Supplements during pregnancy
What ACOG, NIH, and WHO recommend taking — and what to avoid.
Pregnancy is the only life stage where targeted supplementation has clear, guideline-backed benefit. Folate (5-MTHF) cuts neural-tube defect risk by 70%+ when started before conception. Choline supports fetal brain and liver development. DHA from algal or fish oil supports visual and cognitive development. Vitamin D3 supports bone and immune programming. Iodine supports fetal thyroid. Iron is needed only if blood-test confirmed deficient. A prenatal multivitamin meeting ACOG specs covers the rest. Beyond these, the risk profile of most herbal supplements during pregnancy is poorly characterised — when in doubt, don't.
83
Zinc
80
L-Carnitine
79
Calcium carbonate/citrate (bone health)
78
Folate (5-MTHF)
78
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
77
Folic acid (synthetic)
76
Ferrous bisglycinate (gentle iron)
75
DHA (standalone, algal)
75
Algal DHA (vegan omega-3)
72
Carnitine tartrate
70
Lactoferrin
70
Choline bitartrate
68
Andrographis paniculata
67
Iodine
66
Choline
66
Omega-3 DHA-dominant
66
Fenugreek seed extract (Testofen / standardised)
64
Vitex / Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)
64
Cod liver oil
62
Vitamin B6 (P5P)
61
Rooibos extract (Aspalathus linearis)
59
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
58
Calamari oil (high-DHA)
56
Boron glycinate
54
Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
Educational reference, not medical advice. Discuss any supplement change with a qualified clinician before acting on this list.