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Best Prenatal Vitamins for Healthy, Glowing Skin

I was unprepared for all the changes my body went through during my first pregnancy. Obviously, I knew my belly would get bigger and my feet would swell. However, I was not prepared for the constant acne breakouts I dealt with on a weekly basis. During pregnancy your hormone levels spike which frequently triggers acne breakouts. After speaking with my doctor I learned many women struggle to manage their skin throughout their pregnancy and populate with pimples and other blemishes. 

Unfortunately, many prenatal vitamins actually trigger acne breakouts in some women. Each year thousands of women mistakenly believe their pregnancy acne is due to their normal pregnancy when it is actually being triggered by the supplements they take.

Luckily, there are lots of prenatal vitamins that not only keep your baby strong and healthy but also clear your skin. To complement a wholesome diet, you should also consider a prenatal vitamin full of essential nutrients that help your baby’s development and promote healthy, clear skin. 

For example, vitamin D is taken up and transported throughout the body to help create healthy cells. You can also take these vitamins if you are not pregnant because they also contain the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of all essential nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy. This blog post will provide you with options for the best prenatal vitamin for acne!

In this article I have reviewed several prenatal supplements I took during my pregnancies. Please note that you should always talk to your doctor before taking any supplement or medicine while you are pregnant.

Our Top Prenatal Vitamins Reviews

Best Prenatal Vitamin For Acne Breakouts: Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA

  • DHA Promotes Nueral Development
  • Anti-inflamatory
  • Relieves arthritis, aches & pains

Nordic Naturals makes an excellent prenatal vitamin that is perfect for anyone who does not like eating seafood on a regular basis. Most people in the United States are deficient in DHA and should be taking a fish oil supplement to ensure optimal skin, joint, and brain health.

DHA is one of the three primary essential omega-3 fatty acids along with alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid. Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory, which is why supplementing with fish oil is a great natural remedy for acne.

DHA can be found primarily in seafood; however, during pregnancy, it becomes even more paramount for a baby’s healthy cognitive function and visual development because they need an increased amount to thrive inside mom’s womb! 

Therefore, pregnant mothers should have a baseline intake of 600 mcg (micrograms) per day to ensure the healthy development of their fetus, which is why this supplement is so good.

Because of this Nordic Naturals is one of my most frequent recommendations to expectant mothers. The DHA supplement is naturally sourced and is great for helping children develop core brain function and eyesight early without any risk or side effects like those associated with fish oils supplements made from other types of seafood! 

Pros:

  • Purity Guaranteed
  • Better Absorption 
  • Safe and Effective 

Cons

  • Expensive

Best Prenatal Vitamin For Congitive Development: MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Prenatal Vitamins

  • Promotes smooth skin
  • High in Folic Acid
  • Improves circulation for mother & child

Megafood is a trustworthy, American brand I’ve personally used that is extremely high in the folic acid Methytetrahydrofollin. For those unfamiliar, Methytetrahydrofollin helps blood circulation across tissues, which is extremely important during fetal development.

You should know that Megafood’s prenatal vitamins contain high levels of the vitamin B12, which has been known to cause acne in some people. However, this is a balancing act because vitamin B12 is essential for the fetus’ central nervous system development. The key is to make sure you are consuming an adequate doasge that gives your baby all the nutrients they need without triggering an acne breakout.

Additionally, MegaFood’s prenatal vitamins are designed to meet the needs of expectant mothers and their babies, helping to prevent acne and even promote smoother skin, all in one capsule.

The product has the perfect amount of folic acid that can be taken before pregnancy begins and during any stage if you decide to have kids! Prenatal vitamins are essential for expecting and new mothers to meet the new demands of their bodies vitamin and mineral updates.

Pros:

  • Organic 
  • Easy to swallow 
  • Baby and Expectant Mother Support

Cons:

  • It may have a horrible taste to some

Best Prenatal VitaBest Cost Effective Prenatal Vitamin: Thorne Research Basic Prenatal Folate Multivitamin

  • GMO Free
  • Free of Preservatives
  • High in Vitamin C

If you are on a budget Thorne’s Basic Prenatals is a great alternative. Thorne’s contains highly absorbable folate, so you can rest assured that all babies will have the best possible start in life! 

The multivitamin contains several other essential prenatal vitamins and minerals for pregnant women. However, due to the prevalence of vitamin C in over-the-counter products, dietary supplements, essential prenatal vitamins, and foods we eat, deficiency of this nutrient is rare. 

It’s also GMO-free which makes it great to avoid any potential side effects from those ingredients, unlike many other post prenatal vitamins! 

Pros:

  • Designed for Sensitivities 
  • Free of Additives 
  • Trusted Manufacturer 

Cons:

  • N/A

Features to Consider for Prenatal Vitamins for Acne

Finding The Right Balance of Prenatal Vitamins and Minerals

It’s essential to be aware that your prenatal vitamin may contain ingredients you’re sensitive or allergic to, such as soy. Be sure to check the label for anything you might react poorly to and avoid those products accordingly. 

Some prenatal vitamins can also lead women who suffer from acne before pregnancy into more aggressive breakouts depending on what ingredients are contained in the supplement; some doctors believe this is due to specific formulas containing too much Vitamin A (retinol) and not enough zinc. 

If your dermatologist suggests taking higher doses of prenatal than what’s usually prescribed by most other physicians, ask why they feel it’s necessary – perhaps special circumstances are surrounding your case that requires more supplementation? 

