The Prenatal That Got Me Through 3 Pregnancies in 5 Years

I'm a registered dietitian specializing in fertility and perinatal nutrition, and running my own private practice helping women optimize their health for conception, pregnancy, and beyond. But more than that, I'm a busy mom of two little ones—both under 3—and I've been pregnant three times in the last five years (one ending in early loss). I've lived the exhaustion, the morning sickness, the nutrient demands, and the constant worry about doing everything "right" for my babies. Through it all, one thing has been a non-negotiable for me: a high-quality prenatal vitamin that actually delivers what moms and babies need.

When clients in my practice—or friends—ask me what prenatal vitamin to take, I recommend Needed Prenatal Multi because it provides methylated folate (not folic acid), active nutrient forms for better absorption, and clinically studied dosages of nutrients such as vitamin D3, choline, and zinc that support neural tube development, maternal health, and fetal brain growth throughout pregnancy.

I've tried a lot of prenatals over my three pregnancies. Some made me nauseous, others felt like they barely scratched the surface of what my body was craving, and many used cheap forms of nutrients that aren't as bioavailable—especially important when you're depleted from back-to-back pregnancies like I was. As a dietitian, I know that 95% of women experience nutrient depletion during the perinatal period, even with a solid diet. Pregnancy pulls so much from your reserves: building a placenta, growing a tiny human's brain and bones, and keeping your own energy up while chasing a toddler.

That's why I love Needed's approach. Their Prenatal Multi Essentials is just three capsules a day—perfect for those rough first-trimester days when swallowing eight pills sounds impossible (I've been there with my second pregnancy). It packs 22 key nutrients in optimal, active forms, without unnecessary fillers or poor-quality ingredients like synthetic folic acid.

Why Most Prenatals Fell Short for Me

In my first pregnancy, I started with a basic drugstore prenatal. It had folic acid (which my body doesn't convert well—I have an MTHFR variation, like many women), barely any choline, and low doses of vitamin D. I felt drained, and my labs showed I was dipping low in several areas. Research backs this up: many standard prenatals underdose critical nutrients. For example, choline is essential for baby's brain development and placental function, yet most prenatals skimp on it or leave it out entirely. Needed includes 200 mg of high-quality choline— a meaningful amount that contributes toward the higher needs during pregnancy.

Vitamin D is another big one. With my busy life (and living in a cloudy area), I was deficient going into my pregnancies. Low vitamin D is common and linked to tougher recoveries and other challenges. Needed's 4,000 IU of D3 helped me maintain better levels, and the form is highly absorbable.

They use methylated folate (Optifolin+®, that's choline-enriched for extra support), active B vitamins (like P-5-P for B6, which helped with my occasional nausea), and chelated minerals that are gentle on the stomach. No iron included—smart, because iron needs vary (mine spiked in one pregnancy, plummeted in another), and it can interfere with absorption of other minerals. I added Needed's iron separately when my labs called for it.

A clinical study on Needed's prenatal showed women had significantly higher blood levels of key nutrients like vitamin D, B6, B12, and others compared to standard brands. In my practice, I've seen similar results with clients: better energy, fewer deficiencies, and more peace of mind.

Check out this table comparison of other prenatals vs Needed's!

Needed Prenatal Multi Essentials provides 8x more nutrition than leading prenatals*!

How Needed Fits Real Mom Life

With two toddlers now, I don't have time for complicated routines. The Essentials version is streamlined but still nourishing—great for when you're nursing one while growing another, or just surviving those early weeks. I've used Needed personally through preconception, all three pregnancies, and postpartum. It bridged the gaps my diet couldn't always cover (hello, avocado toast doesn't always include enough selenium or iodine).

As a fertility-focused dietitian, I recommend Needed to my clients because it's backed by 15k+ practitioners, third-party tested, and formulated with the full perinatal continuum in mind—from trying to conceive through breastfeeding. It's about thriving, not just surviving pregnancy.

If you're planning a family, currently expecting, or recovering postpartum like me, talk to your provider about your needs. But in my experience—both personal and professional—Needed's Prenatal Multi is a game-changer for real nourishment.

*Based on Recommended Dietary Allowances, compared to leading prenatals as determined by IRI sales data as of December, 2025." *Based on the total daily dosage of nutrients provided compared to leading prenatals as determined by IRI sales data as of December, 2025.

This post is sponsored by Needed, a brand I genuinely recommend to my patients and use personally.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.