What to Look For (and Avoid) in a Prenatal Vitamin—According to a Fertility-Focused Naturopath
- Dr. Alex Lucyshen
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
Whether you’re thinking about starting a family, actively trying to conceive or already expecting, one of the most common questions I hear as a fertility naturopath is “which prenatal vitamin should I take?”
It’s a smart question, and one that deserves more than a one-size-fits-all answer.
As a naturopathic doctor focused on fertility and pregnancy care, I believe your prenatal care should do more than check a box; it should actually support the unique demands of your body and your future baby.
Let’s walk through what matters MOST when choosing a high-quality prenatal vitamin.
Why prenatal vitamins matter (even before you're pregnant)
Your prenatal isn’t just about preventing birth defects; it’s a key part of preparing your body to conceive, grow and nourish a healthy pregnancy.
When should I begin prenatal care?
Ideally, you want to begin prenatal care 3-6 months before conception to build up nutrient reserves like folate, iron and B12.
If you’re already pregnant, it’s never too late to start, but the quality becomes even more important as your nutrient needs increase.
What to look for in a prenatal vitamin
Here are some important things I recommend looking for in a prenatal vitamin.
Methylated Folate
Folate is critical for early neural tube development, but not all forms are equal.
Look for: 5 MTHF or L-Methylfolate
Avoid: Folic acid if you have an MTHFR gene mutation, which affects how you convert folic acid into usable folate
Iron (gentle, absorbable forms)
Iron supports your growing blood volume and your baby’s development, but many women go into pregnancy already low on iron.
Look for: Iron bisglycinate or iron glycinate
Avoid: Ferrous sulphate (can cause constipation and nausea)
B12
B12 is essential for fertility, egg health and nervous system development.
Look for: Methylcobalamin
Avoid: Cyanocobalamin (a synthetic form that’s harder for the body to use)
Choline
One of the most underrated nutrients in prenatal care, choline supports your baby’s brain development and your liver health.
Research suggests aiming for 300-550 mg per day.
Bonus: Eggs are a fantastic source of choline
Iodine and Selenium
Both are crucial for thyroid health, which impacts fertility and pregnancy hormones.
Look for: Iodine (150 mcg) and selenium (50-100 mcg) ideally in balance
Vitamin D3
Low vitamin D can affect fertility, mood, immunity, and pregnancy outcomes.
Dosing recommendations should be based on your individual bloodwork results.
Magnesium (bonus if included, but you may need a separate supplement)
Magnesium supports sleep, mood, blood sugar and muscle relaxation. Not all prenatal vitamins include enough.
Look for: magnesium glycinate or citrate (not oxide)
What to avoid in a prenatal vitamin
High doses of vitamin A (retinol form)
Artificial colours, fillers or preservatives
Low potency formulas with inadequate B vitamins
One a day tablets that realistically can’t hold enough nutrients
Should everyone take the same prenatal vitamins?
Not necessarily, I often personalize prenatal plans depending on:
Your lab results (Iron, Vitamin D, thyroid and B12)
Your fertility goals or timeline
Past pregnancy experiences (miscarriage, nausea, anemia)
Digestive health or absorption issues
Whether you are doing IVF or have known conditions like PCOS or endometriosis
The bottom line:
Your prenatal vitamin should be high quality, evidence-informed and tailored, not something you can grab off the shelf because it says “Prenatal”.
If you’re unsure what to choose or whether your current prenatal is meeting your needs, that's exactly where a fertility-focused naturopath can help. I take your whole picture into account, not just the basics.
Ready to personalize your preconception or pregnancy plan?
Book a naturopathy discovery call with Dr. Alex Lucyshen to learn more or an initial consultation to get a supplement plan that supports your fertility journey with clarity, confidence and care.