Supplements To Support Pregnant Women

Should I be taking vitamins during early pregnancy?

Yes, the first three months are one of the most crucial stages of your baby's development, when all major organs and systems begin forming. It's recommended to take 400 micrograms of Folic Acid until you're 12 weeks pregnant, since it helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. We recommend Vital Essence 1, formulated for first trimester needs with 400µg of Folate in its more readily absorbable form, alongside Vital DHA, as maternal DHA intake contributes to normal brain and eye development of the foetus. Both, plus other key nutrients, are included in our Newly Pregnant Trimester 1 Support Pack. Our first trimester nutrition guide explains more.

When can I stop taking Folic Acid, and do I still need a prenatal vitamin after that?

Folic Acid is specifically recommended up to 12 weeks, since that's when it plays its main role in neural tube development. However, this doesn't mean supplementation stops there, pregnancy continues to place extra demands on your body for nutrients like Vitamin D, Iron and B Vitamins right through to birth. Even with a generally healthy diet, a well-formulated prenatal supplement is worth continuing to help fill any gaps.

What supplements should I take in the second trimester?

We recommend Vital Essence 2, which safeguards your everyday diet with 400µg of Folate, Iron and Calcium, alongside nutrients like Beta-Carotene, Copper, Magnesium, Manganese and Zinc. Copper, Manganese and Zinc contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, and Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and normal immune function. Our Trimester 2 Pregnancy Support Pack combines Vital Essence 2 with other key nutrients for this stage. Our second trimester nutrition guide explains more.

What supplements should I take in the third trimester?

Most of your baby's Calcium is deposited in this trimester, at a rate of around 350mg a day, so a plentiful supply matters to avoid it being drawn from your own skeleton. Vital Essence 3 provides Iron to support your immune system and red blood cell production ahead of birth, along with Vitamin D, Vitamin B3 and Choline, with all the nutrients selected specifically for this stage. We also recommend Vital DHA for its Omega-3 content. Our third trimester nutrition guide explains more.

How can I best support myself in the third trimester beyond nutrition?

Alongside a well-rounded supplement routine, this stage is also about looking after your mental and physical wellbeing. It's natural to feel both excited and anxious as birth approaches, so making time to relax matters, a warm bath or massage can help, and our Back Ease Massage Oil is designed for this. From 34 weeks, many women use our Preconditioning Down Under oil for daily perineal massage as part of their birth preparation.

How much Zinc is safe to take during pregnancy?

No more than 30mg of Zinc is recommended during pregnancy. Zinc is included at safe, appropriate levels across our Vital Essence range, so if you're taking one of these alongside a separate Zinc supplement, it's worth checking your combined daily total stays within this limit.

Is it safe to take a DHA or Omega-3 supplement throughout pregnancy?

Yes, DHA is safe and genuinely recommended throughout pregnancy alongside your prenatal multivitamin. It plays a well-documented role in your baby's brain and eye development, and since the body prioritises sending DHA to the baby, maintaining your own levels through supplementation, such as with Vital DHA, helps support you too.

When should I switch between Vital Essence 1, 2 and 3?

Vital Essence 1 is formulated for weeks 1 to 12, Vital Essence 2 for weeks 13 to 26 and Vital Essence 3 for weeks 27 to 40. Switch at the start of each trimester so you are getting the nutrients most relevant to that stage, then move on to Revital Essence after birth.

If you are a few days early or late switching, that is fine. Each formula contains 400µg Active Folate (Quatrefolic®), so your Folate intake stays consistent throughout.