Just so you know, we may receive a commission from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.
Pregnancy vitamins in the UK are a must-have for mums-to-be, helping to support both your health and your growing baby’s development. Packed with essential nutrients like folic acid, vitamin D, and iron, these supplements ensure you’re getting everything needed for a healthy pregnancy. They’re an easy way to fill any nutritional gaps and give you peace of mind as you prepare for your little one’s arrival. Whether you’re early in your pregnancy or further along, pregnancy vitamins are a small step that makes a big difference!
In this article:
Prenatal vitamins are a vital part of your pregnancy diet as they help to reduce the risk of problems with your baby's development. Plus, they can regulate your vitamin and mineral intake, helping you to have a healthy pregnancy.
Best pregnancy vitamins at a glance:
Which supplements are suitable for pregnant women?
A UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey reported that the following nutrients are lower than recommended in the diets of some UK women of childbearing age:
Vitamins A and D, Riboflavin, Folate, Iron, Iodine, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc, Selenium, and Fibre.
The survey also revealed that approximately 10 per cent of women are anaemic and, depending on the time of year, 10 to 40 per cent are deficient in vitamin D.
Lucy Upton, a Specialist Paediatric Dietitian and Nutritionist, says: "While there are many steps that pregnant women can take to increase their consumption and exposure to these key vitamins, minerals, and nutrients – such as adjusting their diet or increasing time spent safely in the sun outdoors – many pregnant women might still fall short of the required nutrients.
"While supplementation with some key nutrients – including folic acid and vitamin D – is recommended in the UK for all pregnant women, others may find it beneficial to take an additional supplement to help ensure they are getting enough of other vital nutrients."
Healthy Start Vitamins
Healthy Start is a government initiative, which gives eligible mums (with children under four) and pregnant women free vouchers every week to spend on milk, plain fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, as well as infant formula milk. You can also get free vitamins.
Nutrients provided in Healthy Start Vitamins:
• 400µg folic acid
• 10µg vitamin D
• 70mg vitamin C
Healthy Start vitamins are suitable for all pregnant women and free to those eligible through the Healthy Start scheme.
The benefits of taking vitamins in pregnancy
Taking the daily recommended 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid before and during pregnancy can help prevent birth defects in the baby's brain and spinal cord.
Vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are needed to help keep bones, teeth, and muscles healthy.
Vitamin C is essential for tissue repair, wound healing, bone growth and repair, and healthy skin. Vitamin C also helps your body fight infections and acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
Folic Acid
Taking supplemented folic acid is suitable for all pregnant people. Folic acid helps the body make healthy red blood cells and is found in certain foods like sunflower seeds and sprouts. Folic acid is also suitable for men to take when trying to conceive.
Benefits:
• Taking the daily recommended 400micrograms (mcg) of folic acid before and during pregnancy can help prevent neural tube defects.
• This vitamin is widely available in retail pharmacies, supermarkets, and online.
Vitamin D
Depending on the brand, you will be taking 10-25µg of vitamin D in pregnancy.
The benefits:
• Vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are needed to help keep bones, teeth, and muscles healthy.
• This vitamin is widely available in retail pharmacies, supermarkets, and online.
Multi-vitamins and minerals
Nutrients provided:
• 10µg vitamin D
• B vitamins, including 400µg of folic acid and vitamin B12
• Vitamins C, E and K Betacarotene (carotenoid forms of vitamin A)
• Iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, magnesium and copper
• Omega-3 fatty acids
Benefits:
• Iodine is critical for a woman’s healthy thyroid function during pregnancy.
• Iron helps blood in both the mother and baby, as its function is to carry oxygen.
• Multivitamins are widely available in retail pharmacies, supermarkets, and online.
Multi-vitamins and minerals (including calcium)
Nutrients provided:
• 10µg vitamin D
• B vitamins, including 400µg folic acid and Vitamin B12
• Vitamins C, E & K Betacarotene (carotenoid forms of vitamin A)
• Calcium
• Iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, magnesium and copper
• Omega-3 fatty acids
The benefits:
• Calcium is important for pregnant women. It can help prevent women from losing their own bone density as the baby uses calcium from the mother for its own bone growth.
• Iodine is critical for a woman’s healthy thyroid function during pregnancy.
• Iron helps blood in both the mother and baby, as it carries oxygen.
• Multivitamins are widely available in retail pharmacies, supermarkets, and online.
Lucy Upton recommends only buying supplements from a reliable company with robust quality control i.e. brands on sale in pharmacies. Choosing a ‘pregnancy’ labelled vitamin and mineral supplement is essential. Vitamins made for the general adult population are likely to contain vitamin A, which in large amounts can harm your unborn baby.
We also spoke to Wild Nutrition’s Head of Nutrition, Lorna Driver-Davies, who said: "Folic Acid (Vitamin B9 or Folate) is officially recommended to be supplemented for the first 12-14 weeks of pregnancy (the first trimester), at the dose of 400ug. However, some women might be asked to take more (if it is professionally recommended). This is to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Doctors and midwives typically advise that they do not need to take it past 12-14 weeks (normally once you have a healthy, unproblematic scan), since there can be issues related to the continuation of Folic Acid supplementation past 14 weeks.
"However, there is no safety issue associated with natural Folate (Vitamin B9 found in food or in Wild Nutrition’s supplements). Folic acid is not a natural source; it's synthetic and very different from natural Folic acid in terms of how a woman’s body and the foetus metabolise the nutrient."
