Mommy Connection Hub Logo
Pregnancy

Best Prenatal Gummies for Those Who Can’t Take Pills

Admin•
Best Prenatal Gummies for Those Who Can’t Take Pills

These gummy prenatal vitamins can reduce the number of pills you need to swallow each day.

Prenatal checkups are essential for a healthy pregnancy, but if you find the idea of swallowing a giant pill that tastes like fish—let alone when you can’t even stomach water—unappealing, we understand. The first trimester can be tough.

Add in the strange cravings that often arise during the later stages of pregnancy, and it’s safe to say that maintaining a balanced diet isn’t always feasible. The best prenatal gummies are packed with the essential nutrients you and your baby need, easy to take, and taste much better than traditional pills.

We spoke to three nutritionists with expertise in prenatal care to discuss what to look for when selecting the best prenatal gummies and their favorite brands. Be sure to add these to your newborn checklist and don’t forget to purchase high-quality protein powder to support your diet during pregnancy.

What to Look for When Choosing the Best Prenatal Gummies

“Gummies can make taking supplements a more enjoyable experience, which can impact someone’s adherence,” says Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, CLEC, a Charleston-based prenatal nutritionist. “Supplements are only effective if someone consistently takes them!” she notes. For women with morning sickness, gummies can also be easier to tolerate.

Whenever choosing supplements (regardless of their purpose), Manaker strongly recommends looking for third-party tested products to ensure the brand follows good manufacturing practices.

Registered dietitian Cesar Sauza from ehproject.org also advises looking for gummies that include folic acid, iron, iodine, and DHA (Omega-3), as DHA supports fetal brain development.

“Some prenatal gummies lack iron and DHA, which is why it’s important to shop around for the best options,” he explains. Otherwise, you’ll need to supplement these nutrients separately.

He also suggests avoiding gummies with ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, sucralose, aspartame, or saccharin, and recommends those with lower added sugar content. Of course, taste is also crucial. Look for flavors you enjoy and check reviews to see if they really taste good.

Best Overall: SmartyPants Prenatal Formula

These gummies are so tasty that you’ll never forget to take them. SmartyPants Prenatal has over 15,000 reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.5 stars, and is highly recommended by real moms and experts.

Registered dietitian Alyssa Pacheco says, “They taste great, and just four gummies per day provide all the essential nutrients your body needs during pregnancy.”

In addition to high-quality ingredients like Vitamin D3, B12, choline, iodine, DHA from fish oil, and Vitamin K, these gummies support normal fetal development, bone health, immunity, and energy.

“SmartyPants also contains methylated folate, which may be easier for some women to absorb,” Pacheco adds.

These popular prenatal gummies are third-party tested, so you can trust what you’re taking. They are free of milk, peanuts, shellfish, gluten, soy, wheat, and other common allergens. They also contain no artificial sweeteners or flavors, making them an excellent choice for all stages of pregnancy.

Pros:

  • Great taste
  • Can be taken with food
  • Third-party lab tested
  • Non-GMO
  • Includes 18 essential nutrients, including methylfolate
  • Free of common allergens
  • No artificial colors, sweeteners, or flavors

Cons:

  • Does not contain iron
  • Expensive, but you’re paying for high-quality ingredients

Best for Vegans: Nest Wellness Mama Bird Prenatal Multi+

This brain-boosting vegan gummy is made from whole foods and formulated by a neurologist (and mom) to provide smart nutrition for both you and your growing baby. We love the simple, clean ingredient list, and it’s third-party lab certified, so you can trust the contents.

It contains active methylated forms of vitamins, which are naturally occurring in our bodies. The formula also includes zinc and selenium to support thyroid health and biotin for beautiful hair.

Many reviewers also mention that the natural strawberry flavor is delicious and not too sweet. Some moms report improved energy levels, which is essential considering how exhausting the first trimester can be.

“They are amazing,” writes one reviewer, who appreciates how gentle they are on the stomach. “The ingredient list has all the vitamins my midwife recommended (I take separate iron supplements), and it avoids artificial colors/flavors she advised against.”

Pros:

  • Third-party lab certified
  • Delicious taste
  • Contains methylated vitamins, supporting brain health
  • Vegan
  • Non-GMO
  • No artificial colors or flavors
  • Free of dairy, soy, nuts, and gluten

Cons:

  • Does not contain DHA or iron
  • Slightly pricey

Conclusion

Choosing the best prenatal gummies is about finding a balance of quality ingredients, taste, and your specific nutritional needs. Whether you go for the popular SmartyPants option, with its wide array of essential nutrients, or the vegan-friendly Nest Wellness Mama Bird formula, you’re ensuring that you and your baby get the nutrients you need in a form that’s easy to take.

Be sure to consider your individual requirements—whether you need extra iron, DHA, or simply prefer a vegan option—and consult with your healthcare provider to choose the best supplement for your pregnancy.