnancy?

Pregnancy increases the need for many nutrients. Folate and iron require particular attention because their needs increase significantly and can be difficult to meet through food alone.¹

Sources

1. Health Canada. Applying Canada’s Dietary Guidelines: Nutrition Considerations During Pregnancy and to Support Breastfeeding. Government of Canada.[Text Wrapping Break] Government of Canada: Nutrition During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding 

2. Public Health Agency of Canada. Folic Acid, Healthy Pregnancy and Neural Tube Defect Prevention. Government of Canada.[Text Wrapping Break] Government of Canada: Folic Acid and Healthy Pregnancy 

3. Health Canada. Applying Canada’s Dietary Guidelines: Advice on Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation. Government of Canada.[Text Wrapping Break] Government of Canada: Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation 

4. Health Canada. Licensed Natural Health Products Database. Government of Canada.[Text Wrapping Break] Government of Canada: Licensed Natural Health Products Database