Look for Prenatal Vitamins with Natural Ingredients

Natural ingredients are the best bet when searching for a prenatal vitamin. By looking for prenatal vitamins with natural ingredients, you can avoid any adverse side effects from taking an unnatural supplement and by only taking prenatal vitamins. 

Natural products typically have more nutrients than their synthetic counterparts and work to improve your overall health instead of just one specific aspect. 

Speak to your doctor about what they recommend, or do some research yourself online to determine which prenatal vitamin will benefit you most! In addition, avoiding harmful chemicals is an excellent way to increase the likelihood of conceiving twins while minimizing skin breakouts during pregnancy.

Consider the Quality of the Supplement

The quality of the supplement is essential. You might be tempted to go for a lower-cost prenatal vitamin, but this could cause problems down the road. 

A low-quality supplement may not contain enough nutrients or include other ingredients that can interact with your medications and make them less effective over time (such as St John’s wort). 

In addition, some cheaper supplements have been found to increase acne breakouts rather than decrease them! The best way to know if you are taking a good quality prenatal vitamin is by checking its label carefully.  

Plus, if the supplement is made in the USA, it will meet USP (United States Pharmacopeia) standards.

The Scoop on Prenatal Vitamins

What are Prenatal Vitamins?

Prenatal vitamins, like all other vitamins, are a mixture of chemical compounds intended to supplement the nutrition a person gets from food. They include enough of all nutrients that are appropriate for expectant moms. There are instances when it is preferable to take medicines prior to pregnancy because they might harm a fetus and induce vomiting. 

During pregnancy, women who are breastfeeding may need more nutritional elements like folic acid or iron to avoid anemias, which are the most common symptom throughout the duration of pregnancy. 

Vitamins also help prevent some birth defects and can support one-to-one prevention of many birth anomalies by ensuring that enough nutrients are absorbed. However, in general, you should avoid taking extra prenatal supplements or multivitamins with doses greater than what you require on a daily basis. 

Some vitamins in large dosages have been linked to birth defects. The hormone swings that occur during the first trimester and after childbirth have a big impact on both pregnancy and postpartum acne. Excess estrogen and testosterone induce an increase in sebum production, which feeds the bacteria living deep within the follicle and contributes to acne formation.

The Different Types of Prenatal Vitamins

Your healthcare system may provide prenatal vitamins, especially if you have special dietary requirements or food sensitivities. However, you could get over-the-counter vitamin prescriptions when you are a lot healthier. Just make sure there is no prescription to purchase a drug that is not for. 

There are two basic forms of vitamins: prenatal vitamins and over-the-counter supplements. Of course, a healthy diet will go a long way. Still, most people will need a bit of help from a supplement. 

It is important for you to take prenatal vitamins whether you have dry skin, extreme sun exposure, low red blood cells (anemia), or other health issues.

Food-Based Prenatal Vitamins

Vitamins produced in a laboratory are chemically identical to those found in nature. Vitamins are also available from natural foods. Food supplements imitate this approach. Vitamins are generally best absorbed when consumed as part of a whole food diet, like the Mediterranean diet, although it depends on how much of the vitamin you take. 

Even if you eat a balanced diet, taking a prenatal vitamin may be beneficial to your general health and help clear your skin. You should also take a prenatal vitamin that contains critical nutrients necessary for the growth of your baby and promotes healthy, clear skin. 

If you don’t eat fish or other high-omega-3 fatty-acid foods, your healthcare professional may recommend omega-3 fatty acid supplements in addition to prenatal vitamins.

Takeaway

Prenatal vitamins are a great way to ensure that you and your baby get all of the nutrients you need during pregnancy. However, because many prenatal vitamins contain high levels of vitamin A, it’s essential to take caution when using them if you’re prone to acne breakouts. 

If you’ve been struggling with hormonal acne during pregnancy or just want a more straightforward solution than over-the-counter treatments such as benzoyl peroxide creams, the right prenatal vitamin can actually make a big difference. 

Vitamin D is important for strong bones and healthy pregnancy. However, too little has been linked to conditions like preeclampsia, high blood pressure and associated organ damage during pregnancy, and preterm delivery.

Overall the most important thing you can do when selecting a prenatal vitamin is to discuss your options and concerns with your doctor. Never ever begin taking a supplement, vitamin, or medicine while pregnant unless it has been approved by your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Prenatal Vitamins Help with Acne?

Prenatals are recommended for women, especially during pregnancy. These supplements help with acne because they support healthy skin development and function by nourishing the body with vitamins A, C, D, E & K, which can be challenging to get from food alone.

What Prenatal Vitamins are Best for Clearing Acne?

Four of the most popular acne-fighting prenatal vitamins are vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc. Vitamin A counters the adverse effects of acne on the skin. 

When Should I Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins?

Ideally, you’ll start taking prenatal vitamins before conception. But, it’s generally a good idea for women of reproductive age to regularly take prenatal vitamins.

Originally Published: December 06, 2021

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Ashley-Wilson-Certified-Personal-Trainer
Analyzed by Ashley Wilson

Hi, I’m Ashley Wilson, a part-time personal trainer, yoga instructor, and mother of three. My journey with hormonal acne started during pregnancy, which led me to natural remedies discussed on GoodGlow like utilizing a low-inflammation diet, dramatically improving my health and skin. After successfully clearing my acne during my first pregnancy I to share my insights on managing acne naturally and maintaining overall wellness on GoodGlow. I’ve adopted a lifestyle focused on nutrition, yoga, resistance training, and meditation, helping me juggle my busy life with kids and work. I’m always eager to connect and share skincare tips, so feel free to reach out!

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