"Folate as a nutrient is important for all the trimesters of pregnancy for healthy development, energy, healthy blood, mood and more and isn’t just for pregnancy - for all life stages.
"Some women have a genetic issue that means they are unable to easily convert Folic Acid in the body to Folate (this is what would normally need to happen when anyone supplements Folic Acid). Those women would be better off supplementing with a pregnancy multi-nutrient that can be used through all trimesters containing Folate (not Folic Acid). If in doubt of genetics, the easiest step is to choose a formula that only contains natural and methylated Folate."
To help you out, we've put together a no-nonsense guide to the best pregnancy vitamins in the UK.
Pregnancy vitamins to buy
Best pregnancy vitamins overall
AmazonPregnacare Vitabiotics During Pregnancy Max is the ultimate choice for mums-to-be who want maximum nutritional support. Alongside all the essentials found in the Pregnacare Vitabiotics During Pregnancy Original, it goes further with added calcium, magnesium, and a high-strength omega-3 (DHA) capsule to support your baby’s brain, eyes, and bones. With advanced L-Methylfolate for better absorption, it’s perfect for mums looking for extra reassurance and comprehensive care throughout pregnancy.
Best for its essential nutrients
Amazon Pregnacare Vitabiotics During Pregnancy Original is a game-changer for mums-to-be! Specially designed to support you and your baby throughout pregnancy, it’s packed with essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, and vitamin D to help your little one grow strong while keeping you feeling your best. It’s like a daily hug in a vitamin, giving you peace of mind every step of the way.
Best for baby’s development at every stage
Bootswww.boots.com
Containing 28 tablets in one pack with a handy blister pack with ‘days of the week’ guide, this multi-vitamin from Seven Seas contains 21 vitamins and minerals, including Folic Acid, Iron, Vitamins C & D, Zinc and Calcium, plus ginger extract, which can help with morning sickness. It supports your baby’s development at every stage while keeping you energised and healthy. Easy to take and carefully formulated, it’s like having a little nutritional cheerleader for you and your growing bump. Healthy mum, happy baby.
Best for affordability
Boots www.boots.com
If you want something simple, these tablets from Boots combine Folate and Vitamin D in one supplement, containing the recommended levels for all pregnant women. They are especially ideal if you struggle with large tablets, as they are super small and easy to swallow. Affordable, easy to take, and perfect for mums-to-be, they’re a daily dose of care for you and your bump.
Best pregnancy vitamin bundle
LOOKFANTASTICwww.lookfantastic.com
The Mama Mio Trimester 1 Bundle is designed to support you through the start of your pregnancy, from conception up to 12 weeks. This carefully curated collection pampers your body inside and out, helping your skin adapt to early changes while giving your wellbeing a gentle boost. Featuring chewable pregnancy vitamins, a nourishing shower milk, and a hydrating body lotion, the bundle provides essential nutrients and skin-loving ingredients to help you feel cared for and confident as you begin this exciting journey.
Each product is enriched with Mama Mio’s Omega Rich Skin Stretch Complex, combining Argan, Inchi, and Avocado oils to condition, hydrate, and keep your skin soft, supple, and comfortable. The gummies deliver eight essential vitamins and minerals, including folic acid and vitamins C and D3, supporting maternal health and immune function. Vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologically tested, the Trimester 1 Bundle is your all-in-one solution for pampering your body, nourishing your skin, and enjoying the very first stage of pregnancy with confidence and comfort.
6.
WILD NUTRITION Food-Grown Pregnancy + New Mother Omega 3
Best pregnancy vitamin for easy absorption
Wild Nutrition Designed to provide essential omega-3 fatty acids, this supplement helps support your baby’s brain, eye, and nervous system development during pregnancy, while nourishing you as a new mother.
Made using the brand’s unique Food-Grown nutrients, these gentle capsules combine EPA and DHA with naturally sourced vitamins for maximum absorption and bioavailability. Vegan-friendly and carefully formulated, this supplement helps maintain your wellbeing, supporting both mother and baby during this important journey.
7.
Together Health Pregnancy
Best vegan pregnancy vitamins
AmazonSupport your journey from conception through pregnancy and breastfeeding with the Together Health Pregnancy Multi Vitamin and Mineral. Expertly formulated to provide key nutrients your body needs during these crucial stages, this daily supplement helps fill nutritional gaps while supporting your health and your baby’s development. 400 mcg of folic acid contributes to normal maternal folate levels, which are essential for early fetal growth and development.
Made in the UK and completely vegan-friendly, these capsules contain a blend of essential vitamins and minerals designed to support your immune system, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. Easy to take and thoughtfully formulated, this multi helps ensure that both you and your baby receive the nutrients you need for a healthy, confident start to this exciting journey.
Meet the experts
Lucy Upton, an HCPC registered Specialist Paediatric Dietitian and Nutritionist at the Infant Toddler Forum, an independent, non-profit-making organisation, led by experts in pregnancy and early years nutrition and health.
Lorna Driver-Davies, Wild Nutrition’s Head of Nutrition, is a Clinical Nutritional Therapist with 13 years of experience working with thousands of women. As a women’s hormone and gynaecological nutrition expert, Lorna has successfully supported women through their fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum journeys, and she is passionate about those key life stages in a women's life. Lorna regularly lectures doctors and nutrition practitioners as well as contributing to the media.
A journalist since 2015, Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for seven years. Emily writes about everything from the top baby products to pregnancy, fertility and maternal mental health. